THE EDITOR, Sir:
THERE HAS been a lot of clamouring for a referendum on the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) being our final court of appeal although one is not required by law. While I agree with the principle behind allowing the Jamaican people to make the decision themselves in such an important issue, I fear it may go the same way as the last referendum we had in 1961.
Then, the decision was whether or not to remain in the West Indian Federation (a very worthwhile venture in my opinion, even at the time). Short-sightedness on the part of certain politicians of the day and our typical "do as our party leader instructs" behaviour led to us losing the federation, the effects of which are still being felt today.
I fear that similar party sentiment will colour our decision on accepting or rejecting the CCJ and that a decision will not be made based on the facts of the case.
If the two most recent elections' voter turnout is any indication then only the 'die-hards' will come out to vote and this will turn into yet another PNP/JLP duel and not the historic step to further asserting our sovereignty that it should be.
I am, etc.,
RICARDO SMALLING
rhamim@go-jamaica.com
2c Mahoe Drive
Kingston 11
Via Go-Jamaica
