Info: November 7, 2007 Posted by: Leon 16 comments

The “free” light bulb scandal took a interesting turn yesterday as Kern Spencer, former Minister of of State in the Ministry of Investment, Technology, Energy and Commerce, openly wept during the sitting of the House of Representatives. My parents, after seeing it on the news, couldn’t stop talking about it the entire night. In fact, it caused a bit of an argument, with my dad wanting Kern’s head and my mom arguing that he’s being used as a scapegoat. This is the first time I’ve seen this. A politician being raked over the coals. No resignation or excuses of “youthful exuberance.” Just good ol’ fashioned, unbiased criticism.

Does justice in Jamaica actually extend to the elite? Perhaps. Mr. Spencer was noticeably nervous during the sitting, but Clive Mullings’ statement, “This is not just a question of irregularities; this raises questions of fraud,” seems to have been the straw that broke the camel’s back, or rather, the hand that turned on the tap, as Kern began crying soon after that. I’m not saying the guy’s guilty or anything, but it looks rather suspicious. Why would an innocent cry? Plus he couldn’t even defend himself, even when his fellow party members urged him to. Was the realization that he could actually face jail time, and that his peers no longer had the power to shield him too much? I think so.

Strangely enough (yeah right), Phillip “Senõr Scandal” Paulwell, the Minister formerly in charge of the Ministry, showed up one hour and 36 minutes late. (Probably working on his alibi.) Still, part of me is a bit suspicious of the transparency of these proceedings. Is Kern really guilty, or is he just the fall guy, taking the rap for Paulwell? If he is indeed guilty, then he should feel the full weight of the law. He and all others involved. Plain and simple. We’ve seen too many politicians get away scot-free from scandals that would have cost the average Joe decades of his life behind bars. If this is done, then Jamaicans will come to the realization that power, prestige, and wealth do not shield you from the long arm of the law, and that the law doesn’t apply to some, it applies to all. Maybe then Jamaicans will think twice before engaging in illegal acts.

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