Plenty of attention has been drawn on whether Lerone Laing is suitably qualified to be appointed to the position of CEO of the Toll Authority.

The initial media story was totally misguided and way off base. There is no scandal here. It matters not Laing is acquainted with or was an adviser to Minister of Transport and Mining Robert Montague.

What should raise an eyebrow is how low that base salary is for such a prominent position.

The base salary ranges from J$3 million to J$3.6 million with a travel allowance of J$1.7 million if in possession of a motor vehicle.

That’s hardly suitable income for an experienced senior executive but that was blithely left unaddressed. Instead the focus was placed on the sensational headline grabbing notion that Laing was not qualified to hold the position and benefitted from connections.

This matter yet again highlights the chasm between the private sector and the public sector when it comes to salaries. With salaries like the ones currently in place, it will always be a struggle to attract top talent.

The story made clear that the position required a person who had at least 10 years’ experience and held a Master’s degree. That sounds like a candidate well into their 40s and even into their 50s who may very well have a family to support.

The inference was made that Laing did not meet the stipulations but is that really what should get everyone all fired up?

On closer inspection, Laing was a judicious pick.

In developed countries, a graduate or post graduate in a professional job for a few years, climbing the work ladder would be expected to be on a similar salary. Possibly a kid in their 20s.

CEO of the Toll Authority is a senior position yet the disparity between responsibilities and earnings was never brought to readers’ attention.

There can be little doubt that the Toll Authority and the country is getting Lerone Laing on the cheap!

He already holds a Master’s degree and has three years’ experience at an executive level. He is a professional with a promising future and may very well provide good tenure. The bet is on what he can bring not on what he has brought.

There is nothing evidently untoward about his selection for the post. This is not another government breach of governance practices.

Laing will have to toil and manage this assignment on a low salary (around US$32,200 a year or J$420,000 a month) while expected to extract more revenue from toll usage. Never mind the devaluing of the Jamaican dollar, inflation at eight per cent, escalating prices which will erode what is already a meagre salary.

Laing is the hero here, not the villain. He should be given a pat on the back for taking on the job. He could have decided to leave Jamaica to seek pastures new where he would be better compensated. But he decided to be a contributing Jamaican.

What did he get for this commendable decision? His name sullied, suspicion of favouritism and cronyism.

He has to be judged on his performance and turning the Toll Authority into a well-run and performing public company – while bringing home a pittance.

Think about that for a minute.