Sacking of two State Insurance managers prompts calls for firing of under-performing government ministers, too

There has been widespread public reaction to the news that two
senior managers at the State Insurance Corporation have been
terminated.  
 
The firings come just days after Prime Minister Gaston Browne
made a public announcement that his administration would be
sending home four public servants accused of not performing.
 
Shortly after the news broke on Monday night, November 13,
insiders confirmed the termination of accountant Andre Knight and
Life manager Janice Hodge.
 
Media reports are suggesting that the two were dismissed because
of the Administration’s lack of confidence in the accuracy of their
accounting statements.
 
This most recent incident comes on the heels of Esworth Martin’s
“early dismissal” from his position as General Manager at the
Antigua and Barbuda Public Utilities Authority (APUA).

Another top official from a statutory corporation, the Antigua and
Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA), tendered her resignation on
Monday, November 13. Euletta Francis called it quits after attacks
on her reputation and character by PM Browne, on his affiliated
radio station, last weekend.
 
Meanwhile, a well-known Antigua Labour Party supporter is
praising the actions of the Government, claiming that members of
staff are under pressure because certain statutory corporation
heads have built little kingdoms and rule with an iron fist.
 
He is of the opinion that the entire public-service system should be
shifted around.
 
Many persons have agreed – sarcastically – saying that if this is the
way the prime minister is going, then he should consider removing
the non-performing ministers in his administration, as well.
 
One critic says many of them need to be given their walking papers,
including Minister of Works Maria Browne – for the country’s poor
road infrastructure; Minister of Health Sir Molwyn Joseph – for the
poor administration of healthcare; Minister of Labour and National
Security Sir Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin – for the increase in criminal
activity and poor work conditions; and Minister responsible for
APUA Melford Nicholas – for the continued water crisis.
 
Some persons add that Prime Minister Browne, himself, should be
fired for the state of the country’s economy, with inflation resulting
in the current high cost of living.

Weighing in, others say that the retirees who are still employed with
the Government, including spokesman Lionel “Max” Hurst, should be
sent packing and make room for younger people.
 

Meanwhile, some people are suggesting that the Port Authority and
the Customs and Excise Division should be next for cleansing.
 
But well-known online commentator Audley Phillip wonders if the
actions taken represent a “cleansing or a purge.”
 
Phillip notes that the Labour Party was “born out of the bowels of
workers and the labour union … and such firings go against the
spirit of their own movement.”