Should Dr Davies continue to chair the PAC?
Dear Editor,
The Observer on November 11 called for an investigation into what it refers to as “the unreasonable emoluments” of the former governor of the Bank of Jamaica, in order to find out how it happened. The editorial asserts that “only the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth” can clear the reputation of Dr Omar Davies and Mr Derick Latibeaudiere”of innuendo, rumour and allegations”.
While the country waits for his reputation to be cleared, should Dr Omar Davies continue to chair the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives?
The retention of Dr Davies as spokesman on Finance for the Opposition is entirely up to the judgement of the Opposition party and how that body views its obligation to the country in this messy affair. His position, however, as chairman of the powerful PAC is another matter where he presides over the committee dealing with monetary and financial matters on behalf of the people of Jamaica.
The BOJ governor’s contract that was approved by Dr Omar Davies has already cost the country millions of dollars and is said to cost considerably more after a final account. This expensive disorder is not new. In 2000, several members of the board of the bank resigned over a jump in the BOJ governor’s emoluments. Dr Davies quickly replaced them, giving Governor Latibeaudiere “the ultimate vote of confidence”. It seems untenable, therefore, for Dr Davies to be presiding over investigations by the PAC into monetary and financial matters on
our behalf.
If Dr Davies does not relinquish his position at the PAC, and the Opposition party sees nothing wrong with him remaining on the committee, does the Speaker (or someone else) have the power to remove him as the chairman?
The Farquharson Institute sees the present untidy situation at the Bank of Jamaica as symbolic of a legacy in public service generally and believes that there is urgent need for overall fundamental changes. The present government should not be pouring new wine into old wineskin.
Frank Phipps
Chairman, FIPA
Kingston
