Finding the "Truth"

We note with interest the announcement that the government intends to introduce polygraph testing (lie detector) for persons holding sensitive positions in the civil service and security forces. This has been generally regarded as a good move - especially in light of public perception of widespread corruption.

We have no problem with the idea. It is the implementation that will provoke some controversy. Firstly, it should not only be confined to the employees but applied also to the employers.
 Members of the political directorate - appointed/selected/elected should also be subjected to polygraph testing. Secondly, there is the issue surrounding the reliability of the equipment being utilized. There is a real risk of serious and irreparable damage to individuals who have been inaccurately evaluated.

We put forward one easy (some would say cynical) test. Use the entire Cabinet as the test standard for reliability. If the results come up less than 100% pass rate, then the equipment is deemed to be faulty and should be banned from use in Jamaica.

We fully recognize that there may be some considerable difficulty in sourcing such equipment. However, what is good for the goose is good for the gander.

The MPP COE is supposed to unearth the truth. Being sworn with bible in hand is of no guarantee here on earth of the truth being spoken. The battery of attorneys at the COE is more than an indication that "the truth" needs legal protection (lest it be incidentally revealed with embarrassing consequences).

Save time and money: subject witnesses to polygraph testing (who lie?). Then again the Commissioners themselves would also have to be subjected to polygraph testing (who nah lie?).