The latest revelation in the ongoing Foote/Rooms hiring scandal has indeed confirmed for me something that was said over 30 years ago at Memorial University.
I was a student in the political science department (and a member in the MUN Liberal club, LOL). A professor, a man from Africa, told an African political studies class that from his observation, “Newfoundland has some characteristics of a Third World country.”
He did not give specific examples and I was skeptical of his claim. But no more. In my judgment, a $20,000 payment to a fired employee to keep quiet about a political hire who took their place fits the bill.
It is a black mark against a province whose reputation has been soaring in recent years in such fields as higher learning, sports and entertainment. The people responsible should step down for the damage they have caused.
John Lynch,
Saskatoon, Sask.
