Distrust, mistrust and suspicion? Three words that sum up the public?s opinion of the institutions in this country. One of the most important ones, the judiciary, is being torn apart by rivalries, hidden agendas and personal vendettas. The noble profession that legal practice should be is smeared with suspicion, bringing about the perception that all is not as it seems in the world of the courts.

Against this backdrop of uncertainty and mistrust, we have a prime minister who, purposely or not, gives the impression that he is meddling in the affairs of the police, the judiciary and the DPP. In no less than three recent cases, the prime minister, who by the way has on numerous occasions been accused of over-interference in too many things, has ?predicted" the development of high profile cases.

At a political meeting a few weeks ago, Paul Bérenger announced that the DPP had decided to withdraw all charges against minister Choonee. Some time after, at a function organized by a specific socio-cultural group, Mr Bérenger informed the audience that Raj Dayal, former police commissioner, would be arrested the next day. At a press conference last Friday, our all-knowing prime minister announced that the police would not object to the release on bail of MP Dev Hurnam once the inquiry is completed. It does not shock anyone that, as prime minister, Paul Bérenger should be informed and up to date on all police matters. If anything, the contrary would have been shocking and nobody is disputing this. As Home affairs minister, Bérenger has a daily brief with the heads of the police department and is informed of any major development.

What is regrettable, on the other hand, is the fact that the prime minister is perceived to be interfering with the administration of justice and police matters. Those two institutions have the duty to be like Caesar?s wife - above suspicion. Any indication that this might not be the case is a potential bomb-shell.

Paul Bérenger does not live in an ivory tower. He is well aware of the impression he is making on the public. Yet he continues to foster this impression of interference. We can only conclude that he does so on purpose. The reasons are obvious - or so they seem to us. It suits the prime minister that a certain section of the population should believe that he had everything to do with Choonee?s nolle prosequi. It suited him likewise that some people believed he was not protecting a particular section of the population and so he announces that ?his? police will arrest the former CP; and now, it suits him to have some people think that he has not let Hurnam down.

It is most probable that the prime minister had absolutely nothing to do with any of the above-mentioned cases. But Berenger?s political game of showing to the population that he has fathered ?positive? developments pertaining to individuals supported by lobbies is doing more harm than good to the already fragile institutions of this country.

Paul Bérenger could not have picked a worse time to play his little games. Those weakened institutions will not be able to sustain those negative perceptions for long. And it is his duty as prime minister to restore the honour of Caesar?s wife. It cannot be said often enough: the administration of justice has to be above reproach and above suspicion.