Gail Alexander
There has been no response from President’s House regarding criticism on social media of reports of a purported programme for the President’s Annual Dinner.
The programme was circulated recently. It listed the Diplomatic Corps, permanent secretary and Minister of Foreign Affairs and spouse.
It included the taking of an “annual photograph”, entertainment by Xavier Strings, BP Renegades, Shiv Shakti dance company, David Bereaux plus remarks by the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and a toast by the President.
Social media comments included that the event was on as beaches remained closed, COVID 19 is raging, hospitals are under siege, people were advised not to gather, numbers at events were limited and events including team sports were cancelled.
A query was sent via WhatsApp to President’s House communication head seeking a response but there was no reply.
Nor was there a response to a query on UNC Senator Jearlean John’s concerns about Facebook comments by Maxine Attong. The latter was selected by the President and approved by Parliament last week for the Police Service Commission. PolSC members will be sworn in this week.
John said of Attong’s comments during the 2020 General Elections, “Her political activism, evident bias, race-baiting and religious intolerance, runs counter to the words of our National Anthem. Unless and until Ms Attong apologises and sets the record straight, as would be the norm in the international political arena when the past words and actions of someone called to public office is duly examined, she remains eminently unqualified to sit as a PolSC Commissioner.”