THE EDITOR, Sir:
Dost thou not know, my son, with how little wisdom the world is governed? Count Oxenstierna.
IT IS my opinion that the present system of government in Jamaica needs radical changes reforms which could involve the suspension of Parliament, as it now operates, for between five and 10 years. And Parliament is not the only problem. We have not governed well.
But even as I ponder the above "a consummation devoutly to be wished" pragmatism and realism dictate that I suggest the following more modest reforms to the parliamentary status quo
(i) The expediting of hearings of election petitions by amendments to and/or strict enforcement of the relevant statutes and Rules of Court and the exercise of the inherent jurisdiction of the Court;
(ii) The proper monitoring and enforcement of the law with regard to the publication of returns of election expenses incurred by candidates and bringing this requirement directly under the supervision and control of the Electoral Advisory Committee;
(iii) Legislating for a maximum period of three months from the occurrence of a vacancy for the holding of a by-election and for condign penalty for non-compliance;
(iv) Amending the Constitution to provide for the appointments of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and President of the Senate to be made either from Members of the House or the Senate respectively or from among persons who are not members of either House;
(v) The requiring of greater transparency, publicity and disclosure in respect of the largely mechanical procedure whereby exemptions are granted to Senators and Members of the House of Representatives from vacating their seats because of contracts (usually quite vaguely stated) with the Government for and on account of the public service under Sections 41(f) and (g) of the Constitution;
(vi) Amending the Constitution to provide for a maximum time within which Senators should be appointed after an election;
(vi) Amending the Parliament (Integrity of Members) Act to provide that failure of a Parliamentarian to furnish a declaration of assets must be reported by the Commission to the Speaker and President who must suspend the Parliamentarian from the House/Senate until he "remedies his default";
(viii) Amending the Constitution to provide for two more Senators who will not be appointed on the advice of either the Prime Minister or the Leader of the Opposition.
The above list is not exhaustive.
I am etc.,
BERESFORD HAY
P.O. Box 1191
Kingston 8
