EDITORIAL: Deception on a major scale

The dual-citizenship controversy, which has dominated recent political conversation, has been revived with vigour following the ouster of North East St Ann member of parliament (MP), Shahine Robinson.

That Mrs Robinson gave up her fight only after documentary proof of her dual citizenship was provided by the petitioners suggests that the MP was prepared to prolong her battle if the evidence was not somehow adduced. This, we submit, is deception on a major scale.

The Jamaican Constitution says non-Commonwealth citizens who have pledged allegiance to a foreign power cannot sit in the Lower House. Views vary widely as to whether this ought to be changed, but for the majority the major sticking point is the thought of 'allegiance' to a foreign power. For now that is what our Constitution dictates.

Three government members have been forced to renounce citizenship of a foreign power and face the electorate. And there are suggestions that others with dual citizenship are still ensconced in Gordon House. If that is the case, these members are showing continued disrespect for the Jamaican Constitution.

Parliamentarians hold office in the highest position of responsibility in the land. And isn't this whole dual-citizenship controversy pointing to democracy being hurt by its guardians? Where is the honesty in the House of Representatives? The real issue isn't about the tit-for-tat game now being played. The fact is the deception has been ongoing for many years with successive administrations closing their eyes to its implication.

Widespread problem

We recall that it was a sore loser from the opposition party who initiated the dual-citizenship battle for a Portland constituency. Soon it was revealed that the problem was more widespread.

With its paper-thin majority in Parliament, the challenge to the Jamaica Labour Party administration threatened to put Gordon House into a tailspin. The challenged and the challengers headed to court. It seemed obvious from day one that the challenged were on shaky legal ground. What was hidden in the dark was brought to the light in court.

A lot of time has been wasted, huge sums of money have been expended, much anxiety and fear have been triggered and the legal system put to the test on a matter that ought to have been resolved in a common-sense way. That it was allowed to drag on so long is an indictment on the leadership of our political parties.

Three years into his rule as head of the Government, Prime Minister Bruce Golding finds himself swimming against the tide as he tries to confront the myriad of challenges that abound within and without. However, the greatest obstacle he must overcome is the deep disenchantment with his leadership and the high levels of sceptism about his and his colleagues' honesty.

Often during a crisis, the responses are not well thought out. This dual-citizenship controversy is one example where the knee-jerk responses were found wanting. Even at this late hour, the imbroglio presents an opportunity for Parliament to try and regain the people's trust.

The opinions on this page, except for the above, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Gleaner. To respond to a Gleaner editorial, email us: editor@gleanerjm.com or fax: 922-6223. Responses should be no longer than 400 words. Not all responses will be published.