Based on overwhelming empirical evidence, retired politicians do not make good diplomats on behalf of Jamaica. It is only our desire not to embarrass anyone why we do not name those on the long and inglorious list of failures.

It seems that apart from being a pension plan for retired politicians, the title of ambassador seems to have an enticing allure. Retired politicians allow their need for a pension, pathological narcissism and insatiable appetite for visibility to delude themselves that the cocktail circuit is preparation for the diplomatic life.

Even undistinguished backbenchers have become ambassadors if they are willing to accept less attractive postings. If they do not get the preferred postings of London and Washington DC, they’ll take less glamorous locations like Cuba, Nigeria and Venezuela, not necessarily realising that relations with these countries are of vital importance to Jamaica.

Michael Manley pioneered this course with appointments in Ottawa and London as palliative to persons being removed from his Cabinet. Thus began the practice of ambassadorial appointments as a pension plan for politicians past their prime.

Unfortunately, it has been practised with disastrous results in the capitals of some of the countries that are most important to Jamaica, namely Washington, DC; London; and Ottawa. The qualification seems to be length of membership in the party, having lost an election bid or not being wanted in the Cabinet.

They acceded to the diplomatic life without any aptitude, and even when they fail to perform they are retained or offered another diplomatic posting.

Some of these appointees regard their positions as a reward for work already done and do not exert themselves, to the detriment of Jamaica. They exhibit inappropriate conduct, poor work ethic, disregard for proper procedure and an ignorance of protocol. These politic retirees have not even been aware of their shortcomings while indulging in their personal interests, dissipating their time are receptions and ‘enjoying’ the privileges.

The Foreign Ministry has no embarrassment of riches, indeed, there are some notable misanthropes, and so its ambassadorial ranks can benefit from outside talent. Non-career appointments must bring some additional skill or experience.

We by no means want to rule out able and energetic persons who were or are politicians from serving as ambassadors and high commissioners. We fully appreciate that Jamaica has benefited immensely from the excellent service of people like Mr Derick Heaven and Mr Dudley Thompson.

It has happened in a very few cases that a retired politician turns out to be a successful diplomat and therefore they should not be ruled out but the persons appointed as ambassadors/high commissioners, must be suitably qualified persons. They must bring something to their posting.

When we are not aware of the qualifications of an ambassador designate we, on behalf of the Jamaican public, are entitled to ask for this information. Against this background we ask what are the qualifications to be Jamaica’s ambassador to the various countries?

Prime Minister Bruce Golding must put a stop to these types of appointments and to refrain from rewarding the party faithful with inappropriate appointments.

Jamaica will not be taken seriously or get on any country’s foreign policy agenda if we do not have effective representation.