By Trudy Simpson, Staff ReporterTHERE WERE mixed reactions among local organisations to Prime Minister P.J. Patterson's plan to make Jamaica a republic in 18 months.
Wariness, concern and dire warnings were interlaced with cautious optimism, as the country digested Sunday's announcement, made on the last day of the People's National Party's (PNP) 65th annual conference at the National Arena, Kingston.
The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) says it is opting to wait for "a full statement of what the implications of republican status means," before commenting.
HIDDEN MOTIVES
However, National Democratic Movement (NDM) president, Earle DeLisser warned there could be hidden motives behind Government's move. He said Government was using republican status to convince the public that it was better to replace the London-based Privy Council as the final Court of Appeal. Fierce debate has raged over the Privy Council's removal and its proposed replacement with a Caribbean Court of Justice.
Mr. DeLisser warned Jamaicans to look behind the announcement for the real implications.
"What he is really trying to do is condition people's mind to get away from the Privy Council. This is another step in that direction but in the final analysis, the Prime Minister will have all the same powers that he currently has, the weaknesses in the system will remain and there will be a cosmetic change at the top," Mr. DeLisser said. "It might seem at first blush that it is really a big deal (but) nothing has changed," he added.
MORE TIME NEEDED
Dr. Carolyn Gomes, head of human rights lobby group, Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), disagreed with Government's 18-month deadline, stating it would take more time to properly discuss the issue and ensure public awareness.
"I think they are rushing the deadline," she said, adding Jamaicans needed time to discuss what system changes they want. "The discussion around the issues of governance and the system of governance that we have shouldn't be rushed."
Constitutional lawyer, Dr. Lloyd Barnett, denied the move was being rushed, as the Constitutional Commission recommended it years ago and Government discussed and mentioned it several times. However, Dr. Barnett was not sure whether Government could meet the 18-month deadline.
VERY OPTIMISTIC
"The period of 18 months is very optimistic because of the time table that is prescribed by the constitution. It looks to me like it would be difficult unless they start immediately."
Much also depended on the outcome of discussions with the JLP, as constitutional changes can be made only with two thirds parliamentary majority, he said.
The Republican Party of Jamaica (RPJ) welcomed the move as "long overdue". It urged the opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to support it and said that the new system must have term limits, separation of powers, a fixed election date and the direct election of the president or Prime Minister.
