The Editor, Sir:

I write in response to Andrea Stewart's letter of May 8, regarding 'Allegiance to Country'. I agree with her position that those who serve in our most sensitive area of public life should demonstrate total commitment (my words), refraining from holding dual nationality.

The argument is quite sound that those in our Parliament with dual nationality have the opportunity to abscond when things get difficult at home. Of course, if there is undiluted allegiance on their part, it would be in their best interest to ensure that proper governance of our affairs.

No where to run

This would offer some assurance that our leaders create tolerable conditions for all, as to do otherwise, would be self-destructive and, they too, would have no where to run like the rest of us.

Further, what I find hard to fathom, though there may be good reason for it, is that a Jamaican citizen with a Canadian passport or passport for any other Commonwealth nation can sit in our Parliament. I think something is radically wrong here, as we have long evolved beyond this 1962 provision. Therefore, a reasonable argument may be put forward that any desire to review the dual citizen aspect of our constitutional arrangement should critically examine the provision of Commonwealth citizens sitting in our Parliament.

A key consideration for this is that many of these Commonwealth nations have levied stringent visa requirements on Jamaicans; though I could be wrong, I think we should consider levelling the playing field.

I am, etc.,

PETE A. HALL

jamaicajin@gmail.com

Via Go-Jamaica