Blair
Klao Bell, Staff Reporter
IF ANY political party in Jamaica feels it can sway the new Political Ombudsman one way or another, that party will be disappointed because he said he has no allegiance to any of them.
Answering The Sunday Gleaner questions about what qualifies him to take the position as Political Ombudsman, the bishop said, "I believe there are many men and women who are well-qualified to serve in different capacities in Jamaica. The problem is that it is very hard to find
someone in this country who is apolitical. It is hard to find someone who can see with the eyes of the people and speak without fear or favour. The fact that I have no political allegiance makes me qualified. But also, being a servant of God, a born-again Christian and a pastor who is able to act fearlessly and fairly makes me qualified.
As Jamaica's third Political Ombudsman, he will be "policing" politicians to ensure that they conform to the Code of Conduct, endorsed by both Prime Minister, P. J. Patterson, leader of the People's National Party (PNP) and Edward Seaga, leader of the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).
Howard Hamilton, Public Defender, whose office up to recently absorbed the role of Parliamentary Ombudsman, believes Bishop Blair is "an excellent choice", but he wanted Jamaicans to be clear on the difference in their roles.
"People have asked if I'm no longer the Ombudsman, our roles are different, I investigate abuses or offences carried out by the State," Mr. Hamilton said.
Bruce Golding, former NDM chairman, believes that Bishop Blair will be impartial in his duties.
"He is an independent thinker, a person of balance and integrity, just the person needed for this position," Mr. Golding said.
The 56-year-old bishop is leader of churches in Jamaica, Grand Cayman, USA, Canada and Haiti.
