THE EDITOR, Sir:

THE RECENT flap about the rights or lack thereof or person holding dual citizenship in Jamaica has been very narrowly focused and I believe that some allied issues of significance have not been discussed.

The court ruling was in a case that involved the United States (US) and, as such, that is where the focus has been. What I am concerned about is how does the ruling apply to other nationalities? Specifically, how does this affect persons with other Commonwealth nationalities, who do not regard the Queen as head of state, countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana or India.

Does the difference in head of state relegate them to foreign powers? Also, what would be the implications for dual citizens from other countries who maintain the Queen as head of state, should Jamaica opt to remove Her Majesty as head of state?

I find that the discussions have been focused too narrowly on the effect on US/Jamaican dual citizens when there are thousands of other dual nationality holders out there who may also be concerned about the impact that this ruling may have on their future participation in the Jamaican political landscape.

I am, etc.,

RICARDO SMALLING

rsmall@inweh.unu.edu

Canada

Via Go-Jamaica