KINGSTON, Jamaica – The main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) says it “strongly objects” to a move by the Jamaica government to amend the Constitution to facilitate the extension in office of any existing individual office-holders.
Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Paula Llewellyn.The party said that the decision by the government is an “abuse of democratic governance” as it outlined its position regarding the government’s move to table legislation amending the Constitution to facilitate a further extension of the tenure of the incumbent Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Paula Llewellyn.
In a statement, the PNP said it is calling on the Andrew Holness government “to reconsider its approach and uphold the principles of transparency, democratic governance, and respect for established constitutional procedures.”
“We urge the government to engage in meaningful consultation with all relevant stakeholders, including the Opposition, and to refrain from exploiting its parliamentary majority for decisions that can have far-reaching consequences for the integrity of our democratic institutions,” the PNP added.
The government is expected to table the legislation in Parliament on Tuesday. It did not publicly indicate the duration of the extension, but in 2020, Prime Minister Holness recommended a three-year extension for Llewellyn.
In its statement, the PNP said that “despite the fact that the Constitution requires consultation with the Leader of the Opposition in relation to the appointment or extension of the tenure of the DPP, there has been no consultation with the Opposition whatsoever on this proposed constitutional amendment.
“The tabling and passing of such a Bill in the House of Representatives on the same day, will preclude due consideration and properly informed debate on the matter, and is an abuse of democratic governance and the Government’s parliamentary majority that is more in keeping with autocratic rule.”
The PNP said that the DPP is a constitutional office, and there is a Constitutional Reform Committee in place that is considering reforms to the Constitution.
“This constitutional amendment totally sidelines that Committee, as the Committee, has not been consulted or had any discussion on this matter. The Opposition with therefore have to reconsider its participation on that Committee, if the Government proceeds with this course of action.
“Furthermore, If the Government proceeds with this course of action, the Opposition will be seeking legal advice with a view to taking the matter to the Constitutional Court to challenge what is a serious aberration, and to seek a declaratory judgement as to the proper interpretation of the Constitution in this matter,” the opposition party added.
