Erica Virtue, Staff Reporter
THE "political temper is going to become very hot early next year," possibly forcing the Government into calling a general election, predicts National Democratic Movement (NDM) President Bruce Golding.
Mr. Golding, in an interview with The Sunday Gleaner yesterday on the eve of the NDM's fourth regional conference set for today at the Jamaica College auditorium, said the Government's actions, especially on the issue of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) reiterates the view of many Jamaicans that the people have no say in the political process.
He warned the Government to "listen to the people" as, according to him, the hostility against the Government has reached a high and locals have written off the Government.
With the possibility of early elections, Mr. Golding said the NDM is preparing to field candidates in all 60 constituencies and Parish Council divisions.
He said the NDM has at least 44 candidates, with an additional two to be presented at today's conference.
Meanwhile, the ongoing debate over the establishment of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) is expected to headline today's fourth regional conference. Mr. Golding yesterday called Prime Minister P.J. Patterson's decision not to go to the people for permission to set up the CCJ, which is to be the region's final appellate court, a dangerous move.
"The Prime Minister has all sorts of powers. He is not wrong in saying the constitution allows him to go ahead without a referendum. But the fact that the constitution allows him to do that without even consulting with the Opposition is a difficiency, not a strength," Mr. Golding said.
The establishment of the court is a matter of heated debate, as the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party has indicated that should the JLP form the next Government it would abolish the CCJ.
Last week, Independent Senators Trevor Munroe and Douglas Orane urged the Government to seek a referendum on the matter. Mr. Patterson has stoutly refused a referendum.
Other issues to be addressed at the conference include crime, the economy and education.
