From Donald McGregor.
HOPEFULLY many of your readers will have seen and possibly read about one of the latest appointments in Jersey.

I refer to the appointment of Jersey Telecom’s new managing director. No doubt he will be highly qualified technically, as well as being a Scotsman.

My interest is not in the man, but in the policy behind his appointment. Why did Bob Lawrence not train one of his seven directors to take over from him?

A number of years ago there was an all-Island edict for deputies to be appointed on the understanding that their careers up to that time demonstrated an ability to take over from the sick/on leave/retiring boss and eventually interview for the top job.

Very sadly and very worryingly, the JT appointment flies in the face of that policy and again sadly echoes the failure of Education to appoint the well trained and prepared acting head of a primary school, preferring someone from the UK.

We must assume that Mr Lawrence’s seven fellow directors still exist, on their very acceptable salaries.

Mr Lawrence is retiring on a very substantial pension and a new managing director has been appointed on a very substantial salary. Obviously a reasonable house will be required and schooling for his three children.

Where does the money come from? Well, why not put up the charges? You and I will pay – we have little choice.

Do we really believe that Jersey Telecom does not have at least one of the seven directors capable of stepping up?