Daraine Luton, Sunday Gleaner Reporter

OPPOSITION LEADER Portia Simpson Miller has hinted that no discussions at the Vale Royal bipartisan talks would lead to the People's National Party (PNP) softening its position against members of parliament (MPs) who owe allegiance to foreign states and powers sitting in the legislature.

"I hear people talking about changing the constitution," Simpson Miller tells The Sunday Gleaner. "But it should not be changed to allow people to have allegiance to a foreign power and be a member of parliament or a minister of government," she adds.

The constitution prohibits any person who, by virtue of his/her own act, has pledged or sworn allegiance to a foreign power or state.

'stop playing hide and seek'

Government MP Daryl Vaz said in Parliament last week that members should "stop playing hide and seek as it relates to their status, as this will just serve to compromise the integrity of our Parliament".

He added: "We need to bring this matter to an end quickly, failing which, the legitimacy and the integrity of the Parliament will be compromised."

A court ruling had disqualified Vaz as MP for West Portland after he was found to be in breach of the constitution for having pledged allegiance to the United States of America.

Vaz has appealed the ruling, likewise the PNP's Abe Dabdoub, who is arguing that the seat should be handed to him, the legitimate contender in last September's general election. Three other government MPs - Gregory Mair, Shahine Robinson and Michael Stern have been dragged to court amid claims they have pledged allegiance to a foreign power.

proposals to amend the constitution

Karl Samuda, the Jamaica Labour Party general secretary, is among several persons to have suggested that the constitution be amended as it relates to the eligibility of persons to sit in the parliament. Government backbencher Dr St Aubyn Bartlett, has also suggested that all persons born in Jamaica, irrespective of their having allegiances to other countries, should be qualified to be MPs. He has, however, suggested that the posts of prime minister, finance minister and national security minister be limited to persons without split allegiances.

However, Simpson Miller is not in favour of amending the constitution for any such changes.

"It should be that your loyalty is not divided," she reasons. .

daraine.luton@gleanerjm.com