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GG missing from national duties
Published: Monday | August 8, 2011 Comments 0
Allen
THE EDITOR, Sir:
SATURDAY, August 6, marked the 49th anniversary of Jamaica's Independence. It is to be noted that His Excellency the Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen, was absent from the National Independence Parade held on the lawns of King's House, a national duty he is required under the Jamaican Constitution to carry out, having sworn and received his instrument of office at Buckingham Palace.
My question is whether Sir Patrick is on duties overseas, or his absence was on the grounds of religious belief? The instrument of office requires any holder of the said office to execute his functions without his own prejudice to race, creed or religion and, as such, it cannot be that because Independence day falls on a Saturday, a day on which he worships, the functions of the governor general will have to be deputised.
The affairs of Jamaica belongs to the people via the process of democracy and, as such, is larger than any singular rights to religion. Therefore, its duties must be carried out by all on any given day. If the issue of religion conflicts with national duties, then in the interest of the nation, all those holding such an office, including the GG, should humbly resign.
Winston R. MOLLISON
Old Harbour
St Catherine
Published: Monday | August 8, 2011 Comments 0
Allen
THE EDITOR, Sir:
SATURDAY, August 6, marked the 49th anniversary of Jamaica's Independence. It is to be noted that His Excellency the Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen, was absent from the National Independence Parade held on the lawns of King's House, a national duty he is required under the Jamaican Constitution to carry out, having sworn and received his instrument of office at Buckingham Palace.
My question is whether Sir Patrick is on duties overseas, or his absence was on the grounds of religious belief? The instrument of office requires any holder of the said office to execute his functions without his own prejudice to race, creed or religion and, as such, it cannot be that because Independence day falls on a Saturday, a day on which he worships, the functions of the governor general will have to be deputised.
The affairs of Jamaica belongs to the people via the process of democracy and, as such, is larger than any singular rights to religion. Therefore, its duties must be carried out by all on any given day. If the issue of religion conflicts with national duties, then in the interest of the nation, all those holding such an office, including the GG, should humbly resign.
Winston R. MOLLISON
Old Harbour
St Catherine
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