Mark Wignall | Who should we believe?

“The PM has further IC troubles with real property that was not built in compliance with the law. His response; he is being victimised by the Integrity Commission (IC). Does the prime minister (PM) ever accept responsibility for his actions? Your December 16 column was interesting. Your words led me to believe you are struggling whether to believe the PM. You want to, but there are too many questions,” said a reader practising law for 35 years.

A few months ago, a person deep inside the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and close to the executive told me that while he believes that the PM should be given a pass by those who may be tempted to label him as corrupt, the PM ought to accept that, because he does so much micromanaging, the label has been scripted by his own doing.

“What do you mean by micromanaging?” I asked.

“I mean he sits in front of the computer and tries to construct his financial situation when he should be consulting with and utilising a financial specialist.”

“So, why do you believe he does that? Does he not trust the specialists employed to the Office of the Prime Minister or those he could draw on from the private sector?”

“You have me in a bind. Honestly, I don’t know.”

My lawyer friend continued: “After reading the IC report, I conclude the PM was disingenuous with many of his responses. He was evasive, and he has engaged in activity that is unbecoming to himself and his family. Simply put, he is short on providing us with answers that are necessary for the moment. He has fallen short of the real purpose as to what is needed to be PM of all of Jamaica. He can cry all he wants to; his actions need explanations.”

For comparison, let us stare across the political fence. How is it that the leader of the opposition, Mr Golding, a man of wealth, has first, timely filed his IC declarations, and second, the IC has no questions, concerns or doubt about Mr Golding’s filings? The filing process is not that hard. It is not quantum mechanics. One doesn’t have to like Golding’s politics to state that.

Review all your assets and declare them. If in doubt, declare. If you do not understand what is required, seek competent advice.

The veteran attorney said, “The complaining of being victimised and the orchestra of fellow party members who attack the IC are all distractions and smoke screens. Note the IC took the step of engaging foreign financial experts to analyse the PM’s finances. Those experts gave their advice and input to the report. I think the IC did that for two reasons. One, they were concerned if they used local talent, someone might ‘talk’ (nothing is secret in Jamaica) and the PM would be informed as to the proceedings. Second, the IC wanted to be very sure as to its conclusions.”

CHILLING

Last Tuesday, a man returns to Jamaica via commercial aircraft. He leaves the airport in Kingston and the car he is travelling in is shot up before he even travels a few miles, and he is in Jamaica for a very short time. Chilling. Obviously, he was being tracked closely. How did the killers know he cleared customs and immigration and was in a car travelling on the road? It cannot be left out of the equation that someone in immigration and customs was involved. Detectives cannot rule out the likelihood that police officers may have carried out the hit.

Big question: Is the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) up to fighting such sophisticated crime? That hit was like in a James Bond movie. Criminals have upped their game.

A few years ago, I visited a mansion near to the government’s protocol house close to Claremont, St Ann. The roads in the district were almost as horrible as the state of roads in Jamaica today. Then I spoke with a few bigwigs and suggested to them that they had the power to trigger almost immediate road repairs in the area.

One said. “You have to know and see the bigger picture. The bad roads significantly hinder the exit of any miscreants who may be tempted to enter the area. Plus, just about all of us are armed.”

HORRIFIC

Barbara Gayle, the veteran Gleaner reporter, friend and mentor to many was slaughtered in her home, in a gated community in St Catherine. Caribbean Estates is not exactly Gully Bank Heaven. It is a place where many Jamaicans would like to entertain friends and have a Sunday evening laugh and talk.

That’s another murder added to the over 1,000 murders committed this year. The JCF is touting that, so far, murders are down 18 per cent from last year. The year is not over. Second, this year, multiple shootings/murders have increased. Third, and most seriously, who really feels safe in Jamaica, except the the rich and political class who have bodyguards? Crime has not been tamed. The JCF touting an 18% reduction in the total number of murders is a fool’s errand.

The JCF ought to know that many support its crimefighting efforts. But it also knows that there are warts and boils in the system. Of course, our people exist here with daily trauma. Taxi drivers trying to kill themselves and their passengers and the rest of us trying to avoid them.

The Christmas holidays will not blunt our enjoyment simply because we are strong people. Enjoy the Christmas and love each other more. Next year has to be a better time. If we fight for this great land.

Mark Wignall is a political and public affairs analyst. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and mawigsr@gmail.com