Alvin to PSC: Wait for us

Official opening of the Marshall Islands Nitijela shown in this 2011 file photo. Photo: Giff Johnson.
Official opening of the Marshall Islands Nitijela shown in this 2011 file photo. Photo: Giff Johnson.

An opposition senator has taken the unprecedented action of asking the Public Service Commission to wait until a new government is installed before making more appointments to high-level government posts. Kwajalein Senator-elect Alvin Jacklick wrote PSC Chairperson Marie Maddison Monday saying he respected the independence of the PSC from Cabinet under the Constitution but asked, “as a matter of courtesy that you please defer making these high-level appointments until after the new government takes its place in January 2016.”

Noting that the PSC was in the process of filling top posts in the government, Jacklick said some of these vacancies have not been filled for over a year. “There is no reason why the Commission cannot wait until the inauguration of a new government in January,” he said.

Maddison told the Journal that PSC is in “a waiting mode” both as to who are the winners in the election, which determines recruiting for possible replacements, and for consultations with ministers or the Speaker for replacement of key posts. In a letter to Jacklick also dated Monday, Maddison said the “Commission continues to maintain harmonious and close working relationship with members of the current government, and always consults with the responsible ministers and Office of Chief Secretary all key GRMI positions.”

She noted that two key posts that need to be filled are the Chief Secretary and Attorney General. She pointed out that PSC is required to hold consultations with the Cabinet on these two selections. “Since the present Cabinet wanted to leave the appointment of the new Public Service Commissioners to the new Cabinet, I gather that this Cabinet will advise the PSC to delay the appointment of the new Chief Secretary and the new Attorney General until such time a new Cabinet is in place.”

Maddison also said it is important for PSC to conduct its employment business “without much influence” so it can make appointments “based on an individual’s educational qualifications, skills, experiences and others.”

Official opening of the Marshall Islands Nitijela shown in this 2011 file photo. Photo: Giff Johnson.
Official opening of the Marshall Islands Nitijela shown in this 2011 file photo. Photo: Giff Johnson.