Satisfactory renewal to gov't, private-sector talks

Private-sector leaders emerged from yesterday's 'on-again' Partnership for Trans-formation (PFT) talks expressing some satisfaction with the developments.

The PTF includes representatives of the Government, the trade-union movement and private-sector groups.

The talks resumed after being suspended in May when private-sector groups walked away from the table to express their dissatisfaction with the Government's handling of the extradition request for Christopher 'Dudus' Coke and the subsequent shadowy engagement of United States law firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips.

But following public disclosures, a mea culpa from Prime Minister Bruce Golding and the announce-ment of the establishment of a commission of enquiry into the 'Dudus' affair, the private-sector groups agreed to resume the discussions.

Yesterday, Joseph M. Matalon, president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, emerged from the meeting and told a Gleaner Editors' Forum at the newspaper's central Kingston offices that he was relatively satisfied with what transpired.

"It was a very preliminary meeting. We spent a great amount of time going over the schedule of implementation that the prime minister had presented for those commitments that he made in his address to the nation on May 17," Matalon said.

"A wide range of impeachment proceedings, special prosecutor, dismantling of political garrisons and he gave us an update as to where he is going with the various commitments," added Matalon.

He said the prime minister provided explanations for those issues which are off-track.

"It does seem that a number of the issues are on track and that is going to be one of the major agenda items going forward."

Keeping close tabs

Matalon said going forward the parties would be keeping close tabs on the Government's implementation of the prime minister's proposals, particularly those dealing with constitutional reform.

According to Matalon, the private-sector leaders are now becoming prepared to broaden the targets for their advocacy efforts.

"We need to be able to raise the level of public discourse in the society about important economic issues and important social issues."

Following the meeting, Wayne Jones, president of the Jamaica Civil Service Association, told The Gleaner by telephone that his group was satisfied with the progress made in fulfilling the promises made by the Government in May.

Jones said his group was now hoping that the drive will be maintained to ensure that all the commitments are met within the shortest possible time.

The next PFT meeting is set for early next month.