I read the Grenada Today article titled Mars explains appointment with amazement. The issue at hand is the hiring of Ms. Shanica Gilbert as the human resources manager at the government operated Gravel, Concrete and Emulsion Production Corporation (Gravel and Concrete). Ms. Gilbert is the daughter of Joe Gilbert who serves as the Minister of Works in the ruling NDC administration. The Grenada Today article illuminates the sordid state of journalism and politics in the tri-island state.
I read the Grenada Today article titled Mars explains appointment with amazement. The issue at hand is the hiring of Ms. Shanica Gilbert as the human resources manager at the government operated Gravel, Concrete and Emulsion Production Corporation (Gravel and Concrete). Ms. Gilbert is the daughter of Joe Gilbert who serves as the Minister of Works in the ruling NDC administration. The Grenada Today article illuminates the sordid state of journalism and politics in the tri-island state. Firstly, Grenada Today’s omission of critical issues in the story exposes the low standard of journalism plaguing the island. Secondly, the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) mantra of transparency which reverberated around election has faded to a deafening silence. And finally, Mr. Mars’ and Ms. Gilbert’s attempt to insult the intelligence of Grenadians deserves proper admonishment.
Grenada Today’s approach to an apparent case of nepotism is lacking. The article failed to address whether standard hiring practices were followed and whether Ms. Gilbert received preferential treatment or had an unfair advantage over other applicants.
The article left many gaping questions such as:
1. Was the job opening advertised or posted?
2. What were the requirements?
3. When was it posted?
4. How many individuals were in the applicant pool?
5. How many interviewed?
6. What did Ms. Gilbert bring to the table that the other applicants did not have?
The Grenada Today article simply serves as an injustice to Ms. Gilbert and Grenadians for failing to address these issues.
At the height of the last election campaign, the NDC was the voice of transparency and accountability. The NDC won the election by painting a picture of an infested, corrupt New National Party (NNP) government. However, after taking office, the NDC has gone quiet on issues of transparency. One such issue is the declaration of assets and now what appears to be nepotism in hiring for civil service positions. The Tillman Thomas administration should remember their pre-election chants and set an example. In hiring for government positions, the best person qualified should be selected irrespective of family ties or political affiliation.
In reference to Mr. Mars, the article stated:
He described the minister’s daughter as one who brings a vast level of expertise to the state-run body, as well as having acquired a wealth of knowledge working with Global Generation, a charitable company in London shortly after completing her Master’s degree in International Marketing Communications.
After reading the above, Mr. Mars’ honesty and sincerity comes into question. A listing for Ms. Gilbert on Global Generation’s website showed that she
served as the Website Manager—a position which is unrelated to human resources. One must also question what “vast level of expertise” Ms. Gilbert brings to the Gravel and Concrete human resources office. The Global Generation listing also stated that Ms. Gilbert began work at the start of 2008. This leaves her with approximately one and a half years experience as a Website Manager. This short period at Global Generation does not leave Ms. Gilbert with much experience. As a result, Mr. Mars’ statement about her “acquisition of wealth of knowledge” at the organization deserves clarification. Moreover, how is experience and knowledge as a Web Manager applicable to human resources? Once again, I am forced to wonder about the requirements for the position. In my opinion, Mr. Mars’ comments appear as an attempt to mask a situation where an unqualified person was placed in a position--a perfect example of a square peg in a round hole.
In reference to Ms. Gilbert, she stated that her father (Minister Joe Gilbert) was unaware that she applied for the position. She stated that he was made aware only after the interview. I have to wonder if this was an attempt to insult the intelligence of Grenadians. It is public knowledge that the hiring process does not end with an interview. After the interview, Joe Gilbert or anyone for that matter could have influenced the final hiring decision. Also, we must not forget that Grenada is a small island. Did the interviewers and persons making the final hiring decision know that the candidate for the position was also the Minister’s daughter? Was the relation listed on the application? If so, did this knowledge play any role in the final hiring decision?
This is not the first case in Grenada where hiring practices raised eyebrows. There were similar cases and more severe accusations under the previous administration. However, if Grenada is going to move past the last thirteen years of cronyism and corruption the NNP has been accused of, the best and most qualified people must be hired in government positions. This can only be achieved through equality and transparency in the hiring process. Nepotism and favoritism should have no place in the final hiring decision. Looking at Ms. Gilbert’s qualifications and experience, she is best suited for a marketing position in the Ministry of Tourism or maybe in a capacity where she can manage some the neglected government websites. I am quite confident that she can bring a “vast level of expertise” in these areas.