Give people say in picking future custodes
Published:Saturday | February 11, 2012 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
The swearing in of Sally Porteous as custos rotulorum of Manchester on Wednesday, February 1 puts paid to all the hassle and acrimony surrounding the appointment.
We need to do two things: wish the new custos success in her tenure, and to seek closure to this bitterly contested event.
The justices of peace of Manchester know that their commission to service, and their oath of allegiance, are to Jamaica, not to any individual. They must reconcile themselves to that fact, and get on with the task ahead.
We must examine the lessons learnt to avoid repetition in Manchester or in any other parish in Jamaica. Unless we address the issues now, the matter will come back to haunt us.
The first issue has to do with the prime minister's prerogative to name a candidate for appointment, and especially how this is handled. The people want not only to have a voice, but to be 'the voice' in decision making.
REVIEW GUIDELINES
The selection of a custos is a people event: and the people seek to be involved! Our lawmakers will, therefore, need to review the relevant guidelines to establish appropriate protocol to be observed in the selection of a candidate to be appointed custos. Such a guideline will indicate that the office of custos rotulorum is not a partisan political issue, and is not reward for political activism.
Rather, it should be in recognition of voluntarism demonstrated by the nominee and of impeccable character reference: and of absolute impartiality in dealing with the people. The nominee ought to be a JP with much experience.
The selection process, therefore, ought to involve groups, organisations and clubs, making their voice heard through a non-political channel, such as the resident magistrate for the relevant parish.
The prime minister, in his/her discretion, may invite such nominees to an interview, and make a final determination. If the prime minister rejects all such nominees, other nominees 'from the people' should be required.
Another collateral matter has to do with appointing an acting custos when there is a clear vacancy. No aspirant or potential nominee should be invited to act, as it sends a message of preferment which may cause gross disappointment!
HERBERT L. BROWN, JP
Former Acting Custos,
Manchester