Opposition rebukes Morgan for dismissal of Juliet Holness-Valrie Curtis reprimand criticisms

The Opposition says it is appalled, though not surprised, by Information Minister Robert Morgan's pushback against public debate over whether House Speaker Juliet Holness should withdraw a letter of reprimand she wrote to former Clerk to the Houses of Parliament, Valrie Curtis, last month. 

Speaking at a post-Cabinet press briefing today, Morgan described calls from critics as immaterial.

He also brushed aside questions over whether Holness should release the attorney general's opinion on the treatment of reports from the country's anti-corruption agencies. 

In a letter dated March 22, Holness accused Curtis of “gross dereliction of duty” and bringing Parliament into disrepute over the handling of reports submitted by the Auditor General's Department. 

Holness' actions have been condemned by unions, civil society groups and the Opposition People's National Party, for alleged breach of due process. 

Morgan today told reporters that such matters are not of great concern to the masses. 

Reacting, the Opposition labelled Morgan as arrogant.

“The information minister's dismissive attitude is symptomatic of a Government that has lost its way in serving the people, crudely resisting accountability and flippantly dismissing the legitimate criticisms from a broad cross-section of media, civil society, unions, and the Opposition about a matter which exposes a worrying tendency of misuse of power in the country,” charged Opposition Spokesperson on Information Nekeisha Burchell.

She continued, “That pattern of abuse was exacerbated yesterday in Parliament when the Government used its control of the House to bar the Opposition from raising the issue. The Government's refusal to answer the criticisms in this matter demonstrates blatant disregard for accountability and transparency and is the antithesis of responsible governance.”

She argued that Curtis dedicated decades of her life in service to the country and it is deeply troubling to witness her being unjustly vilified on the eve of her retirement.

The Opposition again calls for the Government to publicly acknowledge the gravity of the matter.

“It is imperative that the Speaker shows appropriate contrition to rectify this injustice by withdrawing her offensive letter and offering a sincere public apology to Ms Valrie Curtis. Anything short of this would be a betrayal of the principles of fairness, natural justice, and accountability that should guide our democracy,” said Burchell.

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