Where is Dalrymple Philibert?
Published:Saturday | August 25, 2012 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
With all the new developments in the education sector, one voice has been absent from the saga. I have the impression that the media - and the country, by extension - have forgotten that Southern Trelawny Member of Parliament Marisa Dalrymple Philibert has responsibility to shadow the education portfolio.
It seems as if she has excused herself from all that has been happening and has made little or no input to concerns since the release of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examination results. She must do better.
It is not acceptable for her to be just sitting by the wayside and watching things as they progress or lag. That is not what Andrew Holness placed her there for. She must immediately intervene and add something meaningful and help to formulate a solution to the ministry's dilemma.
If it is that she cannot manage the portfolio and carry out her duties as shadow minister of education, she must immediately step aside and not be a hindrance to progress. This ministry, in particular, is sensitive in nature and requires creative minds and ideas similar to that of what Ronald Thwaites and Mr Holness have contributed.
The level of professionalism displayed by the Opposition has been disappointing. Most of the shadow ministers in charge of the various areas seem as if they have been struck by lightning and are temporarily vocally impaired.
I am of the view that some members of the Opposition in shadow cabinet positions are still yet to realise that even though they are not in government, they still have important duties to undertake. They cannot be lethargic.
The Opposition needs to be more vibrant in its approach to the issues which the country faces.
R. SCOTT