Christie: My conscience is immune to breach

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

CONTRACTOR General Greg Christie yesterday swore to uphold the instrument of his office without fear or reservation from any individual or entity; vowing to discharge his duties on behalf of the Jamaican people.

Christie was responding to comments in an article in yesterday's Observer from the two major political parties about concerns which were raised about his handling of matters by his office.

Christie, who enjoys solid public support, made it clear that no amount of criticism will deter him from doing his job.

"Having read the comments which have been attributed by the Daily Observer to the referenced public officials, I would like to categorically state, without any reservation, that I have absolutely no intention whatsoever of discharging my statutory mandate and responsibilities in a manner which suits the desires or dictates of any other person, official or entity, irrespective of who that person, official or entity may be," Christie said in a statement.

"Were I to do so, I would be acting not only contrary to the provisions of the law and the solemn oath to which I have subscribed to serve only the collective interests of the Jamaican People, but, above all, I would be acting contrary to the dictates of my own conscience -- a conscience which is immune to breach," he added.

"As Contractor General, I have always discharged my statutory mandate and responsibilities lawfully, independently, faithfully, fairly and fearlessly, for and on behalf of the people of Jamaica," he reiterated.

Christie pointed his detractors to the commission of his office, which states that a contractor general is an Independent Anti-Corruption Commission of the Parliament of Jamaica, who is sworn to discharge his mandate under the Contractor General Act solely "on behalf of Parliament".

Meanwhile, in a statement yesterday, the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) affirmed its "unconditional support for the OCG and its contribution to improving the level of probity and transparency in our contract award and procurement processes".

"This support is consistent with our commitment to achieving the highest standards of governance appropriate for a modern constitutional democracy," the PNP said.

"It was for this reason that the Office of the Contractor General was established and we continue to support and endorse the powers and authority granted to the contractor general as set out in the Contractor General's Act," it added.

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COMMENTS (21)

Common Sense
7/14/2010

They have argued that extraordinary times call for extraordinary, even draconian, measures. So the public has to put up with ferocious and unprecedented anti-crime bills - restricting age-old rights such as 'innocent until proven guilty' - states of emergency, curfews, police raids, not to mention government cuts and public service price rises - all because we're in a hole and normal rules don't apply until we're out of it.

Well maybe they're right. But why then, when all around are being asked to try that little bit harder, be a little more honest, a little more self-sacrificing - you know, for the good of the country - do the political elite scream when subjected to a little heat themselves. They are being asked to obey their own laws, no more no less, and lest we (or they) forget, they are public servants.

By the very nature of his job, public servants should be discomfited by him. Apparently he is 'over zealous' - an interesting term to describe someone who tries to apply the law without fear or favour. One wonders what the political establishment see as just the right amount of 'zeal' for someone in his position - one suspects just enough to get noticed, not enough to get listened to.

Winston G
7/13/2010

Sometimes we get too excited. But I happy that this is among the things making news today, which is a fresh break from murder headlines. NO ONE in yesterday's article EVER suggested that Christie should not do his work. The only concern I saw raised by Messrs. Vaz and Bunting was that SOME of his pronouncements are unfortunate. That's all. Again, if this is what is making headlines today, then things are getting better in Jamaica.

Kisiwa Mtumishi
7/13/2010

Kudos Mr. Greg Christie, and kudos to the opposition for showing support. This enthusiasm and commitment needs to be replicated in other arms of government and civil service. The time is now.

Dwight Pringle
7/13/2010

Mr. Christie, No retreat, No surrender, reinforcement is coming in 2 years. Speaking of which, I would love to start a new political party with you and Hardley Lewin on my team. What say ye? I would grant you and your office the power to arrest and lock up the corrupt politicians and then throw away the key into the Kingston harbor.

normal bberth
7/13/2010

While Mr Christie is doing his job- and a darn good one, I believe it is also important that he be given certain powers to not only tell to the public who the breachers are but to be able to recommend prison time so that politions will be transparent and mindful in their dealings with the jamaican people's hard earned $. If a junior minister can do what he is alledged to have done how much more do we have our senior ministers doing and getting away with it?

george watson
7/13/2010

Although they did not say it clear enough, I am pleased that the PNP has disassociated itself from the remarks of Mr. Vaz and has reaffirmed its commitment to the job that Mr. Christie is doing. I have no problem in saying that I am a proud (except on occasions), admirer of the PNP, but am afraid that if they join with the JLP in trying to derail the job that Mr. Christie is doing, then I will have no alternative but to terminate my support for the party.
Mr. Christie has carried out his job without fear or favor and all who are afraid of him have something to hide. Learn from Mr. Whiteman. Mr. Christie is no dragon. He is a very affable man, but that does not mean that he will betray the Jamaican people for friends in high places. Oh how I wish we could clone the man.

