By Vernon Daley, Parliamentary ReporterI'VE HAD a change of heart about the suitability of the parliamentary model of government for Jamaica. Earlier this year I was convinced in my mind, and indeed expressed the view in this column, that the current model of government based on the Westminster parliamentary system had run out of steam and needed to be overhauled.
In fact, I criticised the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) for its proposal on constitutional reform, which essentially seeks to retain the current parliamentary system, with just a few modifications. I was not impressed by the party's suggestions, aimed at tinkering with the system. However, I've since come to the view that tinkering has its advantages.
In a recent debate in the Senate, Government Senator, Professor Trevor Munroe pointed out that the history of Jamaica suggests that we are a people who tend to embrace changes when they are introduced gradually. We must, therefore, resist the temptation to introduce radical reforms, especially when dealing with a major issue such as constitutional reform.
There is no doubt that we have not done the best job in operating the Westminster system of government. We took the system, but jettisoned many of the conventions, which have made it a success in Britain and other countries.
But, that's no reason to throw away the model. Many persons, including new returnee to the JLP, Bruce Golding, have argued that we should be looking to the executive presidential model of government, fashioned on the US Constitution. That's also the thinking of the governing People's National Party (PNP). I'm not convinced - not any longer.
While we have not done as well as we might have in operating the Westminster parliamentary system, the fact is that we do have many years of experience as a country using that form of government. We know how to work it, irrespective of our imperfections. What we need is to strengthen it to make it more responsive to the modern requirements of governance. There is still some usefulness in this system and we can make it work for us. On the other hand, we have no experience in operating the US presidential model of government. The lack of experience, in and of itself, is not a sufficient reason not to change. However, the lack of experience takes on even greater importance when dealing with constitutional change. We are not dealing with whether to buy a particular brand TV. We are talking about the system of government that affects the lives of every citizen in the country. That's no joking matter.
I don't agree that the Westminster model is the root cause of our problems of governance, as some have suggested. It has worked elsewhere and with some modifications, we can make it work here as well.
At any rate, a broke country like Jamaica cannot now afford the kind of public expenditure that will have to go along with a radical change in the structure of government. The public education costs alone would perhaps be more than we can afford. That money could be far better spent dealing with more pressing issues such as crime.
Plus, sensitisation and public education are not enough to make a system work. Practical experience, with all its pitfalls, will also be essential in operating that system. Can we really afford trial and error in a system of government at this critical juncture in our national development? I think we should stick with the evil we know.
If we should adopt the US presidential model, that process should be very slow and deliberate. I think the revolutionary approach being advocated by some would do us more harm than good.
All these matters should be put on the table when the referendum is held to give Jamaicans a chance to decide what kind of governmental model they want for the country.
Send comments to vernon.daley@gleanerjm.com
