'I'm up to the task'

Blair

Bishop Herro Blair, head of the Deliverance Evangelitic Association, spoke with Sunday Gleaner reporter Klao Bell last week Tuesday about his life and new appointment as Political Ombudsman. The Bishop was unflinching in responding to some searching questions. Read on.

Q: You are the Bishop overseeing 26 churches, your home church is one of the largest in Jamaica. You are chairman of the Peace Management Initiative and are involved with a number of other organisations ­ how are you going to manage with this new post?

A: How am I going to manage (contemplatively)...As chairman of PMI, I have indirectly been playing the role of Ombudsman. It has allowed me access to communities where I have heard complaints, called in accused and accusers and negotiated amicable agreements. The Ombudsman is somewhat a legalisation of that position. My church work won't be and will not be affected. The only thing that may be affected is my foreign travel - I will gladly scale back on overseas engagements.

(Almost as if on cue, a call came in where he declined an invitation to speak at an overseas engagement in August).

Q: What do you understand about the role of the Political Ombudsman?

A: The Ombudsman "polices" politicians, and ensures that they stick to the guidelines of the Code of Conduct. If they contravene I'll call them in. The Ombudsman Act will give me the power of a Supreme Court judge and I will be able to subpoena and investigate matters.

Q: Will you have the resources available to do this job effectively?

A: I will be supplied with a staff and legal framework will be put in place to have counsel available to me. I will be able to select, appoint and swear-in my own staff.

Q: What qualifies you for this post?

A: 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.

Q: Do you attach some spiritual significance to this appointment?

A: God has perfect timing. Note this is our 40th year of Independence and God has much to do with the number 40. Moses, spent 40 years in Egypt in Pharaoh's palace, spent another 40 years in the wilderness being trained to lead and then spent 40 years leading the people of Israel. I believe God wants to lead this country in a new direction and the appointment of a pastor in this position is a function of divine intervention. Twenty-six years ago when God sent me back to Jamaica from the United States he told me that I am coming here to be a Moses.

Q: Many Jamaicans still have a problem with the convergence of the church and things political, how have you reconciled your involvement?

A: First of all, it must be made clear that this is not a political role. My appointment was signed by the Governor-General, it is therefore an independent position. I cannot be dictated to by anybody. This makes the responsibility very awesome and requires great dependence and trust in God.

Q: Why should Jamaicans trust you?

A: You can examine my record of service which speaks for itself. I have served a number of committees and the record is there. I won't use this office to deify or demonise anyone.

Q: What about your NDM (National Democratic Movement) connection, doesn't that make you sympathetic of that and maybe smaller parties?

A: All that has taken place in my life was preparatory to this appointment. I was being schooled for this. Not only in the theoretical but also in the practical. Yes, I was chairman of NDM and very proud of it. But I am also a Pentecostal preacher and a Jamaican.

While I was NDM chairman I acted in the wedding of Minister Portia Simpson Miller and officiated the funeral of Ms. Babsy Grange's mother. Obviously they not only saw me as non-partisan, but also as a Minister who they could trust.

Q: Do you have the support of your church in this new appointment?

A: I have not had any dissenting voice yet. Some people may be concerned and think it is a political role but I will have to explain to them that this is not. I also consulted with and have the support of the executive and the board of elders and deacons of this church.

Q: Do you anticipate full co-operation from politicians?

A: That is a very good question. Yes, I do. And the record speaks, over the last seven months of working with the PMI I have not had any problems from political leaders or their followers. All decisions have been taken fairly and squarely. I believe that we will work together.

I know that I will have to make rulings that will make me unpopular with some people but I do not think that popularity has brought me into this position or they would have appointed a DJ. I think it is fairness, frankness and fearlessness that has brought me here.

Q: What about going into active politics - do you see yourself becoming Prime Minister of Jamaica one day?

A: I have no desire to be Prime Minister of Jamaica. I will never enter politics with the desire to run for elected office because I simply feel that is not the role I am to play in order to help foster political togetherness in the nation. And if you become active on one side you cannot be persuasive on the other side.

Q: The reality of our political culture requires more than goodwill and good intentions, shrewdness and savvy will also be necessary - are you equipped to deal with this?

A: Yes, I'm up to the task. Let me say though that the political leaders that we have know that they must have a legacy and this may be their last chance to right the wrongs or to add to what has been done right. I believe this will be the best election we have ever had because they know that they have to leave something honourable in their memory. They are not only going to be remembered for the past but for the present. They both want to step down as statesmen not as forgotten politicians, so I recognise what this role requires, but I also think the political leaders want change.

Q: What's your relationship like with politicians? Has anybody been joining you for Sunday dinner?

A: I see all of them as Jamaicans, I have no favourites and no special relationship with anyone.

Q: Now is your chance to clear up two rumours commonly stated about you. First is that you are a millionaire grown rich off the church...

A: I don't know what that term millionaire means. I don't handle the funds of my church, never have. My remuneration is a set amount decided by the board.

Q: Would you be willing to declare your assets?

A: If the law requires me to do so I definitely will - I have nothing to hide, in fact, some people may be surprised with what they find. But I believe that all public appointees who are required to handle the people's money should declare their assets. In fact, once you are in public life you should be willing to do so.

Q: ...And the second rumour is that you carry a gun.

A: Yes, I carried a gun...but only when I served in the security forces as a National Reserve in the 60s and a member of the Home Guard in the 70s. The weapons I've carried belonged to the state (laughing). I've never carried a private weapon, I don't think it's necessary in my house.