The Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC) has followed, with deep disappointment, the reports of apparent mismanagement, malfeasance and misconduct at one of our nation’s critical State entities, Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica, and its subsidiary, Petrojam Limited. We hail those who have assisted in bringing these matters to the public’s attention, especially the auditor general and her team, and urge them to remain focused in their quest for a better Jamaica.

This saga could become the tipping point in our quest as a nation to develop and embrace an impartial and robust framework of accountability.

Over the years, similar incidents have only resulted in assurances by both political parties that they will act decisively in stemming this cancer only for things to remain the same with the passage of time. In the instant case, the JCC notes the prime minister’s intervention and welcomes the ordering of a forensic investigation.

It is our view that many Jamaicans, particularly our young people, who have disengaged from our political life, need more than just investigations, which could lead to individuals not being held accountable as a result of some legal or bureaucratic loophole. Our sense is that a growing number of Jamaicans are of the view that our public servants, especially those elected by the people of Jamaica, ought to be held to a very high standard and where they have violated that trust then they should be held accountable.

The JCC posits that were our existing laws to take their course and the relevant persons in this saga made to account, then that shall assist in rebuilding public trust. Indeed, let’s seize this moment as an opportunity for the dawning of a new day when we, citizens, leaders and institutions order our affairs by probity, transparency, accountability and efficiency.

Rev Gary Harriott is general secretary of the Jamaica Council of Churches. Send comments to the Observer or gensec.jcc@gmail.com.