THE GOVERNMENT, particularly the Prime Minister, has put the introduction of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), on the top of Parliament's priorities.
The CCJ appears to be a pet project of the Prime Minister. The priority being given to its introduction is an instance of the Government pushing a personal agenda not reflective of national priorities.
For example, the passage of the new Companies Act or the array of legislation to deal with the country's fight against drugs and money laundering must be more important.
The Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) is a good idea, which is being destroyed by poor administration, an absence of political will and inadequate financial resources. If the Prime Minister has his way, the CSME will be the first trade group which will have a functioning court (the CCJ) before the free trade area comes into existence.
The politicians have quite deliberately married and so confused the needs for the two separate courts, which comprise the CCJ a Trade Dispute Court and a quite separate Court of Appeal.
No one can object to the Trade Dispute Court, although there are good reasons to suggest that some smaller, more economic tribunal would be sufficient.
There is no need for a new Caribbean Court of Appeal and if there should be one, it must be put to the people to decide through a referendum. The current use of the Privy Council allows Jamaicans to have access to one of the best and most respected courts in the world. This access creates great confidence among international investors who develop business in the Caribbean.
The Prime Minister is a crafty politician. He sees his support for the CCJ as being politically popular. It preys on the sympathy of those who are philosophically committed to regionalism and anti-colonialism.
The Prime Minister shows he is not facing reality. The local courts are starved of resources. The funds being committed for the CCJ would be better spent giving support to develop the local courts.
The introduction of a Caribbean Court of Appeal should be placed on the back-burner. The Prime Minister should address the local financial crisis, the need to cut his government and also the need to create economic growth. He should stop trying to distract attention away from the local crisis.
THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GLEANER.
