Mixed reactions to two terms for PM

INFLUENTIAL figures in the private sector and the clergy have come out in support of the proposal by Prime Minister Bruce Golding for a two-term limit for persons occupying the Office of the Prime Minister.

Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller on Tuesday dismissed the idea as ineffective and unnecessary when she contributed to the debate on the bill.

Yesterday, Wayne Chen, president of the Jamaica Employers' Federation, said he agreed with the proposal in principle. He, however, said he wanted "to hear more information as to how it would work as a parliamentary system".

Donna Duncan-Scott, managing director of Jamaica Money Market Brokers, was also in favour of the two-term limit.

"A two-term limit would encourage a prime minister to use his constitutional powers to make the hard decisions that would inure to the long-term benefit of the country, and which could secure a lasting legacy for his or her leadership, at least in his or her second term," she told The Gleaner.

At the same time, Pastor Charles Francis of the Faith United Church of God International said anyone who opposed such a move was being selfish.

"It is clear that that person wants to die in leadership. If they meant the country well, they would support it," said the pastor.

Gassan Azan, CEO of MegaMart, also supports the idea of term limit. "This is an extremely stressful job, so after two terms or 10 years, it will take its toll. The term limit, once imposed as law, will force a clear succession plan, which has not been evident in our politics in recent times," Azan said.

However, Allan Rickards, president of the All-Island Cane Farmers' Association, said although he doesn't believe a prime minister should serve indefinitely, he cannot agree with the move.

"First of all, how did he (Golding) even arrive at nine years for two terms when an election is called every five years? In any case, Golding's proposal doesn't make sense. For instance, if a country is in a recession or working through a financial crisis they may need more time to implement their proposed programmes, and a change of government in the middle of such a crisis would only disrupt any programme for recovery," said Rickards.

Meanwhile, Doreen Frankson, former president of the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association, said Golding's proposal was not a priority right now.

"We need to look at more important things, like the Caribbean Court of Justice," she said.

She said deciding whether the country goes the route of of term limit "should be a decision for the people, not politicians.

"It should be a public debate and once the people decide, then it should be entrenched in the constitution."

anastasia.cunningham@gleanerjm.com