The Editor, Sir:

Your correspondent Mr. Hugh P. Smythe seems to have a bit of difficulty understanding the difference between being critical of the Jamaican Constitution and being disrespectful.

The tone and content of his tiresome tirade seems to be directed at my dissatisfaction with the conduct of the Public Service Commission (PSC). Maybe he shares the view that the Government elected by the Jamaican people should have no say in the appointment of a Solicitor-General and that the PSC should be left alone to do whatever it chooses in this matter. I strongly disagree; and I go further to say that our Constitution, being unhelpful in this regard, should be reviewed and amended.

Influence on choice

I believe that the Attorney-General and the Prime Minister should have an overriding influence in the choice of a Solicitor-General because it is they who are fully accountable to the people for the work of that very important department. If Mr. Smythe does not agree with such a policy, then he should take issue with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, the country in which he happily resides.

For Mr. Smythe's edification, Section III of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago includes the following:

2. Before the Judicial and Legal Service Commission makes any appointment to the offices of Solicitor-General, Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Director of Public Prosecutions, Registrar General or Chief State Solicitor it shall consult with the Prime Minister.

3. A person shall not be appointed to any such office if the Prime Minister signifies to the Judicial and Legal Service Commission his objection to the appointment of that person to that office.

I am not aware that the people of Trinidad and Tobago have suffered in any way because of this system. Nor have the British, who have been living comfortably with it for more than 150 years.

I am, etc.,

KEN JONES

alllerdyce@hotmail.com