Beach access, expanded Senate representation and Rastafari religion among PNP social justice agenda

Opposition Spokesperson on Justice, Donna Scott-Mottley, says a People’s National Party (PNP) government will pursue several social justice reforms to restore parity to Jamaicans who feel disenfranchised in their own country.

Pointing to the "Justice for All" pillar in the party’s election manifesto, Scott-Mottley, speaking at the launch on Tuesday, said a PNP government would address beach access for Jamaicans.

Also on the agenda is broadening representation in the Senate to include the diaspora, persons with disabilities, and the Rastafari and Maroon communities.

Further, a PNP government would broaden access to justice.

“This mission on which we have embarked is wrapped in love, framed with good thoughts, and always concerned about the well-being of the Jamaican person. And that is why our manifesto speaks of justice for all—because justice demands more than laws. It requires an environment that upholds the dignity of all who serve and all who seek justice,” she told the audience.

On the vexed issue of beach access, she said:“We will implement a progressive beach policy that will give the beach people access while balancing tourism and private use… We have as our leader a man who passed the most legislation ever in the history of this country. And it was legislation designed to uplift the people every time… We will join the International Criminal Court to reinforce Jamaica’s commitment to global justice.”

Court actions have been filed by Jamaicans as they seek access to areas they once used but are now barred from—unless they pay a fee.

The beaches have been divested to private interests, and investments in modern facilities have been made, but individuals are often required to purchase food.

Regarding the courts, the PNP has committed to continuing the expansion of physical infrastructure for the comfort of staff and those seeking justice, pledging further upgrades for all users.

According to Scott-Mottley, constitutional reform for sovereignty and justice will be at the top of the PNP’s justice agenda, and the process will be transparent and participatory.

“We will be speaking to the church, to trade unions, to civil society, to all actors in this great design crafted in love. We will be hosting public forums for Jamaicans to debate and recommend constitutional reform so that people value the Constitution…” she promised.

The campaign will also be taken to schools as part of a broad public education effort.

Scott-Mottley also indicated that the PNP will strengthen parliamentary accountability.

“So now, we will make the Parliament a court of justice and have a court which brings justice at the highest level to our people. We shall strengthen parliamentary accountability. We shall implement impeachment. We shall have committees chaired by opposition members… We shall have a discussion and consider fixed election dates and term limits… We shall expand the Senate to broaden representation to include the diaspora, persons with disabilities, and the Rastafari and Maroon communities,” she said, among other things.

The Rastafarian community, a historically marginalised group, will receive special recognition, with their religion becoming officially recognised.

“We will have full recognition of Rastafari as an indigenous religion with associated rights. We will reach an accord with Maroon communities to give a modern interpretation to their ancestral treaty rights…” she said, adding that gender equity rights will also be addressed.

For his part, PNP President Mark Golding said the manifesto is the party’s "eyes into the future."

“It stands on 10 pillars: Justice for All, Access to Quality Education, Modern Infrastructure, Agriculture and Food Security, Innovation and Industry, Care for the Vulnerable, Accountability in Governance, Land and Housing, Opportunity for Youth, Violence Prevention and Environmental Resilience,” Golding told the meeting.

Critics of the party’s many promises made from the platform have argued that it should provide a manifesto that can be scrutinised and interrogated.

The document will be available on all streaming platforms, including Apple podcasts, Amazon Music, and SoundCloud, and also in the first language of many Jamaicans – Patois.

Speaking at the launch were spokespersons on Education Damion Crawford, Health Dr Alfred Dawes, and Industry and Commerce (Anthony Hylton).

Lothian Cousins and Daniska Williams also gave addresses.

The long launch included three segments of discussions, moderated by the night’s compère, Krystal Tomlinson.

- Erica Virtue

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