JAMAICA | PNP alarmed at level of cronyism at USF

The former technology minister said he was stunned by the news that 24 qualified persons, including well experienced Jamaicans with more than the minimum qualifications had applied, but whose applications were set aside to accommodate the selection of someone without the necessary qualification.

He said this level of unfairness is unethical, lacks transparency and only serves to corrode public perception and erode trust in public administration.

The PNP General Secretary and Shadow Minister of Science and Technology said favouritism, cronyism and nepotism within the realm of government, are apparently more widespread than originally believed.

Mr. Robinson said the decision of the board to toss aside the applications of so many qualified individuals for an unqualified and “connected” member of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) requires an urgent explanation as persons with reasonable minds must be confused about the motives of those who are put in charge of public bodies.

The report at the PAAC indicated that applicants with Masters and doctoral degrees in the technical areas applicable to the work of the USF were not shortlisted and considered to fill the post.

“Too many Jamaicans have sacrificed and stayed the course of education, and are shafted from getting top positions of merit because of the practice of nepotism and cronyism at the highest levels. This must be justly condemned,” said Mr. Robinson.

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