Whiteman

AFTER JUST under three years in the job as Jamaica's high commissioner to the United Kingdom, Burchell Whiteman is to be replaced next January.

Government minister and Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) General Secretary Karl Samuda made the announcement yesterday as he responded to a party supporter's concern that well-known supporters of the People's National Party (PNP) remained in sensitive posts two years after the Golding administration had been elected.

"After two years, we still find people who are radical opposition Comrades still in key positions ... . It upsets me every day when I see the television and our man in London," a JLP supporter said to loud cheers during yesterday's meeting of the party's Area Council One in West Kingston.

A job well done

But Samuda argued that despite being a former PNP general secretary and government minister, Whiteman was doing a good job.

According to Samuda, Prime Minister Bruce Golding has had the opportunity to work with Whiteman - who was appointed to the diplomatic post in 2007 by the then ruling People's National Party - and has reported that in the capacity of high commissioner, Whiteman has given solid advice and support.

"He (Golding) has found no fault in his (Whiteman's) performance," Samuda said.

"But that is not to say he will be there forever. The fact is that he will return in January and we will be appointing a new high commissioner to London in January," added Samuda.

Enemies within ranks

While noting that some civil servants had served, and continue to serve, successive administrations honourably, Samuda said there were others who would have to be replaced.

"What the prime minister has repeatedly said, and has charged every Cabinet minister with the responsibility of doing, is that any person in the public sector who can be identified as doing things that are inimical to the interest of the country must be removed because they would not be acting on behalf of the people of Jamaica," said Samuda.

Whiteman, a teacher by profession and former principal of York Castle High School and Brown's Town Community College, entered representational politics in 1989 as a member of Parliament. He served as minister of education, youth and culture from 1992-2002, and later served as information minister, while a senator.