Dennie Quill, Contributor
THE WORDS pouring out of Roger Clarke's mouth were like liquid gold. The minister made quite a media event of the launch of Holland Bamboo's rehabilitation. And so he should, scores of people living here and abroad have been extremely distressed at the continued degradation of this unique attraction. This action is being taken in the nick of time.
One of the joys of writing a newspaper column is that one is provided with a stage on which to articulate national issues in an attempt to provoke effective debate in the public square. Columns can be entertaining and we try to parade our witty sides from time to time, they can be interesting and informative, but often they sting like poisoned darts taking aim at well-intended targets. They often deal with unpleasant and unpopular subjects. However, while all of the above are important, I feel that when a columnist agitates for a cause using this precious platform he has the best chance of creating meaningful change.
ENCOURAGING ACTIVITIES
Last year we identified the resuscitation of Holland Bamboo to be an urgent national issue. We dedicated many column inches to the subject and we urged like-minded persons to write letters to the powers that be. Many such letters were written and for a time nothing happened. Then late last year I noticed some encouraging activities on the avenue and now we know that there will be a project to rehabilitate. Score one for advocacy journalism.
The government is doing its part after some nudging. However, the matter doesn't end there. We support a vigorous public education campaign to raise levels of awareness and change patterns of behaviour in this community. In the end it is the citizens who have to ensure the sustainability of the project. Don't allow persons to let their animals loose in the avenue or to cut the bamboo for their selfish ends.
So after Holland Bamboo what? I believe Negril should be the next target. I will tell you how I intend to approach this one and urge you to be a part of this campaign.
Now I have been observing the hoopla surrounding the campaign for PNP president and Prime Minister of Jamaica from the pavilion like many of you. It's a bit like a circus isn't it? This issue has raised some serious questions in my mind about the Jamaican constitution. Here's the thing that bothers me. In 2002, the country voted for a leader in the person of P.J. Patterson, for the majority felt he was capable of leading the country in a way that would bring pride and posterity to us. He decides to step down and it is the PNP delegates who will now decide who should be Prime Minister of the country. Yes, I know it happened when Mr. Patterson first took office but this system doesn't sit well with me. I believe the framers of our constitution did a poor job in this area.
THE AMERICAN CONSTITUTION
I had a brief look at the American constitution which provides for the treatment of a vacancy in the presidential office. It states that in case of removal of the president from office or his death or resignation, the vice president shall be president. This is what the people vote for each time.
And whenever there is a vacancy in the office of vice president the president shall nominate someone who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress. In its wisdom the U.S. Constitution established the office of vice president to provide a successor in the event of death, inability or resignation. I think this is a good thing.
THE COMMONWEALTH
In many Commonwealth jurisdictions there is a Deputy Prime Minister, and although the position appears to have no standing in law, the appointee is considered the second highest ranking member of the executive branch. He or she is expected to stand in for the Prime Minister yet this doesn't necessarily translate into power.
There was a time when we had a Deputy Prime Minister with the presumption that such a person would succeed the leader if anything should happen, but lately that post has apparently been abolished and the Prime Minister at his discretion appoints someone to mind the shop in his absence - today it's Portia, last week it was Peter and before that it was Bobby. I believe that's an untidy way to run a country and this presidential election is simply a farce which has diverted an inordinate amount of resources from otherwise urgent national matters. I wonder how the Opposition JLP feels about this?
Dennie Quill is a veteran journalist who may be reached at denniequill@hotmail.com
