Minister Robert Montaque continues to make the media headlines for his stridency in dealing with his portfolio responsibilities. On the surface, we perhaps need to commend the minister for his concern for the elderly and for law and order. I want, however, to take issue with his approach to two public servants as was seen on public television. The first incident took place at the Port Antonio infirmary where the infuriated minister uttered very harsh words to the matron of the infirmary. The second took place at a special sitting of the Portmore Municipal Council where the minister, as if speaking to a child in a primary-school class, demanded of the female councillor to stand up and speak and reminded her in no uncertain terms that he was the minister.

deeply concerned

I am deeply concerned about the way the minister handled himself. I am not sure if the minister was aware that the TV cameras were present. I really hope that the tone and posture assumed by the minister have nothing to do with media hype. I am also hoping that the gender of those who were at the receiving end of the minister's wrath did not influence his approach to them.

A true leader does not have to remind others of his or her position in order to exercise authority. A true leader always seeks to show respect to all and will protect the dignity of others even when expressing passionate disapproval of their actions. I remind the minister that leadership is not about intimidation but about influence. It is not about, fear but about respect. Sometimes, even though the end is noble, we must always remember that the means do not always justify the ends. I agree with the minister in striving for greater accountability but he must not be led in believing that his outburst will solve the problems. His real influence will be seen after he is gone and TV cameras are off.

Like the minister, I believe that all our civil servants need to be made more accountable, especially as they seek to serve citizens who depend on the state for their survival. The information unfolding in the Armadale tragedy underscores the need for us to be a more caring and humane society. Our society is already awash with intimidation, harshness and a general impoliteness. The minister must be careful that his way of handling the public's business does not add to this negative atmosphere.

I am, etc.,

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