'There's no chance' we will change our position on CCJ - Opposition

The Opposition says there's no chance it will change its position on the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) by the time the Senate votes on three bills to accede to the court's appellate jurisdiction.

Last week, the Government used its majority in the Lower House to voted in favour of bills to replace the UK-based Privy Council with the CCJ as Jamaica’s final appellate court.

However, the Government will need to sway at least one Opposition Senator to ensure successful passage in the Upper House.

Leader of Government Business in the Lower House Derrick Smith says no one should expect a change in the Opposition’s stance by the time the Senate votes.

Smith is also dismissing concerns raised by public commentator Dr Paul Ashley who has questioned the Opposition’s call for a referendum.

According to Ashley, the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, which was the biggest change to the Constitution, was never put to a referendum.

He argued that political expediency was driving the Opposition’s suggestion that Jamaicans vote to decide on the CCJ.

Smith says it does not matter what Ashley says, the Opposition is sticking by its position.

A date for the Senate vote has not been set.