THE EDITOR, Sir:

THE FREQUENCY and extent of the shortcomings and irregularities in the running of the government impels one to ask a simple question - where is the civil service in all of this?

Under the Westminster system, which we profess to have adopted, the civil service is an indispensable element providing: (a) an advisory and unbiased source of experience and tried and proven expertise in support of government and (b) A means of stability, particularly when governments change.

Even under colonial rule there was a worthwhile place for the civil servant. Names such as Hector White, J. Mordecai, J. McFarlane, Egerton Richardson, G. Arthur Brown, Horace Barber, Derrick Dyer and Aston Manahan stand as beacons from the colonial and early post-colonial periods.

From the present cadre of civil servants, at best, only a very few could match any of those named above. Permanent secretaries hardly deserve the designation. As accounting officers, they lack clout and are subject to being pushed aside by ministers most times.

The present Prime Minister is genuinely enthusiastic about reforming the structure and governance of the country but hardly emphasises or even mentions the need for a civil service in such a context.

His emphasis is on strengthening the role of the Opposition. This everyone should applaud, but is anyone aware of any action on his part for promoting the case for a better civil service - attracting the best there is, training and paying them well, and, above all, allowing them that sense of self-esteem?

Significant decline

Since independence, the civil service has declined significantly in status and functions. To a large extent, it has been politicised, humbled and rendered more and more effete. Not many thoughtful parents would encourage their children to enter the civil service as it is now, in its run-down state.

But, until there is a functioning and effective civil service, with properly trained, political neutral and adequately remunerated officers, who can demand and secure the respect and understanding of the politicians, it is very unlikely that there will be any real and lasting solutions to our many problems. Ad hoc borrowings from the private sector of individuals (however brilliant) can never fill the gap created by the absence of an efficient, professional and dedicated civil service.

One hopes, therefore, that, sooner rather than later, the overarching need will be realised for a civil service of class - concerned, politically neutral, knowledgeable, competent, impeccable and confident in the pursuit of its role and service to the country.

I am, etc.,

R.H. ALEXANDER

11 1/2 Temple Mead

Kingston 6