Dear Editor,

Jamaica is on a rigorous pursuit to achieve economic growth and independence; however, the culture of indiscipline has been one of our greatest impediments as a nation. Taxi drivers are usually the first to get pointed out when we speak of indiscipline, but what of those who work in our public sector institutions?

As an employee of the Government of Jamaica the director of communications and public affairs in the Office of the Prime Minister, Robert Morgan is subject to the public sector staff orders which came into effect on August 1, 2004. His recent flair-up in the public domain causes one to wonder if he is aware of the cornerstone document to guide the behaviour and work of public officers.

Provision 4.2.3 highlights that public servants are expected to display the highest level of personal integrity.

Provision 4.2.6 of the public sector staff orders of 2004 speaks to the question of public servants and their involvement in political activities as it relates to elections. It states, “Officers are expressly forbidden to engage in any type of partisan political activity in any elections at any level.” Morgan was seen on a Jamaica Labour Party platform, in his green linen, as they prepared for the St Mary South Eastern by-election, and now he is in the public space at war with members of his party over the Clarendon North Central seat.

I caution Prime Minister Andrew Holness to rein in his director of communications as any sensible leader would. This debacle can turn into a big embarrassment in the public sphere.

Provision 4.2.9 states that a conflict of interest may be deemed to exist under a number of circumstances including engagement in private activity similar to official functions. Is Mr Morgan now in a position of conflict with his duties?

Will we ignore the public sector staff orders as the taximen do the road code? Prime Minister, the world is watching.

Kevin Blaine

Public policy analyst

kevin_blaine@outlook.com