Legislators weigh in on CARICOM report

Following a lengthy debate on Tuesday, the House of Representatives adopted the report of the Bruce Golding-led Commission To Review Jamaica’s Relations Within The CARICOM and CARIFORUM Frameworks. Here are excerpts of the contributions by some members of parliament.

Anthony Hylton, opposition spokesman on national physical planning

“... The report gives short shrift to the fundamental role of the CCJ (Caribbean Court of Justice) in aiding in the implementation process, and, thereby, overemphasises the role for the inter-governmental task force in renegotiating parts of the RTC (Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas) without first having the Court’s interpretation of the member states’ balance of rights and obligations, as well as benefits and burdens under the existing RTC.”

Marlene Malahoo Forte, attorney general

“The commission rightly noted that the provisions in the revised treaty for dispute settlement are fragmented, and in many instances, the processes are inconclusive. For example, some organs of CARICOM do not have the power to issue directives or apply sanctions to member states found to be in breach of the treaty.”

Lisa Hanna, opposition spokesperson on foreign affairs

“It is my view that Jamaica should never leave CARICOM ... . The time to stay together is more urgent today than ever before. This is our family. We’re bonded together by a common history, similar cultures. Most of our economies are largely dependent on tourism. We’re all susceptible to the ravages of climate change.”

SEE MORE COMMENTS AT WWW.JAMAICA-GLEANERJM.COM