THE EDITOR, Sir:ON ANY controversial matter involving the state, this government has mastered the art of diverting attention from the real issues, when those issues are likely to expose its weaknesses and the quality of its governance.
Time and time again, we are told to raise the debate above politics and seek consensus in the national interest.
We are told that an issue is not about politics, even when all the decisions leading to the controversy are taken, supervised or regulated at the governmental level. This is rubbish!
ACTS OF WASTE
In determining the quality of the stewardship of this administration, acts of waste and corruption cannot be isolated from policy announcements involving user fee impositions, tax increases or cut backs in basic government services.
These cannot and should not be treated as unrelated issues.
If there were no Operation Pride scandal, Netserv scandal, Sandals White House scandal and NSWMA scandal (just to name a few), there would be enough of our taxes available to ensure that gullies are cleaned and user fees at hospitals and schools are eliminated.
FINSAC, and the related debt burden, might not have been a reality if this government did not pursue the reckless high interest rate policy during the early 1990s, while not ensuring that the regulatory framework worked to prevent breaches of the law.
It is because of the high debt burden why our schools, police stations and hospitals lack basic amenities and supplies, and why our teachers, policemen, nurses and doctors cannot be adequately compensated.
In short, we cannot and should not separate the politics from the policy.
EXPOSING INCONSISTENCIES
The Opposition cannot be timid about exposing these inconsistencies. Indeed, we would do a disservice to ourselves and future generations if we did.
At the same time, if Mr. Patterson is truly interested in securing a credible legacy for himself and his administration, let the consensus begin by accepting, as most of us have, that acts of waste and corruption in government are real and excessive and must be addressed by making those responsible accountable while preventing similar future breaches.
I am, etc.,
CHRISTOPHER TUFTON
Senator
Black River
St. Elizabeth
