In this column, I have sought to maintain an intellectual independence in my analysis of public affairs. This is necessary, particularly as it relates to public expectations on governance and transparency in public affairs. Such independence must be fearless and not based on any induced offer or considerations by any political party. It must premised on the nation's best interests, for general improvement and a better and more civilised society.
These comments are necessary for public understanding, not because I am better than anyone else. I am professionally trained and experienced, as well as uniquely qualified in the highly specialised fields of national and international security, states of emergency, intelligence, migration, human rights, border security, transnational organised crimes and international security.
All of these specialised qualifications can stand public and international scrutiny. They were obtained from some of the best internationally recognised and fully accredited universities in North America and the UK. I am also intimately familiar with all the operations of our national security apparatus, departments and institutions. In this way, I can inform and well as educate the public and suggest plausible recommendations as to how to make our security more effective.
Countdown to decision making
I have sought to encourage this People's Partnership administration to seek wisdom from the Greatest Source, the Almighty God daily. This is critically important to handle the increasingly complex and challenging issues we have to address locally and internationally. Human wisdom, while it has its rightful place, is limited and does not fill the void for inspirational decision making on national affairs.
As can be evidenced in the political world, human wisdom may be intellectual and has its appropriate place in governmental affairs. However, to a great extent, it can be self-serving with innate selfish and personal interests. Such displays can and inevitably result in tremendous local and international embarrassment.
On the other hand, prudence and approval from the Most High will provide the populace with confidence and hope in the present and future. It will save this nation from many potential pitfalls and unanticipated problems with unintended consequences. Against this background comes the latest national imbroglio.
Governance and public accountability
Hardly had the nation settle down, after the 50th Independence celebrations and the achievements of our Olympic heroes, than another major governance issue plagued the nation. Very careful consideration should have been taken by the government in the latest imbroglio concerning the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Act, in particular Section 34.
This is severely critical to its credibility, with public perceptions of diminished confidence, and the possibility of placing governance, democracy and the rule of law on trial. It should also be noted that the citizenry, along with prominent legal personalities, are continuing to voice displeasure at what is being perceived as an alleged "miscarriage of justice."
Public suspicion continues to encapsulate this PP administration over the "covert" partial proclamation of Section 34 resulting in legal oscillation. Against all the of varying opinions by highly reputable attorneys, it may be of great interest for the honourable Attorney General to candidly reflect on the comments of Senior Counsel, Henrickson Seunath with regards to his role, legislations and the Constitution.
Of tremendous import is the connection of Section 34 to white collar crimes, corruption and organised crime. Greater attention should centre on our international image and relations with the United States and the rest of the world. Examine how quickly Kareem Ibrahim was extradited to the US to face terrorism related charges.
Ibrahim was charged with conspiring to blow up the fuel lines and jet lanes to the JFK airport in Queens, New York. He has already been sentenced to life imprisonment. On the other hand, this nation has used legal meandering to avoid extradition to the US of Messieurs Ferguson and Galbaransingh. Why?
This puts a question mark over our credibility in meaningfully promoting international justice and security. It also raises questions about our mutual legal assistance treaty with the US, extradition proceedings, money laundering and our relationship with the Financial Action Task Force. How can we expect to effectively fight transnational organised crime and receive international co-operation and support when we play "legal roulette" with powerful nations like the US who premise their actions on the rule of law?
Unintended consequences for the PP
In the aftermath of the PM's dismissal of Volney, tensions are tending to make this nation erupt in different ways.The alleged "secretive "partial proclamation of Section 34 has further galvanised the once dormant, but thinking public into a growing alliance with civil society, NGOs, trade unions and political parties-all ready for action
The national cry for transparent and effective governance must be heeded. This was the very basis that the PP received national goodwill to serve the people. This remaining two years may also well be their last occasion to deliver new politics and a lasting legacy of transparency, accountability and integrity in public affairs.