It is time for serious scrutiny of how some government departments in Antigua and Barbuda are being administered. There are concerns about perceived bias, favoritism and nepotism in the handling of workplace and administrative matters, and these concerns should not simply be dismissed or swept under the carpet.
Permanent Secretaries and other senior government officials hold positions of tremendous authority and responsibility. With that authority must come accountability. Where credible complaints are made concerning the conduct of senior officials or the manner in which decisions are taken, there should be an independent, impartial and transparent process to examine the circumstances.
No position should place anyone above legitimate questioning or accountability.
Public officers should be able to trust that their concerns will be treated fairly, confidentially and according to established policies and procedures—not according to friendships, family connections, personal relationships or who knows whom.
Antigua and Barbuda is a small island, but that should never mean that connections determine outcomes. When people perceive that one person receives preferential treatment while another is treated differently under similar circumstances, confidence in the entire system begins to deteriorate.
Our government structure needs serious examination and, where necessary, reform. Too much confusion, inconsistency and perceived unfairness can create unnecessary chaos within the Public Service and ultimately affect the services delivered to the people of this country.
Accountability must apply from the lowest level to the highest. If allegations are made, investigate them properly. Allow all sides to be heard. Examine the evidence. If wrongdoing is established, take appropriate action. If the allegations are not supported by evidence, that should also be made clear.
Fairness cannot be selective. Justice cannot depend on connections. Accountability cannot only apply to certain people.
We need a Public Service built upon professionalism, transparency, integrity and equal treatment. Antigua and Barbuda belongs to all of us, and our public institutions should operate in a manner that gives every citizen and public officer confidence that they will be treated fairly.
It is time to clean up the system, strengthen accountability and restore confidence in our public institutions.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: LETTER: The Government System Needs an Overhaul.