The Editor, Sir:

I write with deep concern at what could only be described as 'very troubling' developments at the Attorney General's Department and the appearance of political interference in the management of its affairs.

The most recent of these developments has been the rescinding of the promotion of a senior staff by the Public Service Commission (PSC) only days after the very same PSC had approved the recommendation.

The public has also learnt of the resignation of the acting solicitor general who chose to resign his position with over a year on his contract and the non-renewal of the contract of the Deputy Solicitor General Prof Stephen Vasciannie.

Grave concern

It is of grave concern that the newly appointed PSC could approve a recommendation from the acting solicitor general for the promotion of a senior staff member and then days later rescind the same appointment.

The PSC owes an explanation as to the 'extenuating' circumstances that arose in those days that caused such a reversal. I hope that the new PSC which is comprised of individuals with the highest levels of integrity did not bow to political pressure on this issue.

Could this be the reason for the acting solicitor general's resignation? And what of the future of that staff member who must be highly embarrassed by the course of these events.

With the exodus of a number of senior experienced staff members in a relatively short period of time, the question of the capacity and capability of the department to discharge its functions effectively and efficiently is also called into question.

The Attorney General's Dept is a core institution in the justice system of the country and historically has always operated with the highest level of professionalism and has nurtured, cultivated and developed individuals who have served this country, our region and the international community with distinction.

Iimpartial

The professionals in this department are required to provide the best legal advice to the Govern-ment and its agencies and hence the department has traditionally operated in an impartial manner, free from political interference.

Successive attorneys general from both political parties have understood the distinction between their role as the political head of the department and that of the solicitor general who is the administrative head, akin to a permanent secretary.

These attorneys general have been even-handed, impartial and non-interventionalist in the affairs of the department.

Finally, I am concerned that Her Majesty's loyal Opposition, the Jamaican Bar Association and the usually vocal Jamaicans For Justice have all remained silent on these matters.

I am, etc,

JAMES SMITH

smithjw007@yahoo.com