The Editor, Sir:The Gleaner's editorial 'Mr Golding's Opportunity' (Oct 13) called on Prime Minister Golding to use Honourable Audley Shaw's illness as an opportunity to replace him with the Honourable Don Wehby: "Mr Shaw's illness provides Mr Golding with an opportunity to find a safe constituency for the technocratic Mr Wehby ... . This is a strategy in which Mr Golding is quite versed. Ask Derrick Smith." It is highly insensitive of the editorial to suggest that illness be used as an opportunity to replace a minister of finance. Which Cabinet minister would feel safe if that is indeed a strategy of the prime minister? And what will it do to confidence in our financial markets and economy?
Dismissal of minister
A minister of finance should only be removed on the basis of competence, confidence and credibility. The editorial did not criticise Shaw on anyone of those areas. It is not clear what the editorial means by "a charade of having Mr Shaw at the helm". If it is a charade, it is not the fault of Shaw but a bad decision of Golding.
When I called for Shaw to resign, it was on the issue of credibility. It was not because he promised 100 per cent increase to nurses or that he changed his mind or that he forgot he made that promise but that he claimed he never said it and there was a tape that demonstrated that he said it. My belief was that credibility was important for the proper func-tioning of the office of minister of finance. My position did not gain traction.
Illness of Shaw
However, the illness of Shaw, which has not been said to be serious, should not be used to get rid of Shaw. The manner in which the Honourable Derrick Smith was treated should not be used as a model for governance, especially when Smith's replacement has not done a better job.
What the editorial should have done was to wish Shaw a speedy recovery. Let us all continue to pray for Audley Shaw. It is insensitive to be talking about his replacement when a man is down but not out.
I am, etc.,
DEVON DICK
2 Washington Boulevard
Kingston 2
