A pleasant morning to you all,
I am pleased to swear-in, this moring, the Honourable Donna Parchment- Brown as Political Ombudsman. You no doubt are observing the times and know what must be done; the increased political activities which presumably will end in general election, hence the need for this morning’s ceremony and I think it is an opportune time for us to do that.
As political ombudsman, the Honourable Donna Parchment-Brown will function as a mediator and facilitator to ensure proper conduct of the political parties in accordance with the established codes.
She will also monitor activities which:
(a) constitute or are likely to constitute a breach of any agreement, code or arrangement between or among political parties in Jamaica; or
(b) is anything that is likely to prejudice good relations between or among the supporters of various political parties.
You will agree with me that the Hon. Mrs. Parchment-Brown has the credibility because of her work in dispute resolution for which she was awarded the Order of Distinction, Commander Class.
As one who has served as a dispute-resolution specialist, she brings to the job the vast experience which she has acquired over the years.
(1) She served at the public and private bar for approximately 33 years and she has also assisted in the office of Political Ombudsman in the past. (So she is no stranger to the job)
(2) In the brief period that the Hon. Donna Parchment-Brown served as Custos Rotolorum of St. Andrew, she performed creditably; starting a process of engaging stakeholders in the Parish and establishing a home for the Custos and a place where the J. P. could meet with the Custos to carry out their business.
And, so this morning it is with a sense of sadness in one way, as I know your fellow Custodes will be missing you in that rank Custos Parchment Brown, but Jamaica on a whole stand to benefit from your experience, your expertise and all the acumen that you have acquired over the years.
And so, I require and charge you mam to work to lift the tone and quality of debate and conversations between the political parties. To engage them in those things even as you mediate the challenges that may from time to time “flare up” in the political arena.
You are being given an awesome responsibility and the privilege of assisting in the progress of our democracy as you work to strengthen values of integrity, fairness, transparency and accountability in the political process. You have my wholehearted support as you discharge your duties with dignity and grace.
And, so I invite you now, Mrs. Parchment as I now read the Instrument of Appointment.