The Editor, Sir:

I note with dismay, today, August 4, 2007, that there is an announcement in the print media that the National Debate Commision-sponsored debate between Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Opposition Leader Bruce Golding to be held on Saturday evening, August 11, has Mr. Ian Boyne as moderator.

I am very much saddened by this as I see a potential conflict of interest. I do not know for sure the politics of Mr. Boyne, but what I do know is he is one of Mrs. Simpson Miller's speech writers and a high-ranking executive at Jamaica Information Service, the official mouthpiece of the Government.

Inherent bias

His close association with the government agency and Mrs. Simpson Miller will detract from the debate and gives the perception of an inherent bias. People are going to raise eyebrows and question the motive of Mr. Boyne should he stop or prematurely cut Mr. Golding's presentation.

It also will promote negative speculation, inferences and innuendoes as giving the Prime Minister an advantage of knowledge aforethought with respect to the questions to be asked on the night.

Mr. Boyne is an excellent media person having the longest running show on local television, 'Profile' and the new 'Religious Hard Talk' that is gaining traction. His background seems impeccable, but for thesake of transparency, I think he should be removed so that people looking on will have one less thing to talk about and it will at the same time preserve his integrity.

I think there are other eminently qualified persons who are not overtly attached to or have any leanings to any political party who could substitute for Mr. Boyne.

I am, etc.,

MICHAEL JOHNSON

Kingston 20

Via Go-Jamaica

mikesdogma@lycos.com