THE LOBBY group, Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), along with representatives from the private and public sector and community-based organisations, yesterday urged the Government to back down from its opposition to a referendum on establishing a Caribbean Court of Justice.
Head of JFJ, Dr. Carolyn Gomes, described Prime Minister P.J. Patterson's refusal of a referendum as an erosion of people's rights and freedoms.
"We hold as fundamental our right as citizens to participate in the process of our governance," she said, adding "the people, not the Government are the highest law of the land". She was speaking at a press conference at Le Meridien Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.
The Government used its majority in Parliament last week Tuesday to gain approval for the setting up of the court and for the withdrawal from the United Kingdom-based Privy Council. Opposition parties have threatened to mount demonstrations over the decision.
According to Dr. Gomes, the offer to hold a referendum to entrench the court in the Constitution after it was established, was "illogical and illusionary" as there would be no real choice being offered the people.
President of the Jamaica Bankers' Association, William Clarke, said the need for dialogue with the people was something politicians should revere.
Such dialogue he said, should not only come at a time when it suits the particular parochial interest of politicians.
Mr. Clarke also admitted to having a fundamental disagreement with regional institutions such as the failed Federation, the University of the West Indies and CARICOM. All, he said, had been affected by inadequate funds, hence he was doubtful the CCJ would fare any better.
For his part, Derek Jones, president of the Jamaican Bar Association repeated his concerns about what would happen "if the people say no", when the referendum is held. "We are going to get one chance at this ... and we need to do it right," he said, while insisting the people must be consulted for their approval.
Kenneth Wilson who represented the August Town community which falls in the Eastern St. Andrew constituency of PNP MP Colin Campbell, said he was disappointed the MP voted for the abolition of the Privy Council on a motion brought by the Prime Minister in Parliament, without consulting his constituents.
Eddie Bailey, president of the Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA), said he was apprehensive about whether regional governments would exercise political control over the judges to be appointed to the court and questioned whether there would be political control over remuneration and overall financial support for the court.
