The administration has found itself in another unfortunate entanglement, which, if the contenders hold fast to their positions, could require arbitration by the courts.

But even if it doesn't come to that, at least one of the parties will feel itself hard-done by a review process that deprived it a contract, which the constituted authority for policing such arrangements insists that it won fairly. An obvious upshot, in the circumstance, is the possibility for the weakening trust by those who vie for government contracts and believe that they compete fairly.

The issue here is the Government's decision to overturn the award to Life of Jamaica (LoJ) of a multibillion-dollar-a-year health insurance contract that was previously held by Blue Cross of Jamaica. The scheme is paid for by taxpayers. But, for several years, it was awarded without tender. A cosy body, made up mostly of trade unionists, supposedly had an oversight role for the scheme.

In the face of public questioning of this arrangement, the Government, during the time of the former administration, was forced to go to public tender with the scheme. Life of Jamaica. The National Contracts Committee recommended the contract and the Contractor General, Greg Christie, confirmed that the process was fair and transparent.

Not surprisingly, the trade union overseers squealed because LoJ had won and insisted on a review. The former Government, quite wrongly in our view, acquiesced.

That process went over into the new administration that came to office after last September's general election. The new government has now reversed the contract and has said that the scheme should be retendered.

However, the Contractor General continues to insist that the original process was honest and transparent and that LoJ won fairly. But if LoJ wants to do business it may have to bid again, but this time with everyone knowing its bid. That can't be easy - and it certainly doesn't seem fair LoJ could decide to go to court.

Farewell, Richard Ashenheim

With the passing of Richard Ashenheim, Jamaica has lost one of its finest sons - a fine lawyer, a defender of press freedom, a capable sports administrator and a decent human being.

Of all the descriptions we might have made of Richard Ashenheim, the latter, we believe, is what he would probably most appreciate. His was a famous surname in Jamaica, but it was one that he never flaunted or used to gain undue advantage.

If anything, Richard Ashenheim a formidable authority on libel and slander, was self-effacing and humble. He probably felt most at home when covering international athletics - his real passion - this newspaper, which his ancestors help to found and on whose board he served for several decades.

He also served as president of the Jamaica America Athletics Association and as a member of the International Association of Athletic Federations.

His humility, skill, sly humour and commitment to Jamaica will be missed. Jamaica was the better for having had him.