It's about more than James Robertson

This newspaper makes no comment about the merits of the allegations against the mining and energy minister, James Robertson, of which Prime Minister Golding conceded that he is disturbed.

Ian Johnson, a former Jamaica Labour Party activist in Mr Robertson's West St Thomas constituency, has accused the MP and JLP deputy leader of fomenting violence against opponents and even recalcitrant supporters as well as soliciting murder.

Whether or not they believe the specific allegations, which Mr Robertson calls "wicked lies", there are many Jamaicans who are inclined to give Mr Johnson a hearing. For they know too well of the nasty underbelly of Jamaican politics: of its cosiness with criminals and enforcers, who have murdered and maimed thousands of their fellow citizens. This politics of violence contributes to a wider criminality that gives Jamaica one of the world's highest homicide rates.

Clearly, these allegations demand serious and thorough investigation. If mischief is afoot against Mr Robertson, he deserves to have his name cleared.

But in a broader context, this issue is about more than the allegations against James Robertson. It is another opportunity to focus, attack and seek to root out the vile side of Jamaican politics. We shouldn't waste it.

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