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Gov't denies claim it is politicising public broadcasting, information services

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Robert Morgan
 
The Government has denied allegations from the People's National Party (PNP) that it is seeking to politicise public broadcasting and information services.
 
Robert Morgan, Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, has stated that the new Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) will not be a political appointee.
 
It was reported that the contract of former CEO Donna-Marie Rowe, which expired on Thursday, would not be renewed.
 
The PNP subsequently released a statement describing Mrs Rowe's performance in the role as sterling and questioned the new government strategy and why she was deemed unqualified to effect the changes.
 
Speaking Friday on the Morning Agenda on Power 106, Mr. Morgan, who has responsibility for information, said the changes being made within the government's communication infrastructure are not a commentary on Mrs Rowe's ability or competence. 
 
"Mrs Donna-Marie Rowe is somebody who I have a very good relationship with. I've known her for many years and we've worked together for many years. She's a consummate professional, somebody who has contributed positively and significantly to the government information space. So, to frame her or to throw it in the atmosphere that she is unqualified, I would not associate myself with that reason."
 
"What I will say, however – and I do not wish to speak too deeply on their engagement because it's a personal situation and it would be highly inappropriate – is that every organization has transition, every organisation has periods of change and that is what is happening. Mrs Donna-Marie Rowe was not fired, her contract expired. That's all it is," Mr. Morgan insisted. 
 
The minister said the new head of the JIS will be appointed by the Public Service Commission. 
 
"You cannot have a political appointee because that is a process that is established in law. The head of executive agencies are determined by a process governed by the Public Service Commission. The Prime Minister nor I do not sit on the Public Service Commission," he explained. 
 
Changes at JIS, PBCJ 
                                                                           
Mr. Morgan has given details on the changes that are coming at the JIS and Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (PBCJ).
 
He said a radio arm will be established at PBCJ with the relocation of Kool FM. At the same time, PBCJ will be provided with more content through a memorandum of understanding with JIS. 
 
Mr. Morgan scoffed at reports that changes are coming to the leadership of  the PBCJ and Broadcasting Commission, noting that he has not "had that discussion with the Prime Minister, with anyone, so I don't know where that came from". 
 
According to Mr. Morgan, there is an attempt by the opposition to "handcuff the government from improving the systems that it has and to essentially fly kites". 
 
"The government has a responsibility to lead and the people will hold us accountable," he maintained. "That is what we need to do and that is what we're doing." 
 
 


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