PRIME Minister Portia Simpson Miller is on the receiving end of much cynicism from Jamaica Observer online readers over her declaration that the People’s National Party Administration is strengthening its governance structure to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the management of public resources. The prime minister made the statement Tuesday while addressing the opening ceremony for the International Conference on Strengthening Legislative Oversight for Fostering Accountability and Sustainable Growth at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston. Below are some edited comments in reaction to the story published online yesterday:

Mack

Whatever her Government is doing, it is not working for the benefit of the average Jamaican.

CHUCK EMMANUEL 1ST

@Mack: Well, many of our tax dodgers, tax avoiders, tax evaders, and tax resisters who receive taxable income, own assets and pay no taxes are not working for Jamaica’s interest as well. This is how governments generate revenues to fund free education, health services.

greyothello

Madam PM, actions speak louder than words. There are two things in my mind that are in the interest of transparency and would be a start to show how serious you are about this. The first is to come clean about Trafigura. The second is to reopen the FINSAC inquiry. As bad as what happened in Tivoli, the 90s financial meltdown ruined more people (financially, emotionally, psychologically), and caused more hardship through loss of businesses and homes than anything prior or since.

The only thing that’s transparent in this government is that it’s party over country. Apparently, membership to orange house trumps the membership of black, green and gold everytime. You know what that says to me? The cards are stacked, the dice are loaded, and the table’s tilted. If you really wanted accountability from your Cabinet, Madam PM, then you’d have fired the poor performers long before now.

mccormacklindel

PSM, if the public is not seeing what you are saying it is simply not happening. And what about the new anti-corruption agency? When is this coming on stream, my dear fair lady?

disqus_lsEyh88hIU

@mccormacklindel: We don’t need not one more ‘anti-corruption agency’. We need the several hundreds of already purported so-called anti-corruption agencies to …do their jobs.

Joy

One ‘out of many’ abbreviation for you PM: NHT.

cliRey

Another election promise… Where did we hear that before? Oh, I remember, it was at her swearing-in ceremony, at Kings House.

veejay

Transparency and accountability are two words this government has given new meaning to. I will reiterate, if the true meaning of transparency and accountability were adopted, then the public sector would have been better. You speak about auditor general — that body makes recommendation and although they find people guilty — nothing ever happens. Wheel and come again, Portia. You would stand alone if integrity commissions were to work.

zedeafone

I have heard the same announcement from PSM when the PNP was swept back into power four years ago. Now the same charade is being played out again. I guess it is time for Anancy stories, so I will just listen but know deep in my heart that it will never come to pass as this is just another comfort story before bed.

err gag ViewMaster

Really madam P? Why just now?

spanishtown12

Is this some sick joke? Ok, maybe I’m wrong: Let’s start the conversation with Trafigura or what will be the outcome of the now concluded Outameni reports, shall we? When people said they wanted to hear from the leader of the country it was for meaningful dialogue, not the usual song and dance. May have well remained silent.

noshel

It would be all good if she stop working on it, and do it!

vacon smith

LOL! Ho, ho, ho! Mi neva know Mama P was a stand-up comedian.

shawn

Wonder which Government PSM is talking about. Is it the USA,Canada or Britain? It’s certainly not this PNP Administration. The word transparency and PNP should not be in the same sentence; it should be illegal.

kirk demsay

@shawn: Yes man, a PNP she a talk. LOL! Only reason she is speaking up now is because election is around the corner!

Ellydeedo

As far as I’m concerned, I only love and respect Mrs Miller as one of our Jamaican ladies. I’ve met her on two occasions, and she is a very natural and generous lady. With regard to her politics, I have nothing to do with that. Her promises have never been fulfilled.

JustandBalance

The PM really knows how to game the politically unaware folks. So, why make this proclamation now? Election is looming!