PNP concerned about selection of new CDF head

The People’s National Party (PNP) is expressing concerns over the selection of Kedesha Campbell, who previously served as a personal assistant to Prime Minister Andrew Holness, as the new head of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Management Unit.

The PNP says it has taken note of and is troubled by the appointment because it is not clear that due process was followed to fill the vacancy. 

The party says it is concerned that Campbell’s partisan affiliation and allegiance to the Jamaica Labour party-led administration could interfere with the operations of the CDF unit as it appears on the surface that the hiring process was abridged in her favour.

It further says the government should take steps to ensure that the operations of the CDF unit are not exposed to unnecessary partisan shenanigans such as delays in project approval and unavailability of resources.

"Although Ms Campbell has a record of serving as the personal assistant to Prime Minister Holness and completed management-type courses as part of her skills development, they do not equate to the experience and balance required to lead a unit such as the CDF, which entails the handling of projects of various descriptions, submitted by Members of Parliament from both sides of political divide," the PNP contended in a statement.

"It is not clear that the position was advertised, and everyone given equal treatment as is required to fill vacancies such as the position in question.  When and where was the vacancy advertised; and who were the persons shortlisted; and what were the deciding factors which gave Ms Campbell the advantage over the others?" the party further questioned.

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