The resignation by Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of Bureau Telecommunication and Post (BTP) Sjamira Roseburg (see related story) is noteworthy particularly in view of its motivation. Her main stated concern was that another board member had still not been dismissed after his tax fraud conviction since April last year.
While she brought this to the attention of then-interim Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Cornelius de Weever that same month, nothing happened. Near the end of June 2019, current TEATT Minister Stuart Johnson was informed of the irrevocable sentence, again to no avail.
Perhaps also due to her profession, the attorney was apparently no longer willing to continue in this unlawful situation and drew her conclusion. Many others might not have chosen that route, but she obviously feels strongly about “doing things by the book.”
Johnson said he had told Roseburg the matter “which has most definitely not escaped me” would be resolved and that position didn’t change. However, his schedule had not permitted him to effectively deal with the issue “within the timeframe you desire.”
Be that as it may, an example has been set regarding the responsibility of all involved to promote integrity within government and its entities. It’s neither the first nor probably the last person to be appointed or kept in functions they should not be exercising.
The country’s rules and regulations were established for a reason. It’s important to respect them and do the right thing not only when convenient, but consistently.
