The Editor, Sir:

I agree with Francis Tulloch, a politician with much experience, as he argues for government to remove the many loopholes that permit corruption, or more properly, which tempt politicians and others into unethical behaviour.

To emphasise this requirement I quote from a recent issue of the Economist that "if the institutions of corruption remain in place, corruption will continue"! Bruce, this is regardless of a change in government, so take need and be warned.

Long experience

Francis, from his long experience and the examples he quoted recommends that guidelines for proper ethical behaviour should be defined for all new members of parliament in an effort to provide them with the standards expected of them. I suggest that this "code of ethical standards" be applied to all senior politicians as well as senior civil servants to avoid the "do as I say, not do as I do" syndrome that generally infects people in power positions, including the private sector.

Let us go further and request the assistance of the Auditor General and the Contractor General in breaking down these "institutions of corruption" that are well known to them from their vast experience. It is the responsibility of the government to recognise and cauterise these loopholes by making them illegal and applying whatever sanctions are deemed appropriate, including fines, dismissal and imprisonment, if the parties are proven guilty.

Accepting a bribe is as indictable as offering a bribe. This includes donations to political parties in return for future favours.

Thanks, Francis, for raising the issue of corruption and the many ways it pervades the political and private landscape here in Jamaica.

I am, etc.,

GEORGE MEIKLE

gandjmeikle@cwjam.com

Rio Nuevo, St Mary