Stepping down from tribunal?

I write with respect to your Page A3 article of “Armour steps down from Gafoor tribunal” wherein the Attorney for the tribunal appointed to probe suspended Integrity Commission member Gladys Gafoor has to now step down as it was revealed that he is also the President’s legal advisor. What rubbish!

When President Max Richards appointed Reginald Armour SC as counsel to a tribunal to probe allegations of misconduct against suspended Integrity Commission deputy chairman Gladys Gafoor, did he fail to see a conflict of interest? Why must everything in this land of ours have to be embroiled in controversy?

As our Head of State, did common sense not prevail to inform our beloved President that his legal advisor will soon be asked to step down as counsel to the Tribunal? When the President appointed Ken Gordon as the third Chairman of the Integrity Commission in just two years, he said he was confident in the abilities of Media magnate and that Mr Gordon possessed the qualities and abilities to carry out his duties without bias and I am sure he has the same confidence in Mr Reginald Armour’s SC ability.

This is not the point, the issue rather, is an ethical one, how can persons who are so near and dear to our President ever be expected to carry out independent investigations? Furthermore, are we setting a dangerous precedent here? Is the President allowed to act in this self righteous manner and not seek the best interests of the nation? Just food for thought.

Sarita Seecharan
Via e-mail