IT IS passing strange that security at Gordon House, the home of the Jamaican Parliament, should be allowed to lapse to the point where parliamentarians and staff have had to express concern. After all, the lawmakers are the ultimate authority for the determination of public business.As far as we are aware, the first intimation in recent history of hostility directed against Parliament happened in 1998. Arsonists tossed home-made bombs into Gordon House in a mysterious early morning assault, and daubed red graffiti on the walls.
Molotov cocktails were also found in the precincts; and the whole episode sparked increased security. Since then, apart from the occasional street demonstration in the vicinity, the premises have remained sacrosanct.
History buffs will concur that hostility against parliaments here and elsewhere is probably inspired by the infamous Guy Fawkes, the English conspirator protesting against anti-Roman Catholic laws. Along with accomplices in a gunpowder plot to blow up the Parliament, he was caught in a cellar underneath the House of Lords in 1605. He was eventually hanged.
No such fate is likely here for local conspirators even if any are caught - not even killers are hanged any more. But parliamentarians themselves and staffers at Gordon House are worried about the lax security. Indeed an enterprising member of our own staff roamed the corridors with impunity unchallenged by police on duty in the building - as described in our report in last Monday's edition.
In these times of heightened anxiety, about crime in general and terrorism in particular, such lax security at the highest forum in the land is intolerable.
There have been occasional suggestions that a new parliament building should be erected elsewhere, National Heroes Park being mentioned as a possible venue. But more urgent priorities have been cited even though the facilities at Gordon House do need expansion and improvement.
We note that some reshuffling of personnel at the police post there has been undertaken during last week. More alertness should accompany these moves to ease the anxiety of both parliamentarians and staff. We must protect these important makers and custodians of the law.
