The Editor, Sir:

Until your editorial of today (October 8, 2008), I was troubled by the interpretation by the press of the ludicrous positions put forth by the minister of finance and the prime minister in the contractor general affair. I was beginning to wonder if they had bought the Government's baseless positions hook, line and sinker.

It is crystal clear to me from the contractor general's statements that the procurement guidelines were enhanced to ensure that they do not in any way limit or prohibit emergency spending, but provide a framework for this type of expenditure to be reported when it occurs.

Irritating habit

This argument put forward by the prime minister about overseas purchases is just nonsense. Overseas suppliers can easily register with the National Contracts Commision if necessary, and in cases where they cannot, I am sure exemptions can be accommodated. The Government and its agencies are clearly trying to make an end run around the regulations so they can do what they want and beg forgiveness afterwards - a particularly irritating habit of their predecessors. In a global financial environment which is crumbling in part because of deregulation and poor regulation, we must protect ourselves against irresponsible policy.

Having decided in the last election to swap the black dog for the monkey, I am still amazed that they could be doing so badly after one year. It's a good thing for them that the arrogant PNP offers no better leadership.

I am, etc.,

NIMAL AMITIRIGALA

amitirig@gmail.com

13 Waterloo Mews

Kingston 10

Via Go-Jamaica