Dear Editor,
As the courts have recently shown, political parties, after recommending senators for appointments, have no legal control over their tenure in the Senate. And it follows and applies to their ability to vote according to their conscience for the good of the nation and not just for their party's political purpose. Their "control" is only exerted in the ability of the said party to recommend them for reappointment. So, it is only in this respect that the reference to "Opposition member" has any relevance.
Arthur Williams did the country a great service by his suit and subsequent court declarations. This is an opportunity for a new beginning for those who sit in the Senate to act and be the body of truly sober second thought and not just always political followers. Bustamante, the Jamaica Labour Party's founder had this to say:
"Rather than submit to something against my conscience, just to please, I should resign." (1935)
"I have a conscience which I shall always satisfy first without any fear whatever, irrespective of whom my opinion or action would hurt." (1937)
Those words are relevant today at this important juncture for Jamaica and the Caribbean after 50+ years of independence and still tied to the Privy Council, which was intended to be a temporary measure.
The politically mature countries have acted to fully embrace the CCJ and there is no rebellion or clamouring to return to the Privy Council. When will Jamaica show its maturity and full confidence in its collective Caribbean ability to handle its justice? Now is the chance. It is in the hands of nine people to clear the second hurdle. We shall see!
Norman Lee
Brampton, ON
namronlee@rogers.com
We shall see about the CCJ's second hurdle
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As the courts have recently shown, political parties, after recommending senators for appointments, have no legal control over their tenure in the Senate. And it follows and applies to their ability to vote according to their conscience for the good of the nation and not just for their party's political purpose. Their "control" is only exerted in the ability of the said party to recommend them for reappointment. So, it is only in this respect that the reference to "Opposition member" has any relevance.
Arthur Williams did the country a great service by his suit and subsequent court declarations. This is an opportunity for a new beginning for those who sit in the Senate to act and be the body of truly sober second thought and not just always political followers. Bustamante, the Jamaica Labour Party's founder had this to say:
"Rather than submit to something against my conscience, just to please, I should resign." (1935)
"I have a conscience which I shall always satisfy first without any fear whatever, irrespective of whom my opinion or action would hurt." (1937)
Those words are relevant today at this important juncture for Jamaica and the Caribbean after 50+ years of independence and still tied to the Privy Council, which was intended to be a temporary measure.
The politically mature countries have acted to fully embrace the CCJ and there is no rebellion or clamouring to return to the Privy Council. When will Jamaica show its maturity and full confidence in its collective Caribbean ability to handle its justice? Now is the chance. It is in the hands of nine people to clear the second hurdle. We shall see!
Norman Lee
Brampton, ON
namronlee@rogers.com
We shall see about the CCJ's second hurdle
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