The Editor, Sir:

The results of a poll published in one of our local newspapers showed that a significant percentage of those polled agreed that the Trafigura whistle-blower should be punished, a view which is shared by an equally significant number of individuals in 'high society'.

Whistle-blowers are, in effect, informants and as part of ghetto culture goes, 'informer fi dead'. Is it any wonder that the police are not receiving information on crimes committed in broad daylight in the presence of dozens of witnesses? Aren't we re-enforcing the 'informer fi dead' culture? Haven't we realised that there is a serious price to pay for keeping quiet. Just look at the inner-city 'wall of silence' and the ensuing violence and fear, loss of loved ones and abandoned homes.

The only fault that I find attributable to the whistle-blower is that the information was given to the Opposition. We all know that the Opposition's sole intent is to gain as much political mileage as possible from the information supplied, but will stop far short of what is really needed to prevent such a situation from reccurring as any decisions made in this regard will affect not only the ruling party but also the Opposition themselves.

An oversight body totally independent of the government and armed with accompanying enforceable acts, should be established to deal with any such problem. Then our friendly neighbourhood whistleblower would have no reason to go to the Opposition. The problem is that the rules of these acts will more than likely be openly flouted by our politicians as are others e.g. Section 4 of the Parliament (Integrity of Members) Act.

I am, etc.,

EBON X

Kingston