Opposition spokesman on Justice, Senator A.J. Nicholson, has raised questions about the position of 'acting solicitor general', a post now held by Deputy Solicitor General Patrick Foster, Q.C., following the resignation of Solicitor General, Michael Hylton.

Senator Nicholson said the position of 'acting solicitor general' was an "unknown phenomenon" since Jamaica became an independent state in 1962.

Call for explanation

In a letter to Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Audley Shaw, Senator Nicholson said the present administration should explain the current state of affairs.

"We note that the provisions for the appointment of a solicitor general are clearly set out in section 125 of the Jamaican Constitution. The public wants to know whether a recommendation has been made to the Governor-General for the appointment of a solicitor general, in accordance with those provisions."

It was reported that the PSC had recommended to Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall that Professor Stephen Vasciannie should be appointed to the post.

Vasciannie is a professor at the University of the West Indies and holds the title of Deputy Solicitor General.

However, there are reports that the Government is not satisfied with the PSC's choice for the post.

Concerns have also been raised in legal and political circles that Professor Vasciannie is not a seasoned advocate.