PNP says constitutional crisis could arise from PSC controversy
The Parliamentary Opposition is warning of a possible constitutional crisis arising from the Government's decision to appoint new members to the Public Services Commission, (PSC).
The warning comes as the People's National Party, (PNP), vows not to back down from its legal challenge of the Prime Minister's dismissal of the members of the last Commission.
On Tuesday, King's House announced a fresh slate of Commission members despite an appeal from Opposition Leader Portia Simpson-Miller.
She had asked for the appointments to be put on hold pending Thursday's court hearing of an application seeking a review of the dismissal of the members of the last PSC.
Deputy General Secretary of the PNP, Linton Walters, said the Bruce Golding administration could find itself in a constitutional bind if the court quashes the selection of the new members.
He said if this happens, the Prime Minister and the Governor General would have to determine which PSC should sit, the last one or the newly appointed Commission.
The Government and Opposition have been at odds since late last year, when Prime Minister Golding advised the Governor General to dismiss the members of the Commission.
Mr. Golding accused them of gross misconduct.
But the Opposition rejected this claim and went to court seeking a review of the decision.
The Parliamentary Opposition is warning of a possible constitutional crisis arising from the Government's decision to appoint new members to the Public Services Commission, (PSC).
The warning comes as the People's National Party, (PNP), vows not to back down from its legal challenge of the Prime Minister's dismissal of the members of the last Commission.
On Tuesday, King's House announced a fresh slate of Commission members despite an appeal from Opposition Leader Portia Simpson-Miller.
She had asked for the appointments to be put on hold pending Thursday's court hearing of an application seeking a review of the dismissal of the members of the last PSC.
Deputy General Secretary of the PNP, Linton Walters, said the Bruce Golding administration could find itself in a constitutional bind if the court quashes the selection of the new members.
He said if this happens, the Prime Minister and the Governor General would have to determine which PSC should sit, the last one or the newly appointed Commission.
The Government and Opposition have been at odds since late last year, when Prime Minister Golding advised the Governor General to dismiss the members of the Commission.
Mr. Golding accused them of gross misconduct.
But the Opposition rejected this claim and went to court seeking a review of the decision.
Comment