Dear Editor,

Often I wonder about politicians.

After the Integrity Commission (IC) issued its report after a three-year-long investigation into the multiple contracts offered to Market Me, a marketing firm operated by his friend, Minister of Health and Wellness Christopher Tufton, according to reports, says he is relieved and “pleased” that the IC investigations found no illegality in the arrangement.

But, as far as I am concerned, illegality was never the issue. The issue was about conflict of interest.

The IC report indicated that the 15 contracts awarded primarily by the Ministry of Health and Wellness were done in an irregular manner. This is nothing to be pleased about. The contracts we understand were valued at just under $80 million. According to the IC report, Minister Tufton told staff that Market Me should be involved in all public relations matters related to him. Obviously this is not illegal, but it could be seen as questionable since it involves public funds. What was so special about this company besides his close connection to the owner?

In his response, Tufton said, “The commission’s findings have helped to clarify the facts and put to rest years of speculation, allowing the public to have a clear and accurate understanding of the matter.”

In the court of public opinion it was always about conflict of interest, which is nothing to be pleased about. I would’ve preferred an acknowledgement of lapse in judgement and implementation of improved processes of control to prevent it from happening again.

P Chin

chin_p@yahoo.com