THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE CSME promotes Caribbean unity and is the most instrumental achievement in this regard, to date. However, it seems to me that Jamaica has failed to achieve the level of sovereignty that some of its sister Caribbean states have accomplished. There seems to be a mental and psychological feeling among numerous Jamaicans that we cannot manage our own affairs and consistently need to seek the assistance of a 'higher power'.
I will cite three examples that have led to my conclusion: (1) Though Jamaica is a member of the CCJ, which is now fully established, the U.K. Privy Council still officially remains the final court of appeal for Jamaicans. (2) Though we have had three native Governors-General to date, with a fourth soon to be sworn in, they have all been representatives of the Queen of England.
What social, political, cultural or economic purpose does this outdated tie with the English monarchy serve? Why should a Jamaican prime minister, in this post-colonial era, have to formally seek the approval of Queen Elizabeth on his choice for G-G? (3) The appointment of two British deputy commissioners of police. Why were these posts not offered to native Jamaican police officers and/or members of the military?
The common thread running through the three examples is that all have a direct association with the U.K. Jamaica's sovereignty, in both theory and practice, will continue to be threatened and stifled as long as it only has partial authority over its legal and political affairs. As long as certain colonial retentions exist, Jamaica will never truly be a sovereign state.
I am, etc.,
PATRICK A. GALLIMORE
pagalley@hotmail.com
Via Go-Jamaica
