Bartlett, McNeill row over 'conflict of interest'
Published:Thursday | July 1, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Edmond Campbell, Senior Staff Reporter
GOVERNMENT BACKBENCHER Dr St Aubyn Bartlett yesterday sought to oust Dr Wykeham McNeill from chairing a meeting of the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC).
Bartlett wanted McNeill to relinquish the position because of what he described as a conflict of interest.
His comments triggered fireworks as heated responses flowed from some members.
Bartlett argued that McNeill should recuse himself from presiding as chairman because his position as opposition spokesman on tourism posed a conflict in terms of portfolio-related issues being discussed.
"... This is a matter that you hold close to your heart, and that is the reason you are making all effort to ensure that this matter gets all the ventilation. ... You are conflicted," he charged.
Opposition Member of Parliament Ronald Thwaites countered instantly: "Absolutely not! Mr Chairman, you don't deal with voluntary schizophrenia here.
"There is absolutely nothing in your conduct on this issue that has indicated any bias or any favouritism. You are equally the chairman of the Public Administration Committee as you are the opposition spokesman, and your integrity is beyond reproach in your conduct so far. There is absolutely nothing conflicting," Thwaites insisted.
The committee had invited government technocrats to discuss a parliamentary resolution dealing with the contractor general's report of investigations into the airlift guarantee agreement between American Airlines and Jamaica Vacations Limited.
Government MP Tarn Peralto said he was not necessarily supporting Bartlett's position but contended that Thwaites' defence of McNeill remaining in the chair might be wrong.
"It is in many instances, whether or not there is a conflict that has arisen because of the subject matter, chairmen remove themselves so that the proceedings and the results of the proceedings are not seen in a light that could create a bias in the results," he said.
McNeill weighs in
Responding to the controversy, McNeill said the PAAC had tried successfully to keep politics out of its deliberations.
"We have at all times tried to remove politics from the conduct of this committee and I think, to date, we have done admirably well in that regard, and I do not think that we should try and introduce it at this point in time."
He said issues relating to the airlift agreement were referred to the committee by the prime minister. The committee was asked to review the matter and submit a report to the House.