Michael Sloley/Freelance Photographer
Bishop Herro Blair (right), newly appointed Political Ombudsman, being sworn in by Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke at Kings House, yesterday.Bishop The Reverend Dr. Herro Blair was officially sworn in as Political Ombudsman by the Governor-General at Kings House yesterday, in a ceremony observed by representatives of four political parties.
Hailed as a man with a sense of integrity and commitment to peace, Bishop Blair was given the full go-ahead to police the politicians and ensure that they conform with the code of conduct endorsed by both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.
If they contravene the Code, the Bishop has the authority to call them in and the Ombudsman Act gives him the power of a Supreme Court judge to be able to issue subpoena and to investigate matters.
He will be supplied with a staff and the legal framework will be put in place to have legal counsel available to him.
Governor-General, Sir Howard Cooke, said that the Government and the Opposition were to be congratulated for their efforts at maintaining peace, a reflection of their commitment to the peaceful process of elections. Bishop Blair will be a member of an election centre team that will monitor the election campaign and election day incidents. He will ensure that electoral irregularities are detected and dealt with.
"If we have peace, prosperity will follow," Sir Howard said.
He said that Bishop Blair had the "right temperament and the authority" for the job.
Ryan Peralto, chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party, said that his party welcomed the move and that it was a consensual move on behalf of those engaged in political affairs to ensure that Jamaicans enjoy proper and responsible codes of conduct.
"We all believe that your appointment will enhance and improve the country," he said.
"I have met with the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, Chief of Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force and the Police Commissioner and I'm convinced that there is a bright political future for Jamaica," Bishop Blair responded. "They have all pledged wholehearted support and have committed to a free and fair election and an election free from fear of political violence."
He said that he will endeavour in the next few weeks to have the signing of an agreement declaring proper political conduct by all candidates contesting the elections.
The Office of the Political Ombudsman, abolished a few years ago with the creation of the Office of Public Defender which absorbed the role of Parliamentary Ombudsman, was reintroduced recently and Bishop Blair appointed the third Political Ombudsman.
Last month Bishop Blair told The Gleaner that he has no allegiance to any political party.
The 56-year-old Bishop is president of the Deliverance Evangelistic Association and pastor of the Faith Deliverance Centre. He is former chairman of the National Democratic Movement (NDM), and chairman of the civic groups, Peace Management Initiative (PMI) and Transparency International (Jamaica).
