A bit of advice for Mr Christie

Monday, January 31, 2011

A growing number of Jamaicans, among them strong supporters of Contractor General Greg Christie, are concerned about his penchant for including suspicion of wrongdoing in news releases announcing his intention to probe matters within his remit.

After all, Mr Christie has demonstrated that he is committed to his job and performs his sworn duties without fear or favour. As such, he has won wide support because people, among whom we count ourselves, regard him as a defender of the public's interest.

It is our firm belief, however, that given his position and training, Mr Christie should be more considerate in how he goes about making announcements of his decision to investigate matters.

For having placed in the public sphere an intention of the contractor general to probe an issue, impressions of misdeeds start forming in the minds of the public. Investigate he must, given the purpose for which the Office of the Contractor General (OCG) was established. However, we fear that by publicising specifics of his reason to investigate, the contractor general is leaving his office open to questions about its credibility, should the information with which he is armed going into the probe prove to be inaccurate.

That approach also raises another problem: the cloud of suspicion that is left hanging -- intentionally or unintentionally -- over the heads of individuals involved in the matter being probed, even if they are proven innocent of wrongdoing.

And everyone knows that a reputation, once damaged, is difficult to repair. Just ask any man or woman who, having been accused of a serious crime, was tried and found to have been the victim of a plot to destroy him/her.

The very principle of how investigations are to be professionally treated was outlined in yesterday's Sunday Herald by Ms Helen Garlick, who now heads the special investigation into the activities of the former Government of the Turks and Caicos Island.

"I am aware that some sections of the media have expressed disappointment and frustration that when the SIPT takes operational steps it is issuing only very limited information by way of press releases," Ms Garlick said.

She, however, made it absolutely clear that the most important duties of anyone conducting a major criminal investigation are to preserve the confidentiality of the investigation and to protect the rights of suspects to their privacy and, in the event that they are charged, to a fair trial.

Ms Garlick, of course, is regarded as one of the United Kingdom's best barristers with more than 30 years' experience. She has had a distinguished career in public service, notably serving for five years as an assistant director of the UK Serious Fraud Office where she was the first head of its Overseas Corruption Unit.

Ms Garlick won high praise for her leadership of the landmark investigation of BAE Systems, in which she skillfully handled sensitive law enforcement and diplomatic relationships across several jurisdictions. She has also handled complex cases involving the governments of Nigeria and Italy, and was appointed as a judicial expert to advise Slovenia and Turkey on their EU candidacy.

Her words and approach to her duties, therefore, carry immense weight and should serve as templates for her contemporaries in other jurisdictions.

Mr Christie, we believe, would retain and win even more support for the objectives and functions of his office were he to abide by the principles outlined by Ms Garlick.

POST A COMMENT

You must first register and then login to be able to post a comment.

HOUSE RULES

1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper – email addresses will not be published.

2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.

3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.

4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.

5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.

6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.

7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, and before commenting you need to register, conveniently, by clicking the link above.

COMMENTS (27)

John Christian
2/2/2011

the Observer is really assuming high moral authority,when it's suggesting to a constitutional arm of Govt. how it should conduct itself...newspapers which are usually controlled by Private buisness interest's have the right to express opinion...and only opinion..whenever it appears that this opinion is moving in the direction of trying to influence the outcome of a constitutional arm of Govt...there must be reason for well thinking non partisim minds to pause and ask .....what are your motives.

Verna Kitson
2/1/2011

@ Ann Smith - whenever there is need to justify elitism, disrespect of ordinary people, or remind the rest of us that we are nobodies, we can always count on you to represent.

Ann Smith
2/1/2011

The arrogance of some people; monolithic arrogance. The editor has a right to his headline & his opinion.
Many of the people who write/comment on these pages are very well educated. Some are fully aware of the law of contracts-without the benefit of procedural & jurisdiction constraints.
If one is given misinformation, as was the case here- the OCG was given the wrong percentage rate-even if he is a king he must be corrected.
The perception is not always the reality; errors must be corrected.

norris Richards
2/1/2011

Can anyone who had worked within the belly beast for years think they are qualified to give Mr. Christie advice on integrity, knowledge and professionalism , I doubt it. I know it is customary for talk show hosts and others to give advice to career politicians. In this case their advice is necessary, based on the politician’s performance and because they working with blinkers on. With Mr. Christie, the CG is a professional through education, knowledge and practical experience, he should know what he is doing, and it would be unprofessional for him to take advice, to how he should conducted his professional duties.

