How did our elected members perform during this past year especially those holding office as ministers? Personally, I feel that if a performance-related pay (PRP) scheme was put in place, perhaps a few of them would have had to forfeit a few notes from their pay packets.

The minister taking prime position in the queue is the one who has tried to milk his way to recognition and glory with an iron determination but nevertheless has been put through the mill and I do not mean just because of the flour. So far, he has failed to rise up to the occasion. (excuse the pun).

The next one in line is the minister who has a tendency to waffle every time he tries to justify his decisions. He has seen his responsibilities curtailed and given to another ministerial colleague. He seems to be sliding down the popularity scales in his own party despite the fact that he is trying in every sense of the word.

He is followed closely by the minister who enjoys being omnipresent in the media. He loves to be perceived as a modern-day righter of wrongs. He never misses a trick to be on the radio in trying to offer his help. If only this helpful attitude could be replicated off the airwaves to those who are really in need instead of using spin rather than substance.

Next in the pecking order is the rent-a-quote minister, he always has something to say whatever the circumstances. Anytime the government encounters a problem; he always puts the blame squarely on the previous government or anybody else he can think of. He is allegedly thought to be an expert in communication. No wonder his sound bites constantly fall on deaf ears.

This minister has dual responsibilities. She is already struggling with one lot, how can she be expected to cope with additional ministerial obligations? She has promised a lot but has achieved very little. She has a likeable personality that you cannot but help to feel sorry for her. Let us pray that this year she can dedicate enough time for both aspects of her responsibilities, one can only hope.

This is one ministry which you would have felt was tailor-made for the incumbent taking into account his profession. The job should have fitted him like a suit made to measure. Unfortunately, it seems that the suit is oversized for him because he has stumbled from controversy to controversy.

As for the others, some can be satisfied as having done reasonably well. The rest is not worth a mention because they have hardly set the country alight with their sporting or cultural achievements.

I would however like to provide some mitigating circumstances for their inept performance. Their boss apparently does not trust them and has allegedly undermined the authority of some of them. Mind, the boss can always blame his advisers because after all they do little for his image or should I say too much because of his overexposure on our television.

I?ll end on a serious note. Is it not about time that we contemplate having a minister for internal affairs in view of the increasing number of burglaries, thefts and other crimes occurring and another one for consumer protection considering the ongoing loss in purchasing power, each appointed in hisown right, failing which, at least consider appointing two junior ministers. Next instalment will be a closer look at opposition parties.

<B>C.C.C</B>