A smear campaign

The Editor, Sir:

I read with great disappointment the front-page story of The Sunday Gleaner of October 24 where attempts were made to suggest that my wife and I were involved in a housing development project that flouted the legal standards set for such real-estate developments.

I want to make it absolutely clear that I am not in any way involved in the real-estate project referred to in The Gleaner. I have no interest, or seek to gain directly from the project. Nor have I ever used my office to secure any favourable treatment for the project. My wife, who is a real-estate developer in her own right, was contracted by the developers of this project as a project manager when the owner and developer fell ill. The extent of her responsibilities lies purely in the daily management of the project. Approvals and interface with government agencies remain the responsibility of the developer and their lawyers. As far as I am aware, the developers have been working with the respective agencies to adhere to the letter of law.

I can only conclude that this was a deliberate attempt to smear my name and reputation and to block the development. The story itself gives no evidence of any corruption, illegality, or shady dealings. It presented no evidence that I have direct or financial interest in the project, yet the newspaper has sought to suggest that this is the case. Housing developments are always fraught with special-interest conflicts which are normally resolved in the courts or through commercial negotiations. They are private commercial matters, and rarely get front-page treatment.

No commercial pursuits

I have given my life to public service, which means that as a minister of government, I have to forgo involvement in commercial pursuits. My wife is an independent, hard-working Jamaican woman who has always led an exemplary life. The only reason why this matter is given any attention is because, it would appear, she has the misfortune of being married to a political figure. I have always sought to shield my family from the vagaries of the career I chose, but Sunday's article represents a new low in political attacks against me.

It also shows a new trend in media where the principles of good journalism are being sacrificed for a sensational headline.

The media have a duty to pursue the truth. The truth does not lie in innuendoes, hearsay, suggestions, and the rush for a headline on slow news days. The truth lies in investigations and double-checking the source of information.

I am, etc.,

ANDREW HOLNESS

Kingston