Dear Editor,

I am exceptionally happy to learn that Jamaica has an “Accountability Meter Portal (JAMP)”.

Finally, something to hold these cunning politicians to account.

I have a few questions, though. First, who in the People’s National Party (PNP) came up with such a brilliant idea?

Second, how is it that this was not developed long before now? More to the point, why was it not used to measure the PNP when they were in office?

And, finally, do they really expect Jamaicans to buy into this concept?

If there is one thing the PNP has working in its favour it is its incredibly organised political machinery and “ideas mill”, and were this JAMP not just one of the PNP’s political tools masquerading as a legitimate, independent, and objective body, it could have the capacity to have some real impact.

Referencing the ongoing issue of the prime minister being misquoted, and to whom he is accountable, the “executive director” of the so-called accountability meter concedes that the prime minister did not, in fact, say he doesn’t answer to the political ombudsman. She goes on, however, to say that, in his own diplomatic way, that is exactly what the prime minister said. It seems even she is confused by all the ‘counterfeit’ news circulating about the matter.

Clearly neither she nor any of the columnists who have been wielding their righteous pens, including Linton P Gordon and Canute Thompson, have bothered to listen to the tape. It is either that or they felt that the prime minister’s comment were some sort of creative piece which was subject to interpretation, and therefore no interpretation is incorrect.

In any event, what these people have in common is a certain level of ignorance which, in the age of technology, when information can easily be verified, seems to be quite deliberate and intentional. For them ignorance is absolute bliss.

Under the cloak of ignorance they are justified in issuing scathing rebukes to the prime minister and are most shamefully presented with the platform upon which to spread untruths. It is most unfortunate and, opinion or not, care must be taken by the media not to misrepresent any subject or subject matter.

Shalom Grey

shalomgrey2@gmail.com