Thu | Mar 28, 2024

Jamaica’s new style of governance

Published:Wednesday | June 15, 2022 | 12:07 AM

THE EDITOR, Madam:

On August 6 this year, we celebrate 60 years of Independence. But what’s next for our nation, especially our governance structure?

Recently, we heard the utterances of Minister Marlene Malahoo Forte about changes to the bail structure that, in my non-legal opinion, is infringing on the “Independent Judiciary’s role” as prescribed in the Constitution. I am reminded that changes to suit a particular situation hurriedly is never a solution. Most troubling is that an idea like this can certainly be carried further in the lust for power.

We did not initially opt for Independence as a nation back then. The government at the time under Norman Manley preferred a federated West Indies. Political power reared its ugly head, as Alexander Bustamante played politics well to the uninformed, who at that point included over 60 per cent illiterates.

Ignorance and lack of foresight divided the Caribbean. Both Jamaica and Trinidad voted to withdraw by referendum in each island that called for federation vs Independence. The people of both islands selected Independence, thereby killing the federation. In retrospect, it is one of the reasons for our collective struggles.

Manley could have taken Jamaica into independence. He had time under his term. He, however, after negotiating for our Independence because of his statesman beliefs, called early general election. Jamaicans would be able to decide who they wanted to lead them into the newly independent Jamaica. A move I say would not be executed similarly statesmanlike as Manley in this day and age!

Since our Independence was not planned, I believe our system of government needs to be modernised.

Our PM used horrible taste to announce his government’s intention to not have the Queen as Head of State at a function during her grandson’s visit.

I agree with the well overdue move; however, the discussions must not be rushed, but well thought out and not politicised, with contributions from every sector.

My preference is an Executive style elected President. An elected Senate (one senator per parish) and a population threshold figure where the parishes that reach such numbers are assigned an extra Senate seat. The size of Parliament should be decreased, wherein each member of parliament should have a larger population to represent. MPs and senators must be full-time and not be eligible to be ministers. The Executive President should have entrenched departments/ministries (no more than 13).

TALL ORDER

We should dismantle parish councils and create three County Councils – Cornwall, Middlesex and Surrey – each parish represented with an amount based on population. Local municipalities must be reserved for Metropolitan areas with elected mayors. Council members should be no more than seven, with the mayor having veto power.

Within a year, under the guidance of three county commissions to be chaired by former chief justices, citizens and civil society groups must be given opportunities to present submissions – after all three county subcommittees meet and recommend the new Constitution. There should be at least two styles under ceremonial/Executive Head of State.

This must be followed by a referendum to the people of Jamaica for the majority’s selection. The aim is to have lean and functional governance.

A provision for impeachment for all elected officials at every level must be entrenched in the Constitution, as well as declaration of assets and the recall of elected officials.

The Constitution must also have term limits of no more than two four/five-year tenure.

Finally, the diaspora does not need Senate seats or voting rights in Jamaica. An organised Diaspora Council, free from governmental interference, could make annual presentations on specific subject areas.

This is a tall and daunting order but necessary to get things right to move forward in the next decade and beyond.

PATRICK A. BECKFORD, OD

Somerset, NJ