MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTIONS
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTIONS
The 2017/2018 Financial Year comes to an end on March 31, 2018. April 1, therefore ushers in a new year for the organization and its operations. The assignments, exercises and job functions will basically remain the same but the challenges in meeting them will be different. There will be financial challenges, technological challenges and challenges brought about simply by change. Change is inevitable, change is constant and we should seek to embrace change in a positive way. Some will be positive, others negative, but inevitable. The idea therefore is to confront the change by seeking to maximize the benefits and minimizing the negative implications.
The EOJ as it exists today is a far cry from the organization which existed 23 years ago when I joined. Looking back, it is heartening to see that most of the changes have been positive. The past Commissioners like Professor Errol Miller and past Directors like Major Sutherland had a vision of where they wanted the organization to go and played their part in charting the course. Every employee like myself would have played a role in the development process. Despite the difficulties, the external pressures, the EOJ has consistently delivered on its mandate, as recently as the March 5, 2018 by-elections. There is the need for the organization to continue to be an example of what is positive in Jamaica.
On a personal note, the last two years have been particularly challenging for me. Despite the challenges I have sought to support and improve the welfare of the staff and be a positive ambassador for the organization. You are all aware of the existing court case between myself and the Commission.
The aims of the case were to:
1) determine the legitimacy of a one (1) year appointment for the Director of Elections
2) highlight the growing level of political influence affecting the organization.
The case is still pending and I am unsure of the extent to which objective number 2 will be met. I have in the meantime taken the decision to demit office as Director of Elections. It is my decision to give up the post effective today, March 14, 2018.
I wish to use this opportunity to thank all of you who supported me throughout the years and in particular over the last 5 months. Your calls, messages and e-mails have meant a lot. For those of you who did not, we are living in a democratic country and I recognize and accept it as your right.
I want to wish each and every member of the team all the best in your personal lives and also that you will continue to add to the growth and development of the organization.
Orrette Fisher
Director of Elections