Only sitting PM should recommend appointment of Manchester custos

Thursday, February 09, 2012

Dear Editor,

The People's National Party were so busy savouring their victory at the polls in the December 29 general election that they forgot everything about the recommendation of Ms Sally Porteous for Custos of Manchester by former Prime Minister Bruce Golding prior to the election.

As the incumbent prime minister, Portia Simpson Miller was the one to recommend a candidate for Custos of Manchester as Ms Sally Porteous's recommendation by Mr Golding would have been invalid since she was not sworn in before Parliament was prorogued.

Ms Sally Porteous should have recused herself and allowed the incoming prime minister to go with Mr Golding's recommendation or recommend a new candidate for Custos of Manchester.

I believe her appointment should be rescinded and the prime minister given the opportunity to recommend a candidate for Custos of Manchester.

Protocol guru Merrick Needham should have been consulted for his expert advice. I am sure he would concur with me.

The exclusion of the press from the swearing-in ceremony was a sad day for journalism in Jamaica and freedom of the press was dealt a severe blow by the governor general. He should not have allowed the swearing-in to take place without the "free press".

I note the governor general, Sir Patrick Allen, apologised. This is the first time in the history of our country, since Independence 1962, that a custos was sworn in with the absence of the press, taking into consideration the fact that we have so many radio and television stations and newspapers.

The proper procedure must be followed as it relates to the recommendation and appointment of a Custos for Manchester, as the sitting prime minister, Mrs Simpson Miller, is the only person in the country who can make the recommendation to the governor general, and she did not recommend or endorse Ms Porteous for Custos of Manchester.

A new custos must be appointed with despatch to settle the matter once and for all.

Justice must not only appear to be done but it must be manifestly seen to be done, as justice is blind.

Joseph M Cornwall Snr

Justice of the Peace

Kingston

tranquillityfh@yahoo.com

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Only sitting PM should recommend appointment of Manchester custos