THE EDITOR, Sir:THE PRIME Minister and the Leader of the Opposition agreed at their talks on crime to appoint once more a 'Political Ombudsman.'
I am amazed that at this stage of our history this strange office is to be resurrected. This is a retrograde step and a clear indication of our continuing political immaturity. It is institutionalising a position which should have been only a temporary one. Mr. Justice Kerr and others did what they could do at a particular point in time. It is now time to move on.
Why should we have a special wet nurse for political miscreants? Why debase the honourable office of ombudsman? Will we not grow up politically? Aren't the criminal activities of politicians, their goons, hacks and cronies matters for the police? Aren't some breaches of the code of conduct between the political parties breaches of the law? Isn't the monitoring of arrangements, codes and agreements between political parties part of the functions of the Public Defender? In any event, what of the vaunted dispute resolution expertise of the Constabulary Force and the Mediation Unit of the Ministry of National Security and Justice? The Government and the Opposition seem hell-bent on creating more jobs for the boys - and girls! This one, like a sort of resurrection lily, only blooms at election time.
Let the police do their job. While we should all wish the Government and Opposition success in their efforts to reduce crime and violence and to ensure 'peaceful elections' it appears that among the more important things needed to reduce crime, violence and political tribalism are a reorganised police force, enlightened, progressive and professional policing, respect for human rights and 'the rule of law' (however defined) at all levels of the society, effective government economic policies, equitable distribution of work and other scarce benefits not only among party faithfuls but to all persons entitled, more responsible leadership and less politicking from the party leaders and above all fundamental reforms to the two main political parties.
The appointment of a so-called 'political ombudsman' is not one of them.
I am, etc.,
BERESFORD HAY
P.O. Box 1191
Kingston 8
