THE EDITOR, Madam:
I READ with some dismay the letter by Rev. Ernle Gordon on the proposed Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) published on August 21. Rev. Gordon is eager to advance the well worn arguments about sovereignty and colonialism. Anxious to accuse all who do not agree with the CCJ or feel that a referendum is desirable for such a fundamental change to our system of justice as roast breadfruit (ha!) or as having strong roots to some Anglo-Saxon ideal.
He did not deal with any of the substantive objections to the court as have been raised for example by the Bar Association, but instead rambles on about fighting neo-colonialism and globalisation. Aluta Continua? Come on, enter the 21st century please, Rev. Gordon. This sham of a court will not help us to fight globalisation. I daresay nothing can.
Am I supposed to feel less colonised because the 'colonisers' are Trinidadian or Barbadian and not American or English?
No. This court is based on a false premise. It has everything to do with this government trying to impose its authority over the judicial process and very little to do with sovereignty or Caribbean unity or decolonisation.
I think we should be able to agree that the people of Jamaica should have a say in the decision. Not a token decision a la the colonisers of old, but a real input a la the truly decolonised.
I am etc.,
PAUL ELLIS
E-mail:
ellispaul@hotmail.com
Mercury Gardens,
Spanish Town
Via Go-Jamaica
