THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE MINISTER of Finance, Dr. Omar Davies, speaking at the launch of the revised staff orders for civil servants, addressed the matter of ethics and accountability. He pointed out that in the next revision the matters of performance and criteria for promotion need to be addressed. He said this against the background of the need for accountability in the service offered by civil servants.
While some will argue that the Minister should adopt these principles for himself it cannot be denied that the challenge is timely, given the level of corporate fraud both locally and internationally. Matters of accountability are not just for politicians and civil servants, they are also for Christians.
As a Christian, I was very alarmed to read, in the Gleaner publication of August 1, the two accounts of gospel concerts being terminated prematurely. The Noise Abatement Act is not just meant for dancehall and soca parties, it is designed to enable our citizens, especially the elderly, the sick and children to rest and sleep at nights.
While it is accepted that the proceeds from at least one of the concerts was for a well-deserved charity, the well-being of a few should in no way cause disruption in the life of the majority.
We are quick to call politicians, like the Finance Minister, to accountability when they blunder. Christians, even when engaging in good causes, have no right to break the law unless such law, like slavery, is deemed to be unjust. Let us, therefore, practise the justice for all that we preach. Christians should be working to build up the community and not seek to disturb the life of the many for the sake of a few.
I am, etc.,
GARTH MINOTT
Gminot1@hotmail.com
