Church and group concerned about proposed constitutional amendment

At least one human rights group and the church have taken issue with a proposal by the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) to amend the Constitution of Jamaica to nullify the Privy Council’s landmark Pratt and Morgan decision in 1993.



Spokesperson for the Independent Jamaican Council for Human Rights (IJCHR), Arlene Harrison Henry, said the Archdiocese of Kingston and the Council are concerned about the so-called “easier-to-hang” proposed amendment.



Ms Harrison Henry says the amendment proposed by the PNP would deprive every court of its right to enquire into and decide whether a person facing the death penalty was being treated fairly.



In a Gleaner Power 106 News interview, the human rights activist said the amendment would conflict with the rule of law and the principles of the Constitution. She said it would also cause the country to contravene its international obligations.



On Tuesday, Prime Minister Bruce Golding opened the debate on the Charter of Rights Bill.



He indicated that the Government wants to pass the measure before the prorogation of Parliament in March of next year.



A two-thirds majority support from lawmakers is needed for constitutional amendments to be approved.



Opposition MP, Robert Pickersgill, had suggested that the Opposition’s cooperation would be dependent on the Pratt and Morgan amendment.



However, Ms Harrison Henry says it’s unprincipled for Jamaica to cement the death penalty in the Constitution by shielding its method of implementation from the scrutiny of the courts.



The Pratt and Morgan ruling states that a condemned man shall not be executed if the period of appeals extend beyond the five-year stricture, dating from his conviction.