Ken Jones, Contributor

Jones

The Prime Minister has introduced a new procedure by which policy decisions of government, instead of flowing directly from Cabinet to the media, will first be brought to the attention of the Members of Parliament to whom both he and his appointed ministers are fully responsible. This may seem to be a plain, straightforward act; yet, as we are seeing, it can easily be twisted into a corkscrew to pull the plug on reason and good sense.

It is not difficult to explain the Opposition's antagonistic stance, bearing in mind that they have yet to familiarise themselves with the responsibilities of their role. They are still so discombobulated by defeat that they even reject the idea of their own MPs getting important government information for their constituents on a timely basis. On the other hand, one must marvel and be disturbed when media personnel and the person allowed to speak for that profession appear to be striking an adversarial posture against a move designed to strengthen parliamentary democracy and structure a more orderly procedure for disseminating the news and views of government.

In changing the format and timing of post-Cabinet press conferences the Prime Minister has made a powerful and necessary step to enhance the authority, respectability and effectiveness of the people's Parliament. The practice of Cabinet discussing its deliberations with the media even before giving a report to Members of Parliament is pure arrogance; and it has contributed much to diminish the esteem in which Parliament should be held. It is entirely wrong and at variance with the Constitution, which clearly shows that the Cabinet is a creature of the Prime Minister who is himself appointed on the authority of Parliament.

Section 69 (2) of the Constitution states: "The Cabinet shall be the principal instrument of policy, charged with the general direction and control of the Government of Jamaica and shall be collectively responsible therefor to Parliament." Cabinet is not a self-appointed group operating in its own behalf; and it should not purposely and persistently act independently of those who put the power into their hands. In our form of democracy Cabinet has a responsibility to Parliament and should at the very least demonstrate a measure of regard and respect for the people's elect.

It is not right that our elected representatives should have to be searching newspapers and listening to radio stations in order to have early knowledge about important government decisions. It is time that we change the policy by which major decisions, important public works and big contracts are announced without the prior knowledge of Parliament.

It is one bad mistake when the Cabinet treats Parliament as a poor relation. It is also a terrible miscalculation for people in the media to consider that their right to government information is more urgent than that of the people's representatives. Editors and reporters do have an important role to play in facilitating communication between Parliament and citizens; and in carrying out this function they are entitled to reasonable access to information. This is best done with respect for protocol and priorities; and it is not, as the PNP seems to think, a wicked attempt at concealment if the media's question-time is set for a day or two after Members of Parliament are properly advised.

These erratic interpretations and ill-considered pronouncements are part of that malignant growth resulting from years and years of malpractices in governance. So awful has it been, that misconduct has become ingrained, it is now easy to accept the undesirable as the norm, and mediocrity is the standard by which most public affairs are judged. Happily, some brave souls are standing up for what is right and Prime Minister Golding, in this matter, is showing signs of maturity, respect for good order and due regard for constituted authority.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Accustomed as we are to chicanery in high places, Jamaicans, even in unlikely places, have raised questions about Senator Wehby's link, or former link, with GraceKennedy. They find it hard to believe that a gentleman or lady would choose to serve this country without thinking of private, personal gain for self or former company. Truth to tell, GraceKennedy, with its distinguished record of international success, would have precious little to gain by learning about the PNP's formula for financial failure. If they were foolish enough to copy that system we can imagine what the outcome would be. Conversely, Jamaica should feel blessed that brilliant local talent, such as Mr. Wehby's, has been made available to help deliver us from the mire into which we have been led.

Jamaicans have less to fear from our successful entrepreneurs than we have from the shady characters who often attach themselves to ministers, receive large contracts without bidding and contribute money and muscle to possibly influence official operations. I'd feel more at ease seeing ministers in company with legitimate investors and job creators than to watch the disgusting spectacle of 'honourable' men mourning the death of criminals and paying respect at their funerals. I'd rather see Jamaican big business visiting Jamaica House to discuss the progress of the economy than to hear of the leading Trafiguran hugging the Prime Minister before donating millions of dollars to the governing party's slush fund, under the guise of a dubious contract with a minister.

conflict of interest

I have no quarrel with those whose genuine desire is to ensure that parliamentarians observe the rules against 'conflict of interest'. But they should not pretend that some great wrong, some huge immorality has taken place with the appointment of a person with connections to business.

In 1994, when it was discovered that Peter Bunting, director of Dehring, Bunting and Golding; Colin Campbell, director of Communications Services Ltd., and Roger Clarke had connections that could be construed as conflict of interest, their names were not dragged in the mud. Instead, the PNP's House Leader, Seymour Mullings, sought and got approval for all three to be exempted from vacating their seats because of business relationship with the Government.

So, what we need now is not to raise a cloud of suspicion over the heads of successful business people seeking to serve the country, but to devise rules and procedures to quickly and severely punish all those who defile the Oath of Office and betray the trust reposed in them.

Ken Jones is a veteran journalist and general secretary of the Farquharson Institute of Public Affairs. He may be reached at alllerdyce@hotmail.com