Nicholson
Robert Hart, Parliamentary Reporter
THE SENATE yesterday passed the legislation establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to deal with trade matters, paving the way for Jamaica's participation in today's historic inauguration of the regional court.
The legislation, which was to receive Governor-General Sir Howard Cook's assent before today's ceremony in Trinidad and Tobago, became necessary after the United Kingdom-based Privy Council ruled against three CCJ Bills it said were unconstitutionally passed by Parliament last year.
The Government was forced to quickly construct the new legislation, which will allow the CCJ to take on Jamaica's CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME)-related trade disputes, but not appeals.
But, despite criticising the Opposition for 'gloating' over the Privy Council victory, Justice Minister, Senator A.J. Nicholson, yesterday called for consensus in the future entrenchment of the CCJ, which will allow the court to be established as Jamaica's final appellate body.
"If all are agreed that the thing is to be entrenched, and it is a good thing, I think by God it is time we stop quarrelling over this," he said.
Senator Nicholson was closing the debate after contributions from Opposition Senators Anthony Johnson and Dorothy Lightbourne, as well as Government Senators Delano Franklyn, Keste Miller and Professor Trevor Munroe.
During his contribution, Senator Johnson, the leader of Opposition business, said the Opposition would not challenge the legislation. He argued, however, that while the Government has been focusing its attention and finances on joining the CCJ, the local judicial system and other critical areas have been falling apart.
"In approving this CCJ Bill, we hope (the Government) will turn their attention to important, critical (and) urgent matters on behalf of the people of Jamaica so that, when we speak about Caribbean integration, the people of Jamaica will feel that we are doing something that will improve their way of life," Senator Johnson said.
Senator Nicholson, in continuing his call for solidarity, said he believed the real lesson from February's Privy Council judgement was that the nation must get together and cooperate.
Prime Minister P.J. Patterson and a delegation from Jamaica will participate in today's inauguration of the CCJ.
During the Prime Minister's absence, Local Government Minister Portia Simpson Miller will be in charge of the Government. Mr. Patterson is scheduled to return to the island on Monday, April 18.
