Prime Minister P.J. Patterson (left), greets Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Leader, Edward Seaga, shortly after both men arrived for a summit at Vale Royal yesterday. Looking on are JLP Deputy Leader, Derrick Smith(second right) and, in the background, Attorney-General A.J. Nicholson and Minister of Education, Youth and Culture, Maxine Henry-Wilson. -Norman Grindley photoCOMING OUT of their summit at Vale Royal yesterday, Prime Minister P.J. Patterson and Opposition Leader Edward Seaga have agreed that any change to the composition of the Police Services Commission (PSC), must be part of the agenda for Constitutional reform.
This was among seven points of agreement reached by the leaders, yesterday.
In the interim, a team led by National Security Minister, Dr. Peter Phillips, and his Opposition counterpart, Derrick Smith, will meet to consider the names of persons for possible appointment to the PSC when the life of the current Commission ends next January.
According to a joint communique issued following yesterday's three-hour meeting, "such names agreed on will be submitted, by the end of December, to the Prime Minister who will write to the Leader of the Opposition for his concurrence on the list of prospective appointees".
The Opposition has been pushing for changes to the PSC - the body that appoints senior police officers - arguing that promotions in the police force were influenced by politics. The issue formed part of a seven-point agenda for the meeting, dealing with crime, constitutional reform and parliamentary changes.
"We thought the meeting was useful. We agreed that we are going to have another one on the 29th (November) and that we will continue the discussions that we have started," Maxine Henry-Wilson, Education and Culture Minister told The Gleaner last night.
The Minister who was a member of the Government team to the meeting, explained that a number of committees had been set up to continue the dialogue.
Deputy Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Olivia 'Babsy' Grange said "it was a good summit," noting that the Opposition was satisfied with the outcome and the decision to have further discussions.
On the issue of Constitutional reform, a matter that was placed on the agenda by the Government, a three-member team from both sides will meet to provide a status report on the Constitutional reform process as agreed in 1995. The teams will work out an updated list of areas of agreement and areas of differences on the matter.
"This will also include discussion on the format and time frame for the further involvement of civil society in the discussions on Constitutional reform," the communique said.
It was agreed that a mechanism be established with a view to arriving at a consensus on the commissioners and the terms of reference for future commissions that are appointed to deal with controversial issues. Meanwhile, both sides are to work out a plan aimed at providing MPs with the necessary resources to carry out projects in their respective constituencies.
The Ministers of Transport and Works, Local Government and Community Development and Water and Housing are to meet with their counterparts from the Opposition to work out the details of the plan.
"The discussions will be aimed at arriving at a balance that ensures the removal of political and social tensions and the involvement of all political and other stakeholders at the local level and give effect to the common intention of the Government and Opposition," the Communique said.
Both sides also agreed to work to defuse tension and animosity between politically identifiable areas. These areas, commonly referred to as 'garrisons' account for much of the violence and crime in the island. The parties will have a fuller discussion on additional ways to reduce crime and violence at the next meeting scheduled for the 29th of this month.
At the same time, Dr. Phillips and Mr. Smith are to continue discussions regarding the chairmanship of specific Parliamentary Committees. The JLP had put on the table for discussion, monthly meetings of Parliament's Appropriations and Internal Affairs Committees, each chaired by an Opposition Member.
The Opposition also put on the table for discussion, the Contractor-General and his role in approving contracts over a certain sum to prevent corruption.
Both sides agreed that two Opposition members are to meet with the Minister of Finance to look at ways to tighten relevant legislation and determine whether there is the need for specific requirements in the legislation for variations in contract terms.
"The Prime Minister made it clear that he wanted to ensure the we relieve as much tension as possible and that's what we are trying to do," Mrs. Henry-Wilson said yesterday.
