The People’s National Party (PNP) in a press release expressed strong objections to the government’s proposed constitutional amendment that aims to extend the tenure of DPP Paula Llewellyn. The PNP vehemently opposes this move, raising serious concerns about democratic governance and the principles of constitutional reform.
Read the Release:
It has been brought to our attention that the Andrew Holness-led Government intends to bring a Bill to Parliament today to amend the Constitution in order to facilitate a further extension of the tenure of the incumbent Director
of Public Prosecution (DPP) Paula Llewellyn. The People’s National Party (PNP) vehemently objects to the move by the government as it raises serious concerns about democratic governance and the principles of constitutional reform.
The PNP wishes to place the following on the record:
- We strongly object to the decision to amend the Constitution to facilitate the
extension in office of any existing individual office-holders. - Despite the fact that the Constitution requires consultation with the Leader of the
Opposition in relation to the appointment or extension of the tenure of the DPP, there
has been no consultation with the Opposition whatsoever on this proposed
constitutional amendment. - The tabling and passing of such a Bill in the House of Representatives on the same
day, will preclude due consideration and properly informed debate on the matter,
and is an abuse of democratic governance and the Government’s parliamentary
majority that is more in keeping with autocratic rule. - The DPP is a constitutional office, and there is a Constitutional Reform Committee in
place that is considering reforms to the Constitution. This constitutional amendment
totally sidelines that Committee, as the Committee, has not been consulted or had
any discussion on this matter. The Opposition with therefore have to reconsider its
participation on that Committee, if the Government proceeds with this course of
action. - Furthermore, If the Government proceeds with this course of action, the Opposition
will be seeking legal advice with a view to taking the matter to the Constitutional
Court to challenge what is a serious aberration, and to seek a declaratory
judgment as to the proper interpretation of the Constitution in this matter.
The PNP calls on the JLP-led government to reconsider its approach and uphold the principles of transparency, democratic governance, and respect for established constitutional procedures. We urge the government to engage in meaningful consultation with all relevant stakeholders, including the Opposition, and to refrain from exploiting its parliamentary majority for decisions that can have far-reaching consequences for the integrity of our democratic institutions.
The Opposition remains committed to upholding the Constitution and protecting the democratic values that our nation holds dear.
