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Necessary but costly probe

Published:Monday | January 25, 2010 | 12:00 AM

The Editor, Sir:

The current commission of enquiry into the Financial Sector Adjustment Company (FINSAC) in a sense, can be viewed as necessary, but not so much for us to fork out over $80 million for its completion. Once again, the Government gives the impression that we are not really in need of the loan being sought from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). They have also indicated that we can afford to do expensive things even in these turbulent times when we should be cutting costs.

We saw lives being lost in the Armadale tragedy, we saw a commission of enquiry established, and we are yet to be provided with its findings, recommendations and conclusions. These commissions of enquiry are just a waste of time and taxpayers' money - this money that could be spent doing other important things that would benefit the country and its people.

I, as well as many other Jamaicans, would like to know:

How were these payment figures arrived at?

Were the fees negotiated, and by whom?

Why is the commission of enquiry not being held at a public (government-owned) institution?

Seeing the enquiry is going to take longer than its initially projected period, will we have to pay even more money?

How will the outcome of this enquiry differ from that of the Armadale enquiry?

After the conclusion of the enquiry, what next?

These commissions of enquiry have proven to be of more harm than good.

I am, etc.,

WAKEISH BRYAN

wakki_bryan@hotmail.com

Mandeville

Manchester