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Anti-crime Bills debate could hit snag
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
var addthis_pub="jamaicaobserver";
THE Government has described as "a wanton display of hypocrisy", the Opposition's intent to not participate in today's debate on six anti-crime Bills in parliament.
In a statement last night, leader of Government Business Andrew Holness said the Opposition's call for more time was "unreasonable" as the Bills were tabled in parliament nearly two years ago and was subjected to extensive deliberations by a Joint Select Committee of Parliament.
"Not only did the Opposition have the opportunity to raise its concerns during those meetings, but its views, along with others, were reflected in the Final Report of the Committee. Still, the Opposition members refused to sign the Final Report."
Earlier yesterday, the Opposition indicated that its support for the debate on the Bills should not be expected at this stage as sufficient notice was not given.
"The Opposition is reminding the prime minister of a commitment he gave to the Parliament that adequate and due notice would be provided prior to the commencement of a debate of any Bill. In keeping with the time-honoured convention of Bills being tabled and time allowed for scrutiny prior to the commencement of a debate, the party is recommending that the Government adheres to this tradition. Once this convention has been observed the party will be in a position to enter the debate," the Opposition said yesterday.
The party said that its call for more time was not to be interpreted as disagreement as it considered the passage of the Bills a critical and important step in the fight against crime.
Leader of Opposition Business in the House Derrick Kellier -- while acknowledging that the Bills were not new to the House -- insisted that at least a day's notice should be allowed between the tabling of the Bill and the commencement of the debate.
However, last night Holness said the Government was committed to starting the debate today and invited the Opposition to "catch up when they feel they are ready".
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
var addthis_pub="jamaicaobserver";
THE Government has described as "a wanton display of hypocrisy", the Opposition's intent to not participate in today's debate on six anti-crime Bills in parliament.
In a statement last night, leader of Government Business Andrew Holness said the Opposition's call for more time was "unreasonable" as the Bills were tabled in parliament nearly two years ago and was subjected to extensive deliberations by a Joint Select Committee of Parliament.
"Not only did the Opposition have the opportunity to raise its concerns during those meetings, but its views, along with others, were reflected in the Final Report of the Committee. Still, the Opposition members refused to sign the Final Report."
Earlier yesterday, the Opposition indicated that its support for the debate on the Bills should not be expected at this stage as sufficient notice was not given.
"The Opposition is reminding the prime minister of a commitment he gave to the Parliament that adequate and due notice would be provided prior to the commencement of a debate of any Bill. In keeping with the time-honoured convention of Bills being tabled and time allowed for scrutiny prior to the commencement of a debate, the party is recommending that the Government adheres to this tradition. Once this convention has been observed the party will be in a position to enter the debate," the Opposition said yesterday.
The party said that its call for more time was not to be interpreted as disagreement as it considered the passage of the Bills a critical and important step in the fight against crime.
Leader of Opposition Business in the House Derrick Kellier -- while acknowledging that the Bills were not new to the House -- insisted that at least a day's notice should be allowed between the tabling of the Bill and the commencement of the debate.
However, last night Holness said the Government was committed to starting the debate today and invited the Opposition to "catch up when they feel they are ready".
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