KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) has called for “transparency” in the selection of a new Contractor General after Greg Christie demits office.

“The selection of a successor should be in accordance with the way Mr Christie has conducted his duties for the past seven years — with transparency,” the JFJ said in a release today.

Transparency is one of the hallmarks of any democracy and at this point in Jamaica’s development it is not acceptable that we should awake to an unexpected announcement of a new Contractor General, the human rights watchdog group argued.

According to JFJ, Christie has been “a strong figure, occupying a powerful post, in an office integral to Jamaica’s fight against corruption”.

JFJ said it expects that Christie’s chosen successor will honour the post, just as he has done.

Against this background JFJ is urging the Governor General in consultation with the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition to use a transparent approach in appointing a new Contractor General including the advertising of the post; detailing of qualifications and experience being sought; a process of selecting shortlisted candidates; and possibly presenting these shortlisted applicants in Parliament for review.

Christie, the incumbent Contractor General demits office in a few months.