Readers’ reactions

Gov’t uses majority to approve ECJ taking over political ombudsman roles

“Matters relating to the electoral office/commission usually is a bipartisan one. Why is this process different?” – @CarrenPeart

“I strongly agree with the JLP on this one.” – @lyanRAW

“Very smart move. This will save taxpayers some money that is usually wasted by an office that is powerlessly ineffective and irrelevant.” – @talexbark

“The only thing I’ll say at this point, postpone any plans for a republic. Something about giving more powers to politicians makes me uneasy at this point.” – @happy_jamaican

“The Government wasn’t given its superior numbers to pass laws in accordance with the Opposition’s plans. Ombudsman office was a waste of taxpayers’ money.” – @CharmaineSimp13

“To prevent instances like these, we need to PNP to regain a few seats in the general election.” –

@KingDwayney101

“I actually don’t like this. Actions and utterances from the ombudsman have been perceived as biased/partisan in the past, but I don’t think it was of much concern because the ombudsman wasn’t seen as having any real power to influence anything.” – @ScottRobinsonJA

“That the best move; the office before was a waste of money.” – @garrywilliams632

“We never expected anything less. Keep on digging a hole. This is why no government should have such a large majority.” – @de_marleyw

“Once more, Government badness.” – @jermainelulu24

“This is a very sad day in our country’s history.” – @zell125

“The ECJ requires consensus. The political ombudsman will often take positions that will upset a party. Why put the ECJ in a position that will create acrimony with its stakeholders?” – @omarnewell

“This goes to show [that] Jamaica, and Jamaicans, must be very careful of the selection of a president of Jamaica; if a so dem move, watch out.” – @barry_hypnotic_g

“This is why we must vote with sense. Don’t give a party so much of a majority that these things will happen. But then again, we same Jamaicans will vote for gimmicks.” – @hakim.h.thomas

“I genuinely don’t appreciate government moves like this. It is not a JLP- or PNP-based decision, it is a decision we should be making for the interest of Jamaica.” – @jahmonesalmon

Readers’ reactions sourced from The Gleaner’s Instagram and X, formerly Twitter, pages. Compiled by Khanique McDaniel.