THE EDITOR, Sir:IN RESPONSE to a statement published in Friday's Gleaner, The Farquharson Institute of Public Affairs states emphatically that contrary to the Prime Minister's declaration, we have never called for the resignation of the Finance Minister. Our written release to the media simply asked the Prime Minister to state whether he thought his appointed Minister of Finance should, in view of his admitted mishandling of the country's finances, continue in office.
We have now got that answer, but we think it unwarranted that the response should include an attack upon the structure, membership and motives of our organisation. The Institute has an unchallenged record of public service and has made a balanced and positive contribution to progressive thinking over the past 86 years.
The Prime Minister's attack is indicative of the inherent conceit and arrogance of some of those elected to be our servants. Effectively, the country is ruled by the dictates of a handful of persons meeting weekly at Jamaica House. This is allowed by the present Constitution, which also gives to every individual citizen the right to freedom of expression and the right to "-hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference-"
The Farquharson Institute will not be deterred by the threat implied in the reference to Mussolini. In fact we have no troops, but this intemperate assault on citizens seeking to exercise their civic responsibilities will be resisted. We will not be silenced or intimidated by the Government; and instead will call upon defenders of democracy worldwide to take note of the direction in which Jamaica is being taken.
I am etc.,
KEN JONES
General Secretary
Farquharson Institute of Public Affairs
