Jamaica has a habit of rewarding longevity in public service. Too often, the years served are celebrated rather than asking: what changed under their leadership? The pending retirement of Everton ‘E.G.’ Hunter provides an opportunity to examine that question.

Hunter led National Water Commission (NWC) for 11 years before moving to National Works Agency (NWA) in 2012, where he has served as CEO for more than 14 years. Few public officials have exercised such influence over two of Jamaica's most important infrastructure agencies. Such tenure deserves scrutiny.

Many Jamaicans would argue that bad road conditions, and congestion remain among the country's most persistent infrastructure challenges. A trip that once took fifteen minutes can now take an hour or more in many parts of the island.