Commending Mr Emil George

THE EDITOR, Sir:

Mr Emil George has come under much fire for his handling of the Dudus-Manatt commission of enquiry. Some people comment that he was not forceful enough in exercising control over some of the happenings during the enquiry.

It was very important for this enquiry to be chaired by someone who was not strongly political or partisan. Fortunately for Mr George, he has come out of this enquiry untarnished by accusations of partisan bias. This is commendable for a man who, throughout his life, has always exercised a high level of decorum, respect for others, and an unquestionable demeanour of decency. Here is a man who has served as chairman for some very high-profile companies in Jamaica, with distinguished persons on those boards. He was now faced with having to deal with situations that, in some instances, had flashes of a dancehall show.

respect for others not important

We now live in a world in which, it seems, respect for others, no matter what the circumstance may be, is no longer important. And yet, in Jamaica, the situation that evokes many unfavourable reactions is the acknowledgement, "Di man diss me!"

Hugh Small and Frank Phipps, two of the most brilliant lawyers this country has ever had, like Emil George, because of the dignified demeanour in which they have won numerous cases, found it quite difficult to adopt the 'dancehall' stance in this enquiry.

The 'political' platform that this event provided for Mr Knight was good for the revival of his political and legal career. He seems to know exactly what makes the show exciting. He is now known in some quarters as 'Star Boy'. Some people seemed to have forgotten that this was an enquiry, not a trial, and near to the end, even applauded at typical dancehall expressions such as: "I have turned off my mic; you will see just the spike. I have ended my show, so you can pack up and go."

Prime Minister Bruce Golding has humbled himself by authorising this enquiry and subjecting himself to some harsh questioning. It is quite likely that he will be the beneficiary of the maxim: "He who humbles himself will be exalted."

I am, etc.,

THOMAS JAMES

T_james@cwjamaica.com