Higher standards needed for public officials - KD

THE UPPER House of Parliament yesterday approved the report of a joint select committee which reviewed Jamaica's defamation laws.

However, debate on the far-reaching recommendations, which will shape Jamaica's defamation laws, did not take place without controversy.

Opposition Senator K.D. Knight argued that public officials should be held to a higher standard under the defamation laws.

Knight said he was struggling to accept the presumption of a good reputation for public officials.

According to the senior lawmaker, public officials sometimes get away with certain forms of behaviour because media houses are afraid to publish information that may leave them open to lawsuits.

"They mislead, they lie, and they are corrupt in the use of their power. Why should we accord public officials the same treatment as the average citizen when these are the persons in authority?" Knight questioned.

- Edmond Campbell