Jamaica Political Ombudsman Resigns

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The political ombudsman, Bishop Herro Blair, has resigned.

In a letter to Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, Bishop Blair said that his resignation becomes effective, Sunday.

The outgoing ombudsman said recent developments in his ministry will no longer afford him the quality time required to function in the office.

A statement from King’s House, the Office of the Governor General, quoted Bishop Blair as saying that it was a great honour for him to have been afforded the privilege to serve Jamaica as political ombudsman, saying that the political growth and maturity which Jamaica has experienced over the last 11 years should ensure that the negative political events of the past are not manifested in the nation’s future.

Blair was first appointed political ombudsman in 2002, and was reappointed for a five-year term in 2009. But in recent times there has been criticism of his office with one opposition legislator in particular, Everald Warmington, questioning the relevance of the office.