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Eyebrows have been raised in some quarters over the government's decision to accord an official funeral to slain Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) Chairman Douglas Chambers.
Minister of Transport Mike Henry on Thursday announced that a date for the funeral would be announced shortly.
This followed news that Mr. Chambers could also be awarded the country's fourth highest national honour the Order of Jamaica.
However, there are questions whether the Government followed protocol in according Mr. Chambers an official funeral.
Chairman of the People's National Party Robert Pickersgill is among those asking whether the Government gave due consideration to the matter.
"There are criteria set down as to how one qualifies for an official funeral. I don't remember if the Prime Minister spoke about official funeral ... I'm pretty sure he said in terms of national honours, the whole thing should be looked at and a committee set up so they are the best ones to know if this gentleman fits the criteria," said Mr. Pickersgill.
‘Hasty' in awarding distinction
Political commentator Helene Davis-White said it appears that the Government acted hastily.
Speaking with RJR News Thursday, Mrs. Davies White expressed concern that the decision could set a bad precedent.
"What would happen if at the end of the day the investigation reveals that the killing had absolutely nothing to do with what is claimed in terms of corruption? I think one need to be very cautious and if in fact Mr. Chambers death was linked to his attempt to clear up corruption then I think he would be among several groups of public sector workers who have done the same thing. When they died, they were not accorded official funerals," she said.
Order of Distinction
Another source who spoke on condition of anonymity said based on the fact that Mr. Chambers had served as JUTC Chairman for only eight months the highest award that should be conferred is the Order of Distinction.
The award is given to Jamaicans who gave outstanding and important service to the country.
Last October Prime Minister Bruce Golding appointed a Committee to review the system of national honours and awards.
The committee is headed by Vice Chancellor Emeritus of the University of the West Indies Professor Rex Nettleford.
Minister of Transport Mike Henry on Thursday announced that a date for the funeral would be announced shortly.
This followed news that Mr. Chambers could also be awarded the country's fourth highest national honour the Order of Jamaica.
However, there are questions whether the Government followed protocol in according Mr. Chambers an official funeral.
Chairman of the People's National Party Robert Pickersgill is among those asking whether the Government gave due consideration to the matter.
"There are criteria set down as to how one qualifies for an official funeral. I don't remember if the Prime Minister spoke about official funeral ... I'm pretty sure he said in terms of national honours, the whole thing should be looked at and a committee set up so they are the best ones to know if this gentleman fits the criteria," said Mr. Pickersgill.
‘Hasty' in awarding distinction
Political commentator Helene Davis-White said it appears that the Government acted hastily.
Speaking with RJR News Thursday, Mrs. Davies White expressed concern that the decision could set a bad precedent.
"What would happen if at the end of the day the investigation reveals that the killing had absolutely nothing to do with what is claimed in terms of corruption? I think one need to be very cautious and if in fact Mr. Chambers death was linked to his attempt to clear up corruption then I think he would be among several groups of public sector workers who have done the same thing. When they died, they were not accorded official funerals," she said.
Order of Distinction
Another source who spoke on condition of anonymity said based on the fact that Mr. Chambers had served as JUTC Chairman for only eight months the highest award that should be conferred is the Order of Distinction.
The award is given to Jamaicans who gave outstanding and important service to the country.
Last October Prime Minister Bruce Golding appointed a Committee to review the system of national honours and awards.
The committee is headed by Vice Chancellor Emeritus of the University of the West Indies Professor Rex Nettleford.
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