JO - If more citizens were aware of the Constitution.
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
If more citizens were aware of the Constitution.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Dear Editor,
Prior to the Vaz vs Dabdoub case and the ruling of the Supreme Court we had not heard much talk of our Constitution. I doubt very much that the majority of our citizens are aware of this document and of the rights and the provisions therein.
I believe we would not have so many breaches of our Constitution if more citizens were aware of it. We would have less trampling of the rights of citizens; the authorities - without fail - would have consulted /taken guidance from our Constitution and would have seen possible pitfalls/ ramifications prior to listing of the requirements to fill certain sensitive jobs, as we now see with the appointment of Mr Danville Walker as the director of election.
From all quarters we hear calls for the revamping/retaining/removal of section (40) of our Constitution. One would think that section (40) is the only part in our Constitution that is "behind time".
Did not a section in our Constitution also state that prisoners and convicted felons (by reason of imprisonment/conviction) are denied the right to vote? This clause is not enforced as we turn a blind eye, allowing convicts to vote in elections in clear violation of the law. If the laws were enforced, these felons would be arrested.
As we seek to change the law to accommodate our nationals who have dual citizenship - yes we should - we must make the change, giving the right to vote to convicted felons, who have already paid their debt to society.
Authnel Reid
authnel_reid@merck.com
Jamaica Observer
If more citizens were aware of the Constitution.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Dear Editor,
Prior to the Vaz vs Dabdoub case and the ruling of the Supreme Court we had not heard much talk of our Constitution. I doubt very much that the majority of our citizens are aware of this document and of the rights and the provisions therein.
I believe we would not have so many breaches of our Constitution if more citizens were aware of it. We would have less trampling of the rights of citizens; the authorities - without fail - would have consulted /taken guidance from our Constitution and would have seen possible pitfalls/ ramifications prior to listing of the requirements to fill certain sensitive jobs, as we now see with the appointment of Mr Danville Walker as the director of election.
From all quarters we hear calls for the revamping/retaining/removal of section (40) of our Constitution. One would think that section (40) is the only part in our Constitution that is "behind time".
Did not a section in our Constitution also state that prisoners and convicted felons (by reason of imprisonment/conviction) are denied the right to vote? This clause is not enforced as we turn a blind eye, allowing convicts to vote in elections in clear violation of the law. If the laws were enforced, these felons would be arrested.
As we seek to change the law to accommodate our nationals who have dual citizenship - yes we should - we must make the change, giving the right to vote to convicted felons, who have already paid their debt to society.
Authnel Reid
authnel_reid@merck.com
posted by Consul-At-Arms at 12:15 AM
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