The Opposition spokesman on Transport, Dr. Horace Chang, has called for the immediate removal of Transport Minister Dr. Omar Davies.
They are also calling for the axing of the Garnett Roper-led Board of Directors of the JUTC and Colin Campbell from the post of Managing Director.
Dr. Chang says he’s laying blame for the lack of reforms at the JUTC squarely at their feet.
He’s also calling on the Government to take immediate action to correct what he says is the path of failure on which the management of Jamaica’s transportation sector is now travelling.
Dr. Chang says Dr. Omar Davies has arrogantly breached the trust of many Jamaicans including the Civil Service Association, by his failure to honour promises made to civil society groups.
He’s pointing to his failure to consult with any groups prior to the announcement of fare increases, and what he describes as his highly questionable efforts to remove public transport from the remit of the Office of Utilities Regulation, as some of his reasons.
Dr. Chang says there’s also the absence of a national transportation policy.
He says neither Mr. Roper nor Mr. Campbell have the requisite experience in logistics or transportation management to turn around the JUTC.
Dr. Chang is suggesting that their appointments were nothing more than blatant pork barrel politics and nepotism.
The Opposition Spokesman added that in light of the Government’s statements about the JUTC’s perilous financial position, it was important that the post of Managing Director be quickly advertised again and the job given to someone with the requisite qualifications and experience.
Dr. Chang maintains that if the government is serious about bringing growth to the Jamaican economy it must ensure that qualified people are appointed to posts of such importance.
—30—
