Dear Editor,

Dr Nigel Clarke’s departure to the Washington-based International Monetary Fund (IMF) to become a deputy managing director forced the Andrew Holness-led Administration to find a suitable replacement for him.

Undoubtedly, Jamaicans will miss Dr Clarke not only because of the type of individual he is but also because of how he expertly managed the economic affairs of the country, even through the turbulent novel coronavirus pandemic.

Dr Clarke was also admired because of his ability to deliver sound budget presentations and connect with the average man on fiscal matters that affect him at both a personal and national level. Certainly he will be remembered for his “no new taxes” budgets.

One of the things I admired about him was the ease with which he reeled off figures during his contributions. There is no questioning his brilliance, but it was evident that he loved his job and took pride in it. He was very involved in the running of his ministry and did not rely entirely on technocrats.

His exit made way for Jamaica to welcome its first female finance minister, Fayval Williams, who is now the immediate former minister of education and youth. It is reported that sector stakeholders have welcomed her warmly, though some have stated that she will have some big shoes to fill.

Nonetheless, though, Williams does not come to the head of the ministry inexperienced or uninformed, she previously served as a junior minister of finance. She also has Ivy League qualifications in economics and finance. Furthermore, she has served in esteemed roles in the private sector. Unquestionably, she is both qualified and competent.

Although she is of a quiet temperament, she should be given time to settle in her new role. Perhaps she will flourish in her area of expertise, more so than she did in the education portfolio.

Williams’ transfer made way for Dr Dana Morris Dixon to become minister of education, youth, skills, and information. Quite a heavy portfolio! Will she be assigned a state minister?

Morris is equally qualified and competent to serve in this area. One of the standouts for me is that she was a member of the Orlando Patterson education transformation task force. This means that she intimately understands the concerns facing the sector. In her inaugural speech, she hastened to highlight the need to focus on the early childhood sector due to poor outcomes in children’s formative years.

Both newly appointed ministers will have a colossal task ahead; however, with the right permanent secretaries and supporting technocrats and staff, they can do well.

Oneil Madden

maddenoniel@yahoo.com