Long live Greg Christie

Tuesday, June 07, 2011

Dear Editor,

The plea from various enlightened quarters for the contractor general to renew his contract after the current one expires is a call that would receive the support of every well-thinking Jamaican, and such a call carries deep significance. Out of apparent frustration over the personal vilification he has had to endure by politicians and their motley support cast, he has signalled his intention to throw in the towel soon. This would be a tragedy for this beleaguered nation of ours which is still struggling to establish a functional governance culture.

To the credit of the last administration, the Office of the Contractor General was established during their tenure, and immediately corruption and waste, hitherto undetectable, began to be ferreted out with efficiency of a determined petchary. The leaders then recognised the need to repel the natural instinct exhibited by far too many, within and without the government machinery, to plunder the public purse, and the establishment of this office is testament to its will to launch an assault on this national scourge, the unearthing of embarrassing and politically costly gaffes, notwithstanding.

The enthusiasm of the current contractor general has, of necessity, rankled political leaders on either side, but the current administration has not hidden its discomfort, and the rhetoric and body language of some have suggested that they wish to see the back of Mr Greg Christie, sooner than later. The OCG's role and record in keeping our public servants true and honest cannot be disputed, and if even Mr Christie appears to be too strident for their comfort, it is a necessary discomfort. My own judgement leads me to the conclusion that the open season to "run with it" at the taxpayers' expense is fast nearing an end, and some politicians and their financiers feel stifled, especially those seeking to recover their political investments in the shortest time possible.

Long live Greg Christie, and let us support him in probing the procedural propriety of contracts related to the JDIP programme, the islandwide parish council projects as he has promised, the scandalous Palisadoes misadventure, and any major recent or future government project. You will be amazed at what will be unearthed as we nervously approach the silly season.

Wat Ching

wat.ching@yahoo.com