JAMAICA | PNP Going to Court over Latest States of Emergency Declaration, But welcomes Vale Royal Talks.

KINGSTON, Jamaica. December 29, 2022. The President of the People’s National Party, and Opposition Leader Mark Golding, says he has noted the Prime Minister's request to engage the Prople's National Party In Vale Royal talks, but, any discussion must transcend States of Emergency (SOEs), to focus on a broader national security strategy, where there is potential for useful dialogue leading to consensus.“

Responding in a statement today, Mr. Golding pointed out that "the discussion cannot be limited to SOEs, on which the parties have conflicting understandings of what is permissible under the Constitution. The talks must be on broader national security strategy, where there is potential for useful dialogue leading to consensus.“

The Opposition Leader revealed that “The PNP has sought and now received legal advice on the two most recent SOEs that were declared on the 6th and the 28th of December, respectively. He said "there is nothing to suggest that these two SOEs were declared as a result of changed circumstances after the SOE in November failed to get the required 2/3 support of the Senate on the 25th of November."

These two recent SOEs are clearly an attempt to circumvent the limits that the Constitution intended to place on the Prime Minister’s powers. Based on advice received, I believe that it is likely that the court would declare this recent practice to be unconstitutional. 

We will therefore be seeking the court’s guidance on this. It is a matter of fundamental constitutional importance and needs to be resolved once and for all. This Prime Minister needs to be taught to live within the rule of law.”

Mr Golding reflected that: “I really had to ask myself, ‘Is Andrew for real?’ He has had no discussion with me since the 8th of November, but a very brief conversation behind the Speaker’s chair in Gordon House. At that time, he said he was looking at three options to respond to the crime problem, and I urged him to pursue something other than the SOEs, as he was well aware of our disagreement with the way he has been using the SOEs.”

Mr Golding said “In any event, I look forward to resuming our Vale Royal discussions, which the PM abandoned after a single meeting last February. I hope he is serious about this, and it isn’t just more political posturing."

-30-