Can we take Golding seriously?

THE EDITOR, Sir:

Sometimes I am not sure which Bruce Golding will pop up next. Will he be for or against:

Garrisons? He set up a garrison and turned his back on it when he saw the light. He then seemed to lose the light when he returned to represent the garrison that was the template for all other garrisons.

Dons? For nine months, he defied the United States (US) demand to extradite Christopher 'Dudus' Coke for gunrunning and drug- trafficking. He declared that the minister would lose her job if she signed the warrant. Then, almost overnight, he gave in to the US demand, apologised for defending Coke and required the minister of justice to sign the extradition warrant.

Tivoli Gardens? He was quiet when the people who voted him into office illegally blocked off Tivoli Gardens. Then he sent security forces to occupy Tivoli Gardens to remove roadblocks and capture Coke. He said he directed the security forces to avoid casualties and uphold rights of innocent citizens. However, he seems quiet on the steps that will be taken to discipline those who did not follow his instructions.

Transparency? He campaigned on transparency and was once a talk-show host. However, he was silent when the security forces strictly controlled news of Tivoli Gardens. In addition, he refused to allow media to accompany him when he visited Tivoli Gardens after the incursion.

Expenditure? He could find no money in the Budget to pay teachers, police personnel, or civil servants. However, he has apparently found money in the Budget to compensate all those whose property was damaged in the incursion he ordered.

Separation of powers? He was a firm believer that that the judiciary should act independently of the executive. Yet, he is proposing anti-crime bills in which the executive dictates to the judiciary on matters of bail and sentencing.

Human rights? He stood up for the right to liberty of an individual charged with committing transnational crimes. Yet, he proposed anti-crime laws that would deprive individuals of the right to liberty, even when they are not charged with any crime.

Jamaica's economy and reputation have taken a battering while Golding moves between opposing positions. If he expects to be taken seriously as a leader again, he needs to decide who he truly is. And let us know. Soon.

I am, etc;

Yvonne McCalla Sobers

sobersy@yahoo.com