RECOGNISING THAT the system of recommendations by peers failed in the appointment of Klaus Heitman to the Trade Board, Phillip Paulwell, Minister of Commerce, Science and Technology, said police checks will be run on appointments to all boards under his watch.
"We are going to ensure that there is a police background check," Mr. Paulwell said of all appointments taking place within the Ministry. The new policy will take effect immediately.
Minister Paulwell explained to The Gleaner on Thursday that Cabinet usually relies on the knowledge of players in the relevant arenas when appointing board members. "We carry out a wide canvass of persons," he said.
MAJOR IMPORTER
The Minister noted that, as Mr. Heitman was a major importer of goods, he was recommended by persons with intimate knowledge of him within the trade sector. The appointed chairman also makes recommendations for the makeup of a board, he added.
Heitman, who was appointed to the Board in February was charged with non-capital murder and illegal possession of a firearm after the shooting death of Raymond Parkes on February 25. It has also emerged that Heitman was previously convicted on drug charges.
It is reported that Parkes, a substance-abuser, had entered Mr. Heitman's home and was shot after being chased out. The businessman was subsequently arrested along with People's National Party (PNP) activist Robert Stephenson who, it was discovered, is the owner of the Smith and Wesson Super 38 pistol which was used in the shooting. Investigations determined that the weapon had not been licensed since 1998.
Last month, it was also announced that Ambassador Peter King was appointed chairman of the Trade Board, which polices areas of Jamaican trade still under regulation.
