Should Christie be kept?

Contractor General overzealous, scaring off public servants, say political parties

BY ERICA VIRTUE Sunday Observer writer virtuee@jamaicaobserver.com

Monday, July 12, 2010

TWO years before his current contract expires, Contractor General Greg Christie has drawn mixed reviews from both sides of the Jamaican political fence.

Information Minister Daryl Vaz said that both the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) government and the Opposition People's National party (PNP) had raised concerns about public pronouncements by Christie.

Vaz also suggested that the controversial Christie could be causing "competent and skilled Jamaicans" to think twice before joining the public sector, for fear that their reputation could be damaged beyond repair by his office.

The potency of some remarks, according to Vaz, had scared many competent individuals away from the public sector. Even when his findings lead to no criminal charges, the stain of corruption had already been left, he said.

"There is no opposition to the office or work of the Contractor General. But, both government and opposition members have raised concerns, about public pronouncements regarding investigations his office is about to undertake..." Vaz told the Observer.

"Any criticism would not be about performance, because there have been vital recommendations about some issues. But there has to be a balance in the public pronouncements before investigations, so that people do not now become afraid of serving their country...," Vaz said.

Peter Bunting, general secretary of the PNP, said there were "concerns" among individual opposition members about Christie's approach, and complaints of 'over-zealousness' on the part of the Contrator General may be real.

But, like Vaz, he insisted that his recommendations must be taken seriously.

"He may seem over-zealous in some instances but that is the type of character that office needs to get the job done. I believe in balance though, he has done a good job, but I also wish the government would apply his recommendations, especially those about procurement guidelines...," Bunting told the Observer.

Neither politician knew of any suggestions that Christie might not be invited to renew his contract in 2012, and the Contractor General, speaking through a spokesman, said he was unaware of any attempt to remove him prematurely from office.

Established by the Contractor General Act in 1986, the office of the Contractor General is an independent, anti-corruption commission of Parliament. The primary functions of the OCG are to monitor and investigate the award of government contracts, licenses and permits.

The Act provides that he holds office in the first instance for a period of seven (7) years.

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COMMENTS (41)

Carl Cargill
7/12/2010

Some time I read the paper it make me ask my self, if there is any educated Jamaican left.
Who is asking for Mr Christie, leave or saying that he is not doing a good job, what is express in the article is that must make sure that he don't put people name out there before he get all the facts, because one it is said it is hard to unsaid, therefore he must use wisdom, which I think he a little lacking in doing his work.
Who has gone to jail as yet, think about that my friends

Anne Hume
7/12/2010

Greg Christie has and is putting his life
on the line for Jamaica. He is doing a
amazing job . I, for one would not cast
my vote for either party if they are
instrumental in having him removed
from office

Christian Shaw
7/12/2010

Anyone who would get nervous because of Mr. Christie's over zealousness are those most "skilled" and "competent" at helping themselves to the public purse. I would not care that he would want to examine me if I were a govt. exec. I would have nothing to hide. In fact I would welcome it!

christopher Isaacs
7/12/2010

Whilst Mr Christie's stewardship can be considered somewhat effective, in his overzealousness he has sometimes borders on damaging persons reputatation and therefore I consider his modus operandi has been a big drawback. Him being so unbending even when tangible expanations are given for percieved breaches is unpalatable. He gives the impression of being a bureaucrat and regularly points to most government activities with some amount of unwarranted suspicion, however , I say keep him.

P Reed
7/12/2010

Please take a minute to read the article properly. No one is refuting that the CG is doing a great job nor suggesting that he be removed. There are times however when his pronouncements are a bit premature and this leads to people's reputation being tarnished. The "stint" as the Minister puts it of corruption remains because for one there is not big sensational headline in the papers to say this person has been cleared.

7/12/2010

Once the JLP and the PNP both have a problem with the Contractor General I say he must be doing a heck of a job. Some people only talk about stamping out corruption and as soon as they are in power, some old, same old or worse.

Rick Edwards
7/12/2010

Its funny how our politicians are willing to unite around corruption. Very telling indeed.

Island Patriot
7/12/2010

All I have to say is, if they get rid of him whether prematurely, or don't renew his contract, then we ought to vote out the same politicians "prematurely" and get someone better for their contracts. The man is doing an outstanding job, and is the only public officer that I even come close to trusting at this time.

Ramon Castro
7/12/2010

@ George Watson - always wonder why you comments were bias against the JLP. Now I know. Your are PNP supporter. Bunting and Vaz seem to to be saying that both parties are not happy with Christie. They both want to play their dolly house without the being watched. Christie is the one of bright spots in governance in the country. He is fearless, fair and non-political.

