JLP vs PNP- This “little” issue of a referendum

A referendum was held in Jamaica  on 19 September 1961. Voters were asked "Should Jamaica remain in the Federation of the West Indies?" The result was 54.1% voting "no", resulting in the country leaving the federation and its dissolution in 1962. Voter turnout was 61.5%.

Let us place this discussion in context. Back in 1961, Bustamante opposed Federation as it appeared that T&T had too much leverage and Jamaica would be better off becoming Independent. Well we all know the result, that is why we became independent in 1962, even though Jamaica's first elections was held on December 12, 1944.  Federation failed then as the Caribbean nations were not on the same page, however Regional Integration is not to be dismissed because of the state of affairs then, which does not necessarily exist now. Fast-forward 54 years and our Opposition Leader is boasting that he is  “a Nationalist….who does not come from the school of those who chase after a fleeting and elusive dream called Integration.”

How bad really is integration, whether it be purely economic? The European Union, The North American Free Trade Agreement, Association of SouthEast Asian Nations, The North American Free Trade Agreement, Union of South American Nations are some examples currently in place.

We are too small to survive on our own and collaboration with like-minded states in the same geographical vicinity has the potential to strengthen our economic voice and position in the free world. Opportunities exist not only in the English-Speaking Caribbean but in our neighbouring Spanish, French and Dutch counterparts, whose market we are unable to penetrate thus contributing to the limiting of our growth and reach.

But I digress, so focusing  on the bone of contention currently is the Caribbean Court of Justice vs Privy Council as our final Court of Appeal, there is a lot of hulla-balloo whether a Referendum should be put to the pople. Reference is made to a covert agenda, and I am curious to know what then is the opposition’s agenda, as I am of the view that both sides need to come together and not push a partisan agenda just because one’s predeccesors promulgated a particular viewpoint. Times have changed, our ecomonic standing has changed, Jamaica needs a savior. That savior is not IMF, the people who are in positions of power need to think and act rationally and put the people first.

Should a referendum be put to the people? The PNP is not for it, and I wouldn’t expect them to be, in light of the last referendum where our past Premier Norman Manley stepped down after losing the not-so- long-after called elections. I believe they are wary of this precedent especially since we are so far into the election term and everyone on both sides of the fence are on their “P’s and Q’s” trying to solidify party votes.

The JLP on the other hand through a statement of their leader has trivialized the issue and has said that if it is to be considered, it should be put to the people. I wholeheartedly agree with putting it to the people but not the trivialization of the issue. A public-education campaign is not bad , educating the populace on the issues so that they can make an informed decision. But announcing a Grand Referendum is ludicrous if that step is not taken. The voters will simply vote along party lines, and we all know that the voter turnout which will not be representative of the true population, nor will it reflect the true wishes of the people.

To “referend” or not to “referend” is the question