Pastors on gov't boards
published: Wednesday | April 5, 2006

THE EDITOR, Sir:

SO PORTIA Simpson Miller, our new Prime Minister, wants probity and transparency, and what does she intend to do? She intends to get pastors on every government board, whether as directors or as members. Nothing is wrong with that, really, as long as they are competent to serve on these boards, but if this is because they are ministers of religion, then Madame Prime Minister is gravely mistaken. The churches, all of them, are the most non-transparent under the sun, and they are run by these same ministers. They will not let anyone, including their members, examine their books.

I urge the Prime Minister not to force this on her ministers, but see to it that the best and most competent people from the society be appointed to boards. The Church can work with these entities and the Government without being on the boards.

By the way, which pastor from which religious sect will be the best fit? No number of pastors on boards of government agencies will cure Jamaica's ills. What is required are sound, good and strong policies.

I am, etc.,

D.A. RANKINE

Toronto, Canada

Via Go-Jamaica