August 27, 2024
We want to congratulate the now outgoing Minister for Finance and the Public Service in Jamaica, Dr Nigel Clarke.
The Oxford trained mathematician and Rhode’s Scholar will make his country proud at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as he takes up his new post as Deputy Managing Director. Big things for Dr Clarke.
But, all of the platitudes aside, we have to speak about the political optics of it all.
Was Prime Minister Andrew Holness blindsided by Clarke’s departure? The reason why we say that is because he is now scrambling trying to fill Clarke position when he should have had someone selected ahead of time when the eventuality of Clarke’s departure comes.
Moreover, is the Holness cabinet fracturing and the brightest ones who see the handwriting on the wall are now scrambling for the exit? How can Clarke not even tell his Prime Minister that he was interviewing for other jobs, if everyone says they are happy for Clarke to move on?
Is Andrew Holness on his way out in the next election? Will their be more surprise departures and resignations?
This is all speculation by this magazine. We can do that. But, it looks suspect to me this Clarke departure to the IMF. For all of the reasons we stated above. We wish him the best, however.