THE EDITOR, Sir:
I COMMENT on an article entitled "Bruce under fire", published in your issue of May 6 2004. The fact is, Mr. Golding, as Party Chairman speaks for the Party and is therefore entitled to articulate any party policy or position on any portfolio. This position however, places on him the responsibility of ensuring that when he speaks his pronouncements indeed reflect party policy arrived at by consensus, particularly on sensitive matters.
The Press Statement, which I issued in response to the Prime Minister's letter to the Director of Public Prosecutions, made the following observations:
1. The fact that neither the Jamaica Labour Party nor the Members of Parliament have ever collectively expressed the view or taken a decision that the Director of Public Prosecutions should present to Parliament information concerning the activities of the Office of Public Prosecutions.
2. That if the problem is with the performance of the present Director of Public Prosecutions the correct procedure must be that the Prime Minister carries out his duties as provided by Section 96 (6) of the Constitution of Jamaica. Under that Section the Prime Minister is empowered to advise the Governor-General to appoint a tribunal to enquire into whether the Director of Public Prosecutions should be removed from office for inability to discharge the functions of his office.
3. That the solution to the great concern about the manner in which the office of the Director off Public Prosecutions is operating lies in the Prime Minister giving effect to and not corrupting the provisions of the Constitution.
4. That there was concern with regard to the Judiciary reporting to Parliament. The Judiciary's voluntary action in so reporting severely affects the appearance of its independence by conveying the impression that the Supreme Court believes it is answerable to Parliament, thereby blurring the lines of demarcation between the Judiciary, the Executive and the Legislature.
Finally, the media should desist from conveying the erroneous view that when members of the Jamaica Labour Party do not share identical views this is an indication of disunity within the Party. I can assure the public that if Bruce and I, or Karl and I, or Pearnel and I, or any of my colleagues and I do not see eye to eye on everything it does not mean we are enemies or adversaries. It is simply an indication that the party is comprised of dynamic thinkers who are prepared to argue with each other as we seek to arrive at what is best for our people.
I am, etc.,
ABE DABDOUB
abedabdoub@yahoo.com
Gordon House, Duke Street
Via Go-Jamaica
