Mullings' appointment, no political favour - PM

By Garwin Davis, Staff Reporter

Mullings

WESTERN BUREAU:

SEYMOUR MULLINGS' appointment as Jamaica's new Ambassador to Washington was done on the basis of his vast experience in foreign affairs and diplomatic circles, and not as a political favour, according to Prime Minister P.J. Patterson.

Speaking at a farewell dinner for Mr. Mullings in Ocho Rios on Saturday night, the Prime Minister said that it was unfathomable that there would be questions surrounding the competence of the Minister whom he described as one of the most accomplished public servants the country has ever seen.

"I find it strange that anybody could question Seymour's competence to serve as Ambassador to Washington," Mr. Patterson noted. "This is a man with tremendous experience and many outstanding qualities. He is loyal, humble and has an understanding of the people he represents. He has served in more ministries, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, than anybody else I can recall."

Mr. Patterson was responding to criticism regarding the wisdom of selecting Mr. Mullings whom many feel is in the twilight of his career, to replace the highly-acclaimed Dr. Richard Bernal as the country's point man in Washington.

The position, critics feel, has become even more critical than in previous years considering the change, they say, to a Republican administration in Washington and the need to have Jamaica maintain its position as a major power broker in the Caribbean.

It has even been argued in some circles that the appointment had to do more with ensuring that Mr. Mullings was well taken care of after such a long tenure in the party rather than the consideration of whether it was in the best interest of the country.

But without specifically referring to the critics, Mr. Patterson noted that there is a tendency in the country to decry everything as political. He said that there was not a doubt in his mind that Mr. Mullings will perform with distinction in his new role as the country's premier diplomat in the United States.

"The US will know that we are sending somebody who has the ears of the highest level of government in this country," the Prime Minister said.

Mr. Mullings, who will be leaving for his new job at the end of October, has been the Member of Parliament for South East St. Ann since 1969 and a member of the People's National Party (PNP) for over 43 years. He will be replaced in the constituency by Senator Aloun N'Dombet Assamba.

Since winning the seat 31 years ago after it was vacated by then party strong man, Dr. Ivan Lloyd, Mr. Mullings has never lost an election, and in seven contests, has never faced the same opponent twice. The South East St. Ann constituency is also the only seat in the country which the opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has never won.

Highly respected by both friends and opponents, partly because of what party insiders call his non-confrontational style, Mr. Mullings is considered one of those straight laced politicians whose integrity even after so many years on the political grid iron, has never been called into question.

And what is the secret to his success? "Politics is about meeting people and eyeballing people," Mr. Mullings said. "It is about making people understand that you care - it is about listening. Even now I get calls from people at five in the morning."

And what about those who feel he is way past his prime and should not have been asked to go to Washington? "It is understandable that some people think this job will be very difficult but I have prepared myself for it," Mr. Mullings said. "Yes there will be a lot to learn but I think I am ready for the task ahead."

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