Dear Editor,

Mr Émil George has come under much fire for his handling of the Dudus/Manatt Commission of Enquiry. Some people comment that he was not forceful enough in exercising control over some of the happenings during the enquiry.

It was very important for this enquiry to be chaired by someone who was not strongly political or partisan. Fortunately for Mr George, he has come out of this enquiry untarnished by accusations of partisan bias. This is commendable for a man who throughout his life has always exercised a high level of decorum, respect for others and an unquestionable demeanour of decency.

Here is a man who has served as chairman for some very high-profile companies in Jamaica, with distinguished people on those boards. He was now faced with having to deal with situations that in some instances were flashes of a “dancehall show”. We now live in a world in which it seems that respect for others, no matter what the circumstance may be, is no longer important. And yet in Jamaica the situation that evokes many unfavourable reactions is the acknowledgement that “di man diss me!” “Diss”, as you know, means disrespect.

Two of the most brilliant lawyers this country has ever had, Hugh Small and Frank Phipps – because of the dignified demeanour in which they have won numerous cases – like Émil George found it difficult to adopt the dancehall stance in this enquiry.

The platform that this event provided for Mr Knight might well do wonders for his political and legal career. He seemed to know exactly what made “the show” exciting. He is now known in some quarters as “Star Boy”. Some people seemed to have forgotten that this was an enquiry and not a trial, and near the end even applauded at expressions like “I have turned off my mike; you will see just the spike. I have ended my show, so you can pack up and go.”

Prime Minister Bruce Golding has humbled himself by authorising this enquiry and subjecting himself to some harsh questioning. It is quite likely that he will be the beneficiary of the maxim: “He who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Thomas James

T_james@cwjamaica.com