Entrenching local government in the Constitution

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Local government in Jamaica is provided for by the Parish Councils Act 1887, the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation Act 1923 and the Municipalities Act 2003, and not by the Constitution. The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development is responsible for local government.

FULL INDEPENDENCE

Local governments are organised closest to where people live in order to meet community needs, solve problems, and deliver basic life amenity services in each parish. This is the first place for the people to be heard in their cry for equal rights and justice on the journey for full independence

Postponing elections to parish councils will accommodate councillors beyond their expiry date that is a security risk for alternative government and possible subservience in demi-governments islandwide bypassing lawful authority.

CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM

Any consideration for constitutional reform must include the status of local government with justice and fundamental human rights deeply protected.

The recent visit by the Archbishop of Canterbury reminds us of the outstanding business from slavery that was wrongly addressed at Emancipation where the enslaver was compensated for loss of property but the enslaved got nothing. This remains the unfinished business for Jamaica’s Independence.

The canefield and cattle pens in the parishes throughout Jamaica were the scenes of enslavement of the people from Africa carried out under British colonial rule.

The Church of England’s offer of one hundred million UK pounds with conditionalities for the descendants of the enslaved is more like hokey-pokey after nearly 200 years. Sorry kaant full empty bully.

Slavery was the longest lasting crime against humanity in Jamaica. Vestiges like post-traumatic stress disorder still exist, with social discrimination making some more unequal than others.

FRANK PHIPPS KC, OJ

Former Senator