Ann Smith
2/1/2011

@dawg Judge - ah nuh suh it guh. Each man defend 'im trritery!

Ann Smith
2/1/2011

Ok; the sale of a building is not the same as a contract issued to bidders. The agreement on a sales contract have certain clauses like the right to first refusal & lease contracts. In this particular case the government would need to find someone who would be willing to wait 14 years when the lease expires to close the sale; no business person is going to wait that long.
This is one situation in which it would be better if the OCG did not interfere; it would be more cost effective for the pe

Dawg Judge
2/1/2011

Me thinks the Editor is singing for his supper

Verna Kitson
1/31/2011

@ John Smith - right??!
The CG does not function based on "popularity". What we think means little to him, and that's the way it should be. He has a job to do, and he's doing it. Public approval is icing on the cake. I notice that these editors are always going on about "reputation". Is this paper the self-appointed guardian of the business class who are the ones being exposed in these investigations? This editorial is about narrow self-interest, nothing else. We are not so easily fooled

John Smith
1/31/2011

I mean seriously, talk about thinly veiled threats! Lol.

John Smith
1/31/2011

I really don't get it. The information, suspicion of wrong doing, irreparable damage, etc are already out there when the CG announces his intention to investigate. His announcement might add just that little bit of credence to whatever's been published, however I suspect he would do some preliminary checks to see whether or not the matter is worth investigating. I trust the office of the CG and his judgement. Seems to have worked out quite well so far. Keep up the good work, Mr Christie, et al.

Paul Gentles
1/31/2011

Dear Editor,your findings are completely out of touch with the realities that exists in Ja today. The conditions faced by Ms Garlick are far removed from that which exists in Ja. Mr Christie does not report to the UK govt., but to a govt who at best fails repeatedly to take any action that's not perceived as in it's political interest. The UK have just laid charges against senior political figures for what would have been considered minor if any infringement in Ja. What have we done??

Chris Gray
1/31/2011

No one should try to influence the work of the CG. The CG cognizant Jamaica law. If his office sees it fit to make announcement then as long as he is operating within the law then let the chips fall where they may. Attempts to govern how he conducts his business are counter to his mandate to root out corruption and encourage good governance. People are accused of crimes daily and they go to court & either clear their names or be convicted. Where is the concern in those instances?

denise harrison
1/31/2011

Mr Grant, yes Jamaica is smaller than the USA, but the level of corruption is out of proportion to it's size. Why can't we agree that this needs to be eradicated NO MATTER WHO, OR WHAT COMPANY, or POLITICIAN?????
If the Capital he has built is the respect from law abiding citizens, then I do not see how he can throw it away. He is getting too close to "THE BIGMAN" so now he is gonna lose capital. RIDICULOUS

denise harrison
1/31/2011

When exactly has Mr Christie make an announcement without substantial proof? If companies and individual would behave ethically, and honestly we would not need this editioral.
Perhaps the editorial should address how we get back to the days gone by when people were honest and fortright.
IT IS A KNOWN FACT THAT CORRUPTION AND DISHONESTY IS RAMPANT IN JAMAICA. WHY TRY TO MUSSEL THIS MAN WITH THIS EDITORAL.
This is why nothing will change in my lifetime. Let him do his JOB.

N Manley Blythe
1/31/2011

Today, the number one issue is corruption. Mr Christie's approach is spot on. He says what it is, he says what he has, he says what he will do. Mr Christie informs the public but he does NOT sully reputations.
Info in the public domain does not a sullied reputation make eg. Rev Al Miller faced the courts re dudusgate yet his reputation is intact. Whitehouse secrecy, the public (1/3 ownership) was not advised of intent to sell, R Danny/Butch accused of nothing!
Editor, pure fluff, no substance!

David Armstrong
1/31/2011

My previous comment was ignored so let me try again. I hope this editorial is not an effort to muzzle Mr. Christie because that would be very unfortunate. There is a double standard here in that it is the media who usualy rushes to print Mr. Christie's investigations. Why can't you wait until there is concrete evidence of guilt emerges from his investigations.

