Former diplomat and head of the public service Reginald Dumas says there has been an impression given of a shortage of coherence within the Keith Rowley Cabinet.
Noting that some ministers have said one thing and others say other things while the Prime Minister also says something different, Dumas said: “There have been contradictions. It suggests the PM has to sit with them and not discuss any particular subject but more so how they are to work together. They might want to bring in someone who knows about working together. I can think of a person myself.
“There is a way to do things and not to do things. Once the shortage of coherence is given, it sends the wrong message to the population and outside world also, as international agencies might say, ‘you’re saying one thing, but suppose we hear something else from others in Government?’”
In April, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh, at a weekly press conference, caused a stir with his abortion comments.
Responding to reporters, he said abortion would remain illegal in this country despite the medical implications of the Zika virus. But Rowley later told the country that the minister was speaking for himself and honouring his oath to uphold the law. Rowley said sometimes the law must be challenged.
Then in early May, a similar incident arose, this time with Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi over comments made about the decriminalisation of marijuana.
The story was published in the Sunday Guardian. The PM said the matter had not been discussed. But the AG later said he does not discuss everything that goes on in his office with the PM.
Rowley told the media he would have been “very surprised” if the AG had in fact made the comments about decriminalisation. Rowley said at no time was it discussed since the Government assumed office.
Also in May, on his return from a two-week trip, Rowley said his drivers will be adhering to the 80 kilometres per hour speed limit.
In his absence, there had been much talk about reviewing the limit but when asked if it should be raised to 100 kilometres per hour, the PM said it was not his place to say if there should be a change.
Ministers Al-Rawi, Fitzgerald Hinds and Colm Imbert have said the limit will be reviewed.
Efforts to reach the PM via SMS, WhatsApp and calls to his mobile to get his comments on the impact this miscommunication could have on the public perception of his Government were unsuccessful.
According to Dumas: “They must be very careful. Perhaps they could follow in example of Michael Manley of Jamaica. Every so often, he and his ministers and PSs and public officers would spend a weekend in the hills talking about things—hard subjects, also ideas.
“So everyone must be on the same page and the Prime Minister might want to consider this. The Prime Minister also has to watch what he says in public and certain statements might be unnecessary. Being in Opposition is one thing, but being in Government is another as there are some things you ought not to say if you’re in Government.
“You might say them privately, but not publicly. Also if there’s a difference with a minister, that could be expressed differently. Because if you’re ‘boofing’ ministers publicly, you create difficulties for yourself as they might say’ boy, I ent sure I could work with this fella,’ and you might create dissident elements in your ranks.”
Dumas said: “Ministers must feel ‘funny’ if they’re ‘boofed’ publicly. But ministers must also watch what they say. For instance, Minister (Terrence) Deyalsingh saying he was shutting down the discussion on abortion was wrong. This is a democratic country and no minister can shut down any discussion.”
Dumas said Deyalsingh’s statement brought to mind two quotes from former PNM leader Dr Eric Williams:
“That is, ‘no damn dog bark...’ and ‘I’m bringing back Solomon and who doh like it, get to hell outta here’. But those days are over and ministers must understand the public may not like it (such statements) and would see it as arrogance—and they will punish you at the polls as they punished Patrick Manning in 2010.
“I also hoped the (PNM) ministers in the Cabinet who were there before—Camille Robinson Regis, Fitzgerald Hinds etc—are giving assistance to the new ones that would assist in the process to full coherence on the Government’s part.”
Analyst: Govt communication
issues a weakness
One political analyst said the problem with communication within the Cabinet level and at ministerial levels was a weakness and would impact on the Government’s credibility.
Dr Maukesh Basdeo said there was a sense that there were mixed signals from Rowley and his individual ministers.
“These incidents that happened could be considered serious breaches.
“It would seem the minister is doing things independent of Cabinet and that there is no discussion on the matter.”
Basdeo said it would then make Rowley look as though he was in the dark about what happened in the ministries.
He said: “The Prime Minister is supposed to be on top of things because he is the head of the Government and although he may not have information on each individual ministry, the issues are about public policies and important ones too, like the decriminalisation of marijuana.”
Basdeo said regarding the AG’s comments, it looked like the PM was scolding him.
He said the PM has demonstrated that there is a Cabinet and a Prime Minister and matters should be discussed at that forum before each minister goes out and makes public statements.
(With reporting by Rhonda Krystal Rambally)