The Editor, Sir:

I would like to comment on Dr Omar Davies' article in The Sunday Gleaner titled 'Half-truths, sideshows and the real issues'. The former finance minister, who approved Derick Latibeaudiere's contract, failed to explain fully the former governor's contract and the basis of its formulation.

Was there transparency when Davies approved the former Bank of Jamaica governor's contract in May 2007? One could argue that Parliament and the people of Jamaica should have been informed by the former finance minister about Latibeaudiere's compensation package. Salaries and perks enjoyed by the top-paid civil servants must be made public. To take political credit for your handling of the contract has no political merit.

The former finance minister said this: "The dismissal of the governor has already had negative consequences for the country. There has been very little discussion about the implications of the Standard & Poor's downgrade."

Dr Davies is wrong! The Jamaica economy was thrown into a tailspin long before the governor's dismissal. By any measure, the Bruce Golding administration inherited a fiscal mess from the People's National Party. Prime Minister Golding's economic record should be considered in light of the global financial crisis, and the inherent challenges of managing Jamaica's economy under those conditions are valid.

To be successful, Bruce Golding must resist pressure to rely more on the civil-service employees and to reduce his reliance on political appointments, particularly in key agencies that will play a major role in advancing his agenda. He must protect his right to select appointees, based not only on their managerial prowess, but also on their commitment to his policy agenda and their ability to advance, articulate and defend it.

Commitment

The success of the prime minister depends on making sure that the right people get appointed to the right jobs. Golding's ultimate success will in large part depend on the degree of commitment to his agenda among the people he appoints to ensure its success.

In a time of economic instability, the Government must be given a fair chance to work for the people. While it is important to grade our leaders and to ensure that they are holding true to their ideals, we need to give our prime minister a chance before we condemn him.

I am, etc.,

Neville Carnegie