Hawkins Nanton, Gleaner Writer
Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, left, greets participants at a lecture series organised by the People's National Party Youth Organisation (PNPYO) and affiliate, Vision 2000. "The Half Has Never Been Told" lecture was held at the Senate Building undercroft at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, on Wednesday. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
PRIME MINISTER P.J. Patterson wants the British Privy Council replaced now more than ever.
He promised to use his last days in office towards the realisation of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), which will replace the Privy Council currently the Caribbean's final court of appeal.
"Despite the setback, I intend for whatever time remains to me to pursue the creation of a final court of appeal which is other than the Privy Council of the United Kingdom," Prime Minister Patterson said with defiance to students of the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.
LECTURE SERIES
They came out in large numbers last Wednesday afternoon to hear the Prime Minister address the People's National Party Youth Organisation and Vision 2000 lecture series, held at the undercroft of the Senate Building on campus.
He said he had nothing against The Queen,but feels the Caribbean should have its own final court of appeal.
"I like her, I respect her, I get on well with her - but the time has come. We must have a symbol at the highest level of our own, with which, everyone can identify."
The CCJ hit a snag earlier this year when the Privy Council ruled that the method used by the Jamaican legislature to establish the court was unconstitutional.
JOURNEY OF DECOLONIZATION
Prime Minister Patterson said he also believed that after 43 years of independence, the time has come for Caribbean
nationals to have a head of state of their own.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of regional integration, saying the economy must move away from external dependency.
He drew reference to Europe forming a regional block, recognising the need to pool its collective resources. He also added that there are now 200 regional blocks in the world.
"When will we learn?" he questioned.
He explained that the realisation of the CCJ and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) is the completion of the journey of decolonization.
The Prime Minister urged the students to reassert themselves and be engaged in the political process.
"It is better for you to join the wrong party, than to join no party at all," he advised his audience in concluding.
