By Lynford Simpson, Staff Reporter
Seaga
JLP LEADER Edward Seaga yesterday urged the Government to proceed with a referendum to determine both the structure of Government and level of constitutional reform, including whether to replace the United Kingdom-based Privy Council with the Caribbean Court of Justice.
In relation to the CCJ, Mr. Seaga said it was "so fundamentally critical to the system of justice that in our view the people must be consulted by referendum." He made the statement in the House of Representatives, following the swearing-in of Senators and Members of the House of Representatives.
Said the Opposition Leader: "In a country riddled with injustice, there must be no attempt to deny the people the right to determine the system of justice which they consider will best guarantee their rights." Also, he wants the Charter of Rights to be presented to Parliament as a new Bill for approval. "Failing which, a referendum to settle the provisions of the Charter of Rights will be inevitable," he warned.
Mr. Seaga urged the Government to package one referendum to deal with all the issues, as the most effective way to proceed. "It would be wise, therefore, to work towards a year of decision by referendum for the people to decide on these issues within the next two years," he said.
He argued that there was far greater awareness today of the issues which require national debate to seek answers to fundamental queries on the model of Government and the structure of society. This, he noted, was to "give different views a chance to be accepted by the public." He continued that "we cannot lock a critical decision of this fundamental importance by seeking only bi-partisan agreement in this chamber, the people must be fully consulted."
According to Mr. Seaga, the model of Government determines the type of governance by which national affairs are conducted.
Noting that yesterday's proceedings marked the start of the first Parliament of the new century, Mr. Seaga said it was an "appropriate time to change old methods and adapt new ways." He said much was expected from the new Parliament and much could be achieved.