Queen B
7/12/2010

To my knowledge he might be the only person right now in JA that will stand up for what he believes in or what should happen when someone breaks the rule/law. I think both parties are scared that they might get caught up in Mr. Christie probe. A lot of these politicians operate businesses that may need to be looked into. I wish we had a few more men or women that can stand up to the bigger heads.

mark jones
7/12/2010

"Information Minister Daryl Vaz said that both the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) government and the Opposition People's National party (PNP) had raised concerns about public pronouncements by Christie"
This sounds to me like Hoour among T_ _ _ _ _ S

john blake
7/12/2010

He should go on the ground of inconsistency. I researched him and found him wanting He use to handle matters under the PNP differently compare to now. Look at the Whitehouse billion dollar matter where he could hardly get information, yet he went on to say that Jamaica got value for money. He overlooked all the conflict of interest involved, plus the insiders issues. He had to be invited by the JLP to look at the Air Jamaica slot issue. He now invites himself in all issues including the LNG ma

Mark Francis
7/12/2010

As i always tell my kids, your action (& demeanor) determines the perception people have of you, it tells people what you are about. Good or bad, you must always be prepared to defend your action.
Mr. Christie we the well-thinking Jamaicans who believe this country of ours can be better are behind you 100%. ALL i strongly suggest we start campaign to keep Mr. Christie in office whether by petition or forcing a change in law to take the power of appointing this office out the hands of Politician

Brad Kerr
7/12/2010

Its not about getting rid of Gregg Christie. It's his approach, it is almost as if he has become bigger than the office he holds. When it becomes about the person as opposed the act then that cant be good. Mr Christie tend to find something under every rock that he looks. Gregg Christies is from all indications an honorable man, but he is given to sensationalism. I am not advocating his departure, just a reevaluation to his approach. This is not about politics, but one's integrity. Fine tuning?

Jaye Stone
7/12/2010

So far our politcal leaders have shown themselves to be "competent and skilled" but most importantly, IN WHAT?
Our citizens take their cue from their superiors, so if we have a government scrupulously striving to avoid corruption, thnk of the effect it could have on our population. Our youth. Even the church would feel shame and start to practice what they preach! An approach like his would definitely filter down into the civil service.
Mr Greg, we are rooting for you!

Task Force
7/12/2010

Mr Editor,
Mr Christie is one of the best people that have help Jamaica in recent years, to reduce public corruption and spot light where taxpayers money is going down the sewer.
Task Force.

Brain Allen
7/12/2010

I dare any politician in Jamaica to touch Christie in anyway shape and form, when you ready try that.

Indomitable Lion
7/12/2010

What will this government think of next? Total Annihilation? Its either them or us, thats the way they want it, then thats the way it is going to be.

Carlos Bryson
7/12/2010

It is the first time Jamaica is having such a position in the public domain. One that cannot be swayed by bribes and that is good. There will be growing pains and like with anything else you have to tweek as you go along. Do not throw out the baby with the bath water.
With Jamaica's poor ranking on the world's corruption index, this is hardly the time to even intimate deleting or watering down the power of this office.
I wish he had the power to enact constitutional reforms.

Peter Lawrence
7/12/2010

Jamaicans are not all that used to fairness and transparency. After all it is plain to see that people got away literally with murder/slavery etc for four hundred years, and NOT EVEN ONE slavemaster or planter was hanged for these crimes. In fact, they got a golden handshake. So i suppose we try to get away with what we can get away with, even murder too. Christie should stay. I have every confidence in his inquisitiveness, probing, and thoroughness. He service has been exemplary.

Real Jamaican
7/12/2010

The best thing for Jamaica right now is for Mr. Christie to form a new party. i would definitely vote for him

Tall Ent.
7/12/2010

Top public servants seem to have more to fear from the political parties who seem to be able to get rid of them on the basis of political whims, than Greg Christie. In other words if I were a public servant I would be more worried about a change of government than of Greg Christie.
To be fair to what Vaz is saying I agree that more of the work of the Contractor General needs to take place in behind the scenes, and only firm conclusions made public (as opposed to preliminary findings).

Stafford Perkins
7/12/2010

One of the few people with any semblance of integrity serving the Jamaica people. What else do you expect from from scoundrels. Like Jaye, I hope he leaves the office and go form a new party. We need a break from the status quo.

Kashmain Wilson
7/12/2010

Why fear Christie ? I would like to see the brave spirit that will not renew is contract. Vaz is just trying to poke holes and corrupt the unblemished image of Christie.
It is not working

G Kendall
7/12/2010

These people are crazy - Mr. Christie doesn't have to power to "lay criminal charges". If he did then most of you in the House would be jailed already. He publishes his findings and then the Criminals in Government and Opposition conspire to say "no criminal act was done". I wish he didn't have to publish his findings to Parliment and could go str8 to the Security forces - but then again the Criminals have made laws to protect them from truth and justice.

Cee Dubya
7/12/2010

I know the board will be combed for this, so get ready to copy and paste. Here's my 2 cents': Pre-emptive PR is a heck of a thing!
.
Long term strategy orchestrated and implemented by those in the background. Good one.
.
Many can't see the forest for the trees, eh?

