Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) shares vision - Golding to champion NHT, constitutional reform
published: Monday | November 20, 2006
Edmond Campbell and Dionne Rose, Gleaner Writers
Caught up in the euphoria on the conference floor are from left: Desmond McKenzie, Mayor of Kingston; Mrs. Lorna Golding with husband Opposition Leader Bruce Golding; Joyce Young, candidate for St. Andrew Western and Ruddy Spencer, candidate for Clarendon South East. The JLP's 63rd Annual Conference was held at the National Arena, yesterday. - Photos by Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer
Opposition Leader Bruce Golding, unveiling what he termed "his vision for the country," yesterday gave a commitment to constitutional change if the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) forms the next Government. He pledged to revamp the National Housing Trust (NHT), to provide benefits to all contributors and consolidate payroll deductions into a single social security scheme.
Mr. Golding, who for some time has trumpeted constitutional reform, said that his administration would create a framework in which Parliament is clearly defined and Government is held accountable.
Speaking at the JLP's 63rd Annual Conference at the National Arena in Kingston, the Opposition Leader said that to ensure stability in the political process, he would establish a fixed election date and impose term limits on the Office of the Prime Minister.
Step aside
"If the Prime Minister cannot do his (or her) job in two terms, then he (or she) must step aside and let somebody else step in," he said to loud cheers from the crowd.
The new constitutional framework would also include separation of powers between the Government and the Parliament by strengthening the role of the Opposition. "So that in certain critical areas, Government cannot act unilaterally but can only do so with the agreement of the Opposition," said Mr. Golding.
He said with this in place, the Government, which usually has the majority would no longer just rubber -stamp decisions made by Cabinet.
"If we are to effectively hold the Government accountable within the Westminster framework, it will have to be re-engineered," he stressed.
Amendment to standing orders
Mr. Golding also proposed an amendment to Parliament's Standing Orders to allow Opposition Members to chair select Committees.
"We propose that all Sessional Select Committees be chaired by an Opposition Member so that the same diligence and level of scrutiny that appears in the Public Accounts Committee, will be applied to all Standing Sessional Committees of Parliament," he said.
Reorganise NHT
Elaborating on plans to reorganise the NHT, Mr. Golding said that too many people contributed to the Trust and have not received a benefit. He likened the NHT as a "partner", noting that even though monies have been deducted from workers' pay for years, many are yet to get a draw.
"We are going to establish a guaranteed mortgage entitlement where every contributor once you have satisfied a minimum qualifying period will be entitled to a specified mortgage amount which will grow each year as you make more contributions."
The Opposition Leader is also proposing the consolidation of payroll contributions into a single social security deduction, to be divided equally between the National Insurance Scheme, the National Housing Trust and a new National Health Insurance Scheme.
Describing the party's manifesto as a blueprint for a new Jamaica, Mr. Golding said the document would soon be released.
Answered critics
He also answered his critics who said he lacked charisma stating: "I am what I am. I am no messiah, I can work no miracle, I can only offer my leadership".
A Gleaner-commissioned Bill Johnson poll conducted in late October showed that 25 per cent of the electorate fell in the category of the uncommitted. It was this group to which Golding made an impassioned plea during his presentation. "Never give up on Jamaica you can't afford to give up ... those who say there is no purpose in voting, think again."
* Other recommendations that a Labour party Government would introduce include: - Appointment of a special prosecutor to address corruption in government
* - Five-year development plan for Members of Parliament
* - Fast track process of local government reform and entrench it in the Constitution
* - Transform the education system to produce more literate students
* - Comprehensive programme for rural development
* - Improve the capability of the police force through better training and increased technology and more resources to fight crime
* - Social intervention in inner city communities
* - Pursue an aggressive programme to attract foreign investment