The Editor, Sir:

The pursuit of good governance requires an adherence to principles in the longest run and there are certain commitments which the Government gives which are required to stand the test of time. Destroying anyone of these will certainly harm the foundation of trust which a civilised society needs as basis between the Government and the citizens.

The electoral system is the very pillar of the democratic society and nothing should be done to allow the process to be suspected, questioned or be subordinated to any other end. The potential voters all need the assurance that this commitment is sacrosanct.

Prone to neglect

Unfortunately, we have a poor history of public sector unaccountability because our elected officials (supervisors) have failed us dismally in this respect. Again, our public sector is not known to practise due diligence in managing its responsibilities, but is prone to neglect and to reach for the big stick which is inadvisably provided.

For example the police display a chronic neglect of best practices in policing: professionalism and diligence in investigating, detecting and prosecuting of crimes. If they are not compelled to change their focus, they will always rely on the shortest routes to sources like the electoral fingerprint databank when this should only be contemplated as the very last resort.

We have to learn to separate important long-term principles from short-term expediencies. The present crime situation is certainly serious but we must 'not throw the baby out with the bath water'.

I am, etc.,

L. A. BERT RAMS

Bert@cwjamaica.comma

Jonesboro, Georgia

Via Go-Jamaica