David Armstrong
7/12/2010

These are the same politicians who cannot condemn and dismantle the garrison constituencies that have corrupted so many of them. Look at the mess they caused by allowing Dudus to become so wealthy and powerful. Now they want to do a hatchet job on Mr. Christie who is a crusader against corruption and unethical practices. What is disturbing is that both parties are always at each other's throat yet this is the one issue they are in agreement on. What a disgraceful bunch of hyporocites.

Barry Brown
7/12/2010

OHe is doing a great job. But has anyone ever been charge? If no one has ever been charged. Then this is just waste the public funds. Making thebpublic aware of follies without any punishment is like water on ducks back. Either put real teeth behind the man or the job or just get rid of the post totally. .

Anthony Clarke
7/12/2010

Mr Christie must be doing a good job if he has the dogs yapping at his heels from both the JLP and the PNP. One cannot imagine any person of integrity fearing entry into public service because there is a vigilant door keeper. I could see potential thieves being cautious because they know they are being policed. Good going Mr Christie.

David Armstrong
7/12/2010

Is this a coincidence or what? You have politicians from both parties raising concerns about the CG not because of his performance but according to the Daryl Vaz because he could be causing "competent and skilled Jamaicans" to think twice before joining the public sector, for fear that their reputation could be damaged beyond repair by his office. Seems to me like the real concern is that the CG is causing corrupt politicians to think twice about engaging in corrupt practices. These corrupt politicians are trying to do a hatchet job on the CG. Mr. Vaz’s statements about Mr. Christie are irresponsible and damaging and also libeling. These corrupt politicians must be exposed and run out of office. All they care about is to maintain the status quo of corruption which breeds crime and make them ineffective in doing the job they were elected to do.

Jaye Stone
7/12/2010

Touch him if you bad. Don't renew his contract. Then he will get the impetus to go and form his own party, giving us for the first time in our history, an honest politician and someone clean and real to vote for. We will stand behind him and give him all our support. We have had enough of charisma, messiahs, "financial wizards" and Joshuas. We are sick and tired of being lied to and our birthright sold off to make the rich richer. So go ahead, get rid of him. Sey fey.

george watson
7/12/2010

Since when has Daryl Vaz become a spokesman for the PNP? If the PNP joins with the JLP in ths foolishness then I will have no alternative but to sever my ties with and support for the PNP. Mr. Christie is doing a good job in exposing wrongdoing in the public sector so why should we want to get rid of him unless we have something to hide?
That is why I have always insisted on systems to govern these politicians. They have no character and no conscience.
I say a pox on both your houses.

froggy D
7/12/2010

Christie is doing a fine job. My worry is that he will throw his hands up and walk away or some grudgeful politician will not renew his contract. Who is there to replace him, who is not a yes man? Government and it agencies need to be watched very carefully, and to do that we need independent minded astute, and strong people. Greg Christe fits that description well, if he wants to let him stay on. We would welcome that.

Hunter Hearst
7/12/2010

Of course the comments make sense: criticise the ONE person who seems untouched by corruption and attacks it with a vengeance that the island needs? Mr. Christie does an excellent job and his service is badly needed. Why would you want him out of office if you have nothing to hide?

Hunter Hearst
7/12/2010

Of course the comments make sense: criticise the ONE person who seems untouched by corruption and attacks it with a vengeance that the island needs? Mr. Christie does an excelent job and his service is badly needed. Why would anyone want him out of office if there is nothing to hide?

yardie in exile
7/12/2010

bwoy, people can chat rubbish eeh? who are these "competent and skilled" Jamaicans who so badly want to serve but think twice about doing so for fear that if dem corrupt, greg christie a go ketch dem?
no mr vaz, we nuh bodda want dem to "serve" us!! Jamaica have enough of that kind of service! we need people who not only play by the rules, but also see the need for transparency in all areas of government. If a person is corrupt in any way they must be made to feel very uncomfortable in our govt

C. Brown
7/12/2010

Vaz, speak for yourself. Leave Mr. Christie alone. He is the only one able to police the untouchables (politicians) without prejudice or fear. If we had more people with his integrity serving Jamaica, we would be far more advanced as a people and a country. Only those with something to hide are threatened by Mr. Christie. The government need to start implementing the recommendations from the office of the contractor general, if it intends to stomp out corruption…

ESTEBAN AGOSTO REID
7/12/2010

Contractor General Christie is doing an excellent job, please leave him alone !!

Dwight Pringle
7/12/2010

He is the only beacon of light in government that the Jamaican people have to inform us when corruption rear is ugly head. He is not intimidated at shining his flash light on the corrupt politicians of both political parties, the JLP and PNP. Yes Christie should be kept until Jesus returns.

C M
7/12/2010

If people are honest and forthright, there should not be any fear about serving their country, the ones that shy away, are the ones that do not mean to serve honestly, looking for instant wealth in whatever areas it can be found..Christi's contract should be renewed..continue to let the public know what is going on.

Chuck Emanuel
7/12/2010

Being "competent and skilled" is not enough. People, or Persons must have integrity and abide by the rule of law.

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