Cynical political manipulation
Published:Monday | July 26, 2010 | 12:00 AM
The Editor, Sir:
The ACTIVITIES in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 20, marked one of the saddest days in my life as a public servant and a citizen of Jamaica. On that day, management of the most critical threat to the survival of the country degenerated into what many might consider a most reckless display of cynicism and manipulation.
The intention here is not to argue for or against continuation of a state of emergency, but to question the result of the debate.
In the interest of objective discussion it is necessary to ignore political manoeuvring, put the debate into proper perspective and bear in mind that extension of the state of emergency rests on an assessment of its role in the fight against crime, in a way that does not violate the Constitution of Jamaica. Those who agree that it is necessary and constitutional will support extension. Those who do not will oppose it.
Consider also that, at the end of the day, the primary responsibility for ensuring the security of the state rests with the administration, with due regard for consensus, where possible, within a democratic system of government. So if the administration thinks that a state of emergency is necessary and constitutional, it is duty-bound to ensure imple-mentation, in such a manner as not to compromise its effectiveness.
Last Tuesday, the Government and Opposition were looking at a win-win situation. Despite having asked for 30 days, a 15-day extension put the Government in a position to implement an operation which it considers so vital for the protection of the State, people and country. At the end of those 15 days, the Government would then have a full complement of its members in Parliament, giving it the option to extend the period for another 15 days - which would complete the 30-day period it had requested originally.
No compromise
At the same time, the Opposition would have made its point while temporarily deferring to the judgment of the security forces.
There must be a persuasive explanation, but as of now some stakeholders are still at a loss to understand why, in these circumstances, our leaders failed to arrive at a compromise. Despite the reasons given by Commissioner Ellington, the door is left wide open to unflattering speculation, as it is still not clear why his plans could not be implemented over two consecutive 15-day extensions. Incredible!!
I am, etc.,
H. DALE ANDERSON