The Following is a Release From the PNP Patriots - April 23, 2024:
Kingston, Jamaica – 23 April 2024 – The People's National Party Patriots is expressing deep concern over the Government's repeated disregard for the Constitution of Jamaica and the fundamental rights enshrined within it. The recent attempt by the Government to extend the tenure of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is a glaring example of this disregard.
The Government attempted to extend the tenure of the DPP beyond constitutional limits, resulting in a ruling by the Full Court on April 18, 2024, declaring the DPP's tenure invalid. This ruling has serious implications for the effective prosecution of criminal cases, especially those involving serious offences like murder and rape.
We are also concerned about the Minister of Justice's initial stance, Mr. Delroy Chuck. He suggested that the DPP remain in office until an appeal is made. However, it's crucial to understand that no stay can be granted from a declaratory judgment since it merely reflects the existing legal status.
These constitutional missteps are not isolated incidents but are part of a pattern of behaviour by this Government. We note several other egregious actions that undermine the rule of law and erode public trust. The issues include undated resignation letters, misuse of the Disaster Risk Management Act during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the failed attempt to implement mandatory NIDS. The Government's proposition that the Chief Justice should act before formal appointment contradicts established constitutional norms. This undermines the independence of the judiciary and threatens the separation of powers, raising serious concerns about the integrity of our legal system. There constant unlawful use of States of Emergency (SOEs) as crime-fighting measures. The Government's frequent and prolonged imposition of States of Emergency without sufficient justification or adherence to constitutional safeguards is deeply troubling. This misuse of emergency powers undermines civil liberties, violates due process, and fails to address the root causes of crime, instead exacerbating tensions within affected communities.
Moreover, Minister Robert Nesta Morgan, the Minister of Information, has demonstrated a dismissive attitude towards legitimate concerns raised regarding constitutional issues. His characterisation of these issues as trivial and unimportant reflects a lack of regard for the Constitution and suggests a disregard for the intelligence and rights of the Jamaican people. Such dismissiveness is unacceptable and undermines the foundation of our democracy.
It is evident that there are serious deficiencies either in the qualifications or competence of key government officials responsible for constitutional matters, including the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General. This raises concerns about the Government's sincerity in pursuing meaningful constitutional reform.
The cumulative effect of these constitutional transgressions is a profound erosion of public trust in the Government's commitment to upholding democratic principles and protecting citizens' rights. The Patriots calls on the Government to acknowledge its responsibility to govern in accordance with the Constitution and to demonstrate a genuine commitment to accountability and respect for the rule of law.
We, therefore, call for an immediate reassessment of the constitutional reform process and urge the Government to demonstrate a genuine commitment to upholding the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.
In appointing a new DPP, we implore the Government to adhere strictly to constitutional procedures. Failure to do so will only further erode public confidence in the rule of law.
We stand ready to uphold and defend the Constitution against any further attempts to disregard its principles. For the stability and progress of our nation, it is imperative that the Government act responsibly and respect the rule of law.
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ReplyDeleteHackneyed observations! Was there an ulterior motive behind the case and ruling designed to force the DPP to demit office so that the THREE most HIGH-PROFILE CASES UNDERWAY can have the desired outcome. Winning VS Succeeding in a case are quite different. No impact on my voting decision! Missteps and the Massive runaway national bruckfoot Corruption of the distant past are very different!
ReplyDeleteWhose report will you believe
This government's push to retain the DPP against constitutional norms begs the question; Will the DPP delay or choose not to pursue any allegations of corruption referred by the Integrity Commission and or the Auditor General? Will she be compromised and feel that she needs to repay their "loyalty" in kind?
ReplyDeleteThe office of the DPP must operate with impartiality and integrity and sadly, the current DPP is not only incompetent , as evidenced by recent high profile cases bungling, but now appears compromised and unconstitutional! She must go!