What influences Paul Adams?

We won't speculate what other influence Mr Paul Adams may have been under, except that he may have been intoxicated by the sound of his own voice.

But the remarks delivered to teachers last Thursday night by the principal of the Herbert Morrison Technical High School and former president of the Jamaica Teachers' Association were not the thoughtful, sober discourse expected of someone in his position and in full control of his faculties.

Mr Adams has been rightly and roundly condemned for likening Ronnie Thwaites to someone on cocaine because of the education minister's warning that the Government could no longer afford the study leave and vacation privileges now enjoyed by teachers.

His response to the criticism is not to apologise. He, instead, thanks the media for having reported his comments and affirms they were deliberate.

Then there was the fantastical, personal review of the quality of the speech. It was in a manner which we might not characterise as delusional, but which raises questions about Mr Adams' hold on reality - at least last Thursday.

We believe it proper for the board of Herbert Morrison to determine whether Mr Adams continues to be fit for the job.

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