As We Approach November 27

Since the dissolution of Parliament and the announcement of the date of general elections, some persons are suggesting that the governor-general is in charge, and the Prime Minister has no authority. The constitution does not appear to have addressed this directly, except in 51 (5) of the Constitution which states, “If the occasion arises for making an appointment to the Office of Prime Minister or any other Minister while Parliament is dissolved, then, not withstanding the provisions of (2) and (4) of this section a person who was a Representative immediately before the dissolution may be appointed Prime Minister and a person who was a Senator immediately before the dissolution may be appointed as any Minister other than Prime Minister.”

The reference to section (2) and (4) is to the normal arrangement for the selection of Prime Minister and Ministers of Government. Under section (2) The Governor General will appoint as Prime Minister the person who appears to the Governor General likely to command the support of the majority of the representatives. The appointment of minister by the Governor General is in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister. Under 51(5) One must ask under what conditions will the GG see the occasion for making an appointment to the office of Prime Minister. One assumes in situations of illness (disability) or death. It will appear, for example, that if during that time there is a serious crisis in health, there might be need for a Health Minister.

Our Constitution is based on the Westminster System, and I am assuming that for anything not covered under our constitution, the Conventions that apply to the Westminster system will apply. Under that system, that is the Westminster Style Government, the Prime Minister, the person holding that office will remain in his/her position and with other ministers, retain their positions in a caretaker capacity, when parliament is dissolved. There are limits to what they can do, such as making policy decisions or financial commitments. Members will no longer retain MP in their names. It means that in this situation there is a clear distinction between government and parliament.

As I turned on my computer to write this column, I was alerted by one of the on-line newspapers that there was a murder at Akers. It was not long before this that I read about two riddled bodies, found in a vehicle at Fenton Mountain and about a Diamond fisherman that was shot dead. These struck me because I have not been hearing a lot said about criminal activities during this political campaign, I am almost sure the count is now about 34 or 35. The crime situation remains a serious one.

I have read comments/appeals made by Commissioner Envill Williams to the public. For some time now I have been very concerned that the violence we have been experiencing does not cross over into the political arena. As I have said before I always remember a UWI Professor from Jamaica who delivered a lecture here, saying that he was detecting certain patterns that reminded him of Jamaica and that we had to be careful. Recent indications seem to suggest that there has been a decline in criminal activities. I am also no longer hearing much about political garrisons.

The Christian Council’s CODE OF ETHICAL POLITICAL CONDUCT has this year included police protection for the Leader of the Opposition. I quote here from the Commissioner of Police’s appeal to the public. “To the people of this blessed nation, I ask that you let love, not anger, guide your steps. Be Your Brother’s Keeper. Let us walk together through this election session with discipline, tolerance and pride in our Vincentian identity.” He recognises that this is a passionate time in our country’s history. He reminds the people that the “colours you wear and the slogans you chant are all expressions of democratic choice. This should not divide us but demonstrate the strength of our democracy.”

The Commissioner also addressed the police service, for the police have to set an example and to be proactive. We remember incidents in the recent past with the Commissioner and other police officers wearing publicly the colours of a political party. This is indeed a passionate time in our country. The lying, the verbal attacks, the vandalising of party posters, the mischief and many other silly things can easily get out of hand. This is where the vigilance of the police is critical.

I still see many references on social media to people and parties being described as Lazy. The word ‘Lazy’ is a misnomer. The correct term should be lack of commitment and could only apply to those who are trying to do in six months what should have been done five years ago. As we approach that ‘fateful’ day November 27, it is necessary to have a cooling of the political temperature. There is undoubtedly a lot at stake in this election!

• Dr Adrian Fraser is a social commentator and historian