Falconer ... made an important contribution-Contributed

The Editor, Sir:

I sat in the gallery of Gordon House last Friday as the Senate met and was disappointed at the behaviour of some of the senators who were rowdy and disruptive. Senators should be allowed to make their presentations with little disruptions. Personal attacks are unbecoming and it is little wonder that so many people are turned off by the uncouth behaviour of some of our leaders who should be setting an example.

On the debate, I agree with some of the issues brought forward by members on both sides. The Government, in my opinion, is quite within its right to invite the Dutch Government here to investigate and prosecute Trafigura if necessary, as long as the rights of our citizens are protected. But my question is, how is that going to help us in Jamaica prevent corruption and the breach of the rule of law? There should be an additional course of action to investigate the matter at the local level thoroughly, and those found guilty of any wrongdoing must be prosecuted.

banking breaches affect us

As an ordinary Jamaican, I believe the most important point was made by the young Opposition Senator, Sandrea Falconer. The breach of our banking regulations is what affects us as Jamaicans the most. I have to agree with her that Mr. Golding's assertion that he divulged the privileged information in the national interest is ridiculous. As she rightly says, if that is the case, then anyone can break the law and say it is in the national interest. In that case, we would have anarchy in this country.

There are laws in place that enable government agencies to detect and prevent money laundering and other crimes. Financial institutions must educate their employees, understand their customers and their businesses and have systems in place to distinguish routine transactions from ones that rise to the level of suspicious activity. It is the responsibility of the financial institutions to report these transactions to the responsible agencies for them to take action.

Privacy and confidentiality are important elements of banking relationships. When acting as a fiduciary, banks have a responsibility and an ethical obligation to uphold customer confidentiality.

As an ordinary citizen I want to know that whenever I do business with my bank, it is confidential. None of us would do business with any financial institution if we thought that our transactions would be made public. Everyone should enjoy that right.

I am, etc.,

OLIVER JAMES STEWART

Kingston