Jaye Stone
7/13/2010

Mr. Christie seems like a sober man, not given to strong drink, and not of wandering eye. He is fearless, has declared that he cannot be bought, and is beholden to none of the scoundrels who ave ravaged our economy and devalued the lives of our citizens while they espoused corruption. Jamaica is calling forth such men/women like Christie, who do not see public office as the portal to amassing great wealth, but who just want to selflessly serve their country, a weary and battered nation.

kay kay wits
7/13/2010

Bwoy...i see the politicians are intimidated and weary of Greg Christie..a very good sign that he is doing something right. Somebody needs to put pressure under their tails. I always thought Mr Christie was doing a great job...somebody must be prepared to stamp out corruption, so no more 'area leaders' are made powerful from money from my pocket

Nancy G
7/13/2010

We need to clone Mr. Christie. Maybe about 150 of him would be enough.

Marcia Brown
7/13/2010

To God Be the glory great things He has done, so love He the world that He gave us His Son, and a few good men and women like Mr. Christie! Do others who take office and swore to uphold that office thinks its a joke? I dare others to come forward or come up to a level that is commendable to their office. If you are I are guily of robbing the Jamaican people please let us stop now! Let us now go forward with clean hands and a pure heart and serve the Jamaican people! Good job Mr. Christie

ESTEBAN AGOSTO REID
7/13/2010

Way to go, Mr. Christie !! Stand firm !! Nuff respect !!

miss nanny
7/13/2010

Please start another party Mr Christie, I will be back to vote for you in a New York Minute!!!

Queen B
7/13/2010

Maybe we need to start a Facebook or Twitter page for Mr. Christie supporting his cause, any takers.

Queen B
7/13/2010

Right on! Do not let these leeches scare you the Jamaican people are with you 110%. We need someone like you to up hold the good that we have in Jamaica and needs, Jamaica needs to be rebuff and get out all these hypocrites. Good Luck! I will be praying for you.

Norman Lee
7/13/2010

The office of the C G has grown & matured after its shakey start in 1986. It was established without a parliamentary opposition - a requirement of the Act- and Mr Ashton Wright was the holder of that office. Soon, there was controversy surrounding a Coffe board contract and the CG. Lack of guidelines & principles were a factor. The CG was given a basket to carry water risking the undermining of his office, by his own admission.
Now, the CG is the standard of integrity! Eddie should take a bow!

Ja Citizen
7/13/2010

Hear Hear!!! In a country rife with corruption and lacking transparency in so many key areas, Mr. Doug Christie is a breath of fresh air. My concern is that others who should be supporting him, are calling him over zealous.

Jacqueline Samms
7/13/2010

The people are with you, Mr.Christie

Peter Lawrence
7/13/2010

STAND, CHRISTIE!!! No retreat, No surrender.!!! When I think of the epitome of the SPIRIT OF JAMAICA I think of Christie, Bustamante, Norman Manley, Garvey, Nanny , Butch Stewart, Usain Bolt, George Headley, Bob Marley and others.

Cee Jaay
7/13/2010

I suffered tears of joy
ceejaay

David Armstrong
7/13/2010

Kudos to you Mr. Christie for your courages work. Jamaica desperately need more public officials like you. Don’t let these corrupt politicians intimidate you or try to silence you. Jamaicans need to expose them and stand up against them. If they don’t they will allow them to continue to sink the country deeper into the cess pool.

george watson
7/13/2010

I am so proud that although I cannot call you friend, in another life I knew you, and if they think they can scare you, then they have another guess coming..
The only thing that would make me less proud of you is if you buckled to the pressure of either political party, and I know that for the sake of the Jamaican people you wont.
if you only knew how many people out here who admire you. We are praying for you that you always do the right thing.
You continue being zealous as you know how.

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Christie: My conscience is immune to breach