It is a hard job writing a fresh editorial every day of the week. It has been relatively easy recently with our premier McKeeva Bush in pole position. Thank you Mr. Bush. There is even a morsel concerning him today because he has left the country. He is in Curacao attending the First High-level Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories (COCT) Council Meeting when many people feel he should be here.

I can fully understand why he has gone. It is a very important meeting and he is the senior government minister. And why would he want to remain in a hostile environment ducking questions that are being fired at him like bullets from many guns?

I know the COCT meeting is important because he has taken with him Chief of Staff Leonard Dilbert, Jamaal Anderson, Technical Assistant European Union Projects in the Cabinet Office and Attorney Steve McField.

His attorney. Hmm. Why does he feel he needs his legal advisor with him? And who is paying for Mr. McField’s trip? Government, sorry I mean US, of course.

Steve McField has been contracted by the premier’s ministry as a legal consultant to research a range of policy matters, from legal aid to national honours. According to the “scope of services” in the contract, McField is required to review and advise on government business, undertake legal research, assist with the development of a “country strategy” and nation building, as well as interpret opinions, case laws and other documents, advising the premier on appropriate action. McField is being paid CI$7,000 per month.

But what about his expenses? His per diem?

I sincerely hope we are going to get value for money?

Why am I asking this silly question?