Raul Grant
1/31/2011

I agree with Peter Thomas. The CG must realize that Jamaica is a smaller society so what may apply to the U.S. may provide more harm than good here. I do respect the CG but he must be careful that he does no throw away the capital he has built with good Jamaican people. The CG though has done some good work and I say continue doing the good work you have done as diificult as the tasks may be.

Omar Brown
1/31/2011

@ Chuck - I think you are missing the point. No one is saying the CG should not investigate instances of corruption or "try to win friends" If common sense should play a role then it is only logical to conclude that, its not wise to make a public announcement about your intentions to investigate someone or a particular issue for obvious reasons. (1) U can cause irreparable damages to someone character if they are really innocent & (2) The accuse can interfere with the process of investigation.

robert heath
1/31/2011

An investigation is a review to see if there is nothing. Why are everyone up in arms I find this behavior very hypocritical, when the tuck shop I mean tuck shop finances seem inappropriate the ministry of finance could step in, audit and publish without natural justice no one say KEM.
If the CG goes after the ministers and higher paid workers their beneficiaries and friends cries foul.

Queen B
1/31/2011

Please let the man do his job, finally someone is looking out for the interest of the taxpayers of JA and we want to complain about how he is going about it. This is why we have courts to settle the matter. I just pray that god keep him safe and he does not end up like Mr. Chambers.

mark ranger
1/31/2011

Re; George Watson the Observer is only a daily tabloid, Mr Christie is a public servant paid with tax payers money, we can boycot the observer if we dont like their cartoons etc, but what can we do about Greg when he makes his ill timed utterances,& spoil ppls reputations, check it.....

David Armstrong
1/31/2011

I sense a double standard in this editorial. If any advise about or concern is warranted so as not to damage peoples reputation then it should be with the media. The media is always willing to report news such as that involving the CG charges against government members. Perhaps the media should not report the OCG investigations until after the investigation reach the stage where there is strong evidence of wrong doing.

Peter Thomas
1/31/2011

The CG seems to be taking his cues from what normally happens in the US. The coroprations in the US are very large and anonymity of individuals is inherent. This does not obtain in relatively small societies as Jamaica. It is better to work under the radar and then publicly announce your intention to prosecute. To maintain the integrity of the investigation and the avoidance of guilt by association. Irrational exuberance Sir, can hurt your credibility, impartiality and objectivity. Take heed

george watson
1/31/2011

Jay Brown maybe you should be giving similar advice to the Observer. To put a kind face to it, this editorial is extremely interesting. A newspaper which everyday casts aspersions on people’s characters just by its cartoons alone, (of which the OCG has been an object) is coaching him on how he should approach his job since “That (his) approach also raises another problem: the cloud of suspicion that is left hanging -- intentionally or unintentionally -- over the heads of individuals involved in the matter being probed, even if they are proven innocent of wrongdoing.” I submit that the Observer knows this well.

Chuck Emanuel
1/31/2011

With all due respect, the levels of corruption that rampages throughout Jamaica demands effective Leadership in order to combat its multiplier effects. Mr Christie provides this Leadership. When people submit false statements, lies under oath, breaches Government procurement guidelines and awards, and issues contracts to criminals bypassing protocols and procedures, how are they going to be held Accountable ?.
Mr Christie Job is not to win Friends, it involves restoring INTEGRITY to Governance.

Jay Brown
1/31/2011

I said the very same thing a week ago, he needs to be very careful as no matter how "bright" he believes he his, he could be mislead by persons who though seemingly are trying to be help, instead are seeking to destroy credibility in his office.
Information is not always truthful and so its not hard to give information, though most of it is true is sprinkled with lies, specifically designed to bring about the question of thoroughness of investigation and then credibility comes up.

Dr. Joan Porteous
1/31/2011

"Mr Christie, we believe, would retain and win even more support for the objectives and functions of his office were he to abide by the principles outlined by Ms Garlick." (Observer)
Is it the principle of his office,the law that Governs The Office of the contractor general, or the principles of others?
Corruption raises its ugly head when we fail to abide by the principles of law.
Media published the information of acused persons before they go to trial should the media not heal thyself.

Do you feel buying into Facebook now is a good investment for the long-run?
	Yes
	No

View Results
Results published weekly in Sunday Finance

Username:
Password:

GCT to go down, white rum prices going up

A bit of advice for Mr Christie