THE EDITOR, Sir:I REFER to Robert Buddan's article appearing in The Sunday Gleaner dated May 18, 2003 and would like the opportunity to respond to the views contained therein. Firstly, he correctly points out that no referendum was held in respect of the West Indian Federation, the Caribbean Free Trade Association, CARICOM, The Association of Caribbean States and the United Nations.
For a learned man I find this comparison in respect of the Caribbean Court of Appeal utterly ridiculous. All the associations mentioned by Mr. Buddan were created specifically to support and promote economic union and trade within the region with the exception of the United Nations. All these bodies required political decisions and in no way threatened the justice system that governs the lives of ordinary citizens.
FAIT ACCOMPLI
In respect of the United Nations this had to be considered as a fait accompli unless we wanted to be singled out as a country that opposed peace and respect amongst nations. The Caribbean Court of Justice is not a political decision and seeking to convert it to one is displaying contempt for the nation.
Even more contemptuous is his attempt to link the 'propertied class' to the call for a referendum. If Mr. Buddan is a Jamaican, I wonder where he resides? The so-called 'propertied class' in Jamaica have always been better placed to secure justice in this country. On the contrary the poor have been the ones who have had justice denied and who, most likely, would continue to suffer such a fate.
Mr. Buddan continued his article by stating that the issue is really about the Caribbean Single Market and Economy. I wonder if Mr. Buddan is aware that to date CARICOM has failed to achieve one of its fundamental objectives being the free movement of people across member states.
CARICOM after so many years is still struggling to meet its objectives, a sure sign that the Caribbean Court of Justice will be subject to the same fate. The Caribbean Court of Justice will affect the lives of every single Jamaican and CANNOT BE CONSIDERED A POLITICAL DECISION. It is the right of the people to decide on the system of justice that they feel will most likely protect their lives and properties.
I am etc.,
FAYE ELLECE JACOBS
fayej @n5.com.jm
