issue:The PNP's challenge
Published:Saturday | September 11, 2010 | 12:00 AM
The Editor, Sir:
The moral state of our governance mechanism has greatly depreciated since former government minister J.A.G. Smith was tried and convicted for malfeasance in public office almost 30 years ago. The consequence, metaphorically, is a thick, dark smog hovering lower over the country each year. We need not belabour the obvious: our politics is not in the sorry state it is because of the sleazy excesses and/or omissions of one party, but rather because of the sins of both.
In the midst of this, the PNP has rolled out, I believe, the most important governance initiative since the birth of what is now the Electoral Advisory Commission. The party's Integrity Commission is a breath, if not a ray, of hope, and it is timely. In addition, its members are, generally, persons of proven competence and propriety.
The Integrity Commission, however, must not become the proverbial watchdog chained at the gate of the home plagued by burglaries. Were its findings and advice on a person's non-suitability for public office to be set aside, in the absence of rebutting evidence, it may yet become as relevant as the barks from the chained watchdog. And herein lies the challenge faced by the party to ensure that this very important initiative does not end up stillbirth like the 'values and attitude' initiative.
To achieve its noble intent, the Integrity Commission must manifestly imbue the public with the belief that its function will satisfactorily impact the issues of the integrity and moral fibre of those Comrades allowed to contest elections for public office. Its worth will be devalued if it remains silent where persons not meeting its approval are nonetheless given the party's blessing to go forward. Already, questions are being raised of the Integrity Commission's view of the possible candidacy of Colin Campbell. Are there other wannabes who have not received the approval of the Integrity Commission?
I am not here seeking to tear down the Integrity Commission in its infancy. But as a Jamaican first, and a Comrade next, I do not want us to fail in our collective endeavours to rescue Jamaica from the clutches of corruption and sleaze. There should be no room for sacred cows, and I sincerely hope the PNP finds the will to lead the way and the fight. Only then will the party restore its soul and image as an organisation that sets its face against the very thing the Integrity Commission was established to deal with.
I am, etc.,
DELFORD G. MORGAN