THE EDITOR, Sir:
DR. TREVOR MUNROE recently gave his approval to the appointment of Burchell Whiteman to the Ministry of Information. The Professor of Government at the University of the West Indies stated that such a ministry was needed to address "fundamental improvement in information to the population dealing with critical questions of how globalisation impacts the life of the farmer, workers and business people in society." I do not share Dr Munroe's enthusiasm for such a ministry.
The need for Government to present information with as little spin as possible so each and every Jamaican is aware of and understand what is happening in Government is, I believe, absolutely crucial. Even with this in mind I still believe that having an entire ministerial portfolio dedicated solely to information is an exorbitant waste of resources.
Especially so when such a ministry is headed by the most competent minister in Government.
There is no one who would disagree that Burchell Whiteman led the Ministry of Education with distinction over the past 10 years or so. Prime Minister Patterson commented while announcing the reassignment of Mr. Whiteman to the Information Ministry that he was "uniquely suited" for the position. Mr. Whiteman is in fact a prolific professional who deserves a better job in Government than that of the Prime Minister's "press secretary". Should he continue in this position he will find that by the end of this PNP administration he is a politician less trusted and a lot less popular.
I am etc,
MICHAEL WHITE
micaw@hotmail.com
Johnstown PA
Via Go-Jamaica
