The Attorney-General and Seaga's debts THE EDITOR, Sir: THE RECENT public statements by the Attorney-General with respect to Mr. Seaga's tax liability and the various reactions from sectors of the society need to be placed in its proper perspective. I must first state my unequivocal position in relation to Mr. Seaga's debts. I have refused and continue to refuse to accept that Mr. Seaga has any right, moral or otherwise, to lead the Opposition in the House as a direct consequence of his GCT debt. I have a responsibility to, and do pay my taxes. Mr. Seaga, as an elected official who has sworn to uphold all laws, has an even greater responsibility to do likewise. Debts incurred in the normal course of business is one thing but I can never see past the fact that the GCT was never his (or his companies). I am distressed by these facts. I am distressed also by the spineless commentary of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce. When the issue of Mr. Seaga's indebtedness is raised, there is hue and cry demanding that politicians should debate the 'issues'. I put it to you that Mr. Seaga's indebtedness is a real 'issue' to be discussed and debated. How can someone with such indebtedness, particularly tax indebtedness, who had acted as the country's chief financial officer (a position our private sector leaders will more likely understand) be again entrusted with such high office with serious doubts about his personal finances? That I put to you is a real issue. And now the most distressing aspect of the recent events. The Attorney-General of Jamaica, Senator, the Hon. A. J. Nicholson Q.C. ought to know that the office he holds is to act in the best interest of the people of Jamaica. How dare he reduce the office to one of 'cass cass' and open politicking. It was most inappropriate and downright boorish for the Attorney-General to be threatening state sanction (a proper course of action) on a political platform? This action only serves to colour his activities as being done in the name of the PNP and not in the name of the people of Jamaica. I would urge that as quickly as the legally constituted authority should move to recover our taxes, so should the Prime Minister move quickly to reclaim the Office of the Attorney-General of Jamaica for the people of Jamaica. Sanction Senator A.J. Nicholson. I am etc., ANTHONY BARROWS anthonybarrows@hotmail.com Kingston
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