I’m being made a scapegoat, says Edwards
JENNIFER Edwards is convinced that she is being pushed from the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) because she and the State agency’s chairman Steve Ashley do not agree on some matters.
In fact, Edwards, who Wednesday received a letter from Ashley informing her of the board’s decision not to renew her contract as executive director, believes she is being made a scapegoat for some reason.
“I’m not sure what the reason is, although I have my deep suspicion,” Edwards told the Jamaica Observer yesterday. “I’m not one of the boys, and I’m also not a yes sir, no sir, three bags full lady.”
Edwards, who was told that her extended contract will not be renewed when it expires on March 26, said she believes that there are men in the society who, when they come upon a woman who does not meet the stereotype of being submissive, “find it difficult to work with her, and I believe that is the heart of the problem I’m having right now”.
Edwards has been under fire since last Wednesday when a fire broke out at the Riverton dump in Kingston resulting in adults and children getting sick from the thick smoke and businesses and schools being closed.
Late Wednesday evening, Ashley issued a news release stating that Edwards’ contract had actually ended on February 24, but she was asked to continue in the position until March 26.
However, he said that after next Thursday, deputy chairman of the board Morin Seymour will oversee the day-to-day operations of the NSWMA and the regional offices.
Ashley also said that “in accordance with the Government’s current hiring guidelines, the board of directors will invite qualified candidates to apply for the position, after which interviews will be conducted and a decision made”.
In his release, Ashley said the decision was made by the board. However, yesterday Edwards appeared to challenge that, saying that her information was that the decision was a unilateral one made by Ashley.
“The decision was taken at a board meeting, and I am emphasising at a board meeting, rather than by the board, because there is a distinct difference,” she told the Observer.
“I was, in a way, not surprised… because for quite a few months now, perhaps from I came here, myself and my chairman have not seen eye to eye on some things,” she explained.
