THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AGREE with the sentiments expressed by Jacqueline Sam-uels-Brown in her letter published on Friday, June 25. However, I would differ from her opinion on one matter.
I don't believe that it is an "expression of sovereignty or independence" to cut links with the Privy Council in favour of appeals to a new multinational court. Jamaica has chosen as a matter of national policy to join many other Commonwealth nations in allowing appeals to the Privy Council. Jamaica's independence is not undermined by that decision. The Privy Council is the de facto appeal court for the Commonwealth.
The proposed regional court would be an appeal court for just part of the Commonwealth. The creation of the court would in fact compromise Jamaica's independence to some extent.
Unlike the Privy Council, which is provided free of charge by the United Kingdom, Jamaica will have to work with the other Caribbean partners to fund and operate the new court. This multi-national structure inherently imposes practical fetters on the country's ability to run its own judicial system.
The financial and administrative burdens will also be totally disproportionate to any imagined benefit to be gained.
I am, etc.,
JOHN COX
Barrister and Solicitor
Auckland, New Zealand
