What is what?
The ruling Democratic Party held a meeting last Saturday to iron out internal problems that had prompted at least one DP commissioner to voice publicly his discontent about certain matters. While there were a front page photo and short report that the meeting had taken place in the Monday paper, no explanation of the outcome has been given so far, despite several requests to do so.
The main issue was a reported condition Commissioner Louie Laveist had placed on his support for the re-appointment of colleague Maria Buncamper-Molanus following the controversy at TelEm. As Commissioner in charge of Labour he wanted the current interim Head of the Island Labour Department, who was Buncamper-Molanus’ campaign manager (and appointed to the TelEm supervisory board by her), to be placed elsewhere because he could not work with him.
When that wish was not carried out following Buncamper-Molanus’ re-instatement, Laveist began missing meetings and went to the media with his grievances.
While it involves an internal party issue, it is important for the general public to know what the situation is. After all, the main players involved are members of the Executive Council that governs the island on a daily basis.
It is also important for the Labour Department that clarity is provided soon on the position of the interim head and what the future holds. Continued uncertainty and concern regarding this important department, especially when it comes to employment permits, is in any case not in the general interest.
Whether or not one or more senior party officials have to lose face, the people have a right to know if the Executive Council is stable or if they can expect more political upheaval that could undermine the effectiveness of government.
Because it was a high-ranking member who chose to speak out, the party has a responsibility to let its voters and the public in general know what is what.
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