Sunset bill passed - Government promises no violation of Jamaican rights
October 25, 2006
Government yesterday attempted to allay the concerns of Jamaicans who believe their rights may be violated under the Sunset Legislation passed in the House of Representatives for Cricket World Cup 2007.
At the end of the near four-hour debate, the bill was passed with 20 minor amendments.
However, while Dr. Peter Phillips, Leader of Government Business in the House of Representatives, gave his assurance that the legislation would not result in any "wholesale" or "arbitrary" curtailment of Jamaicans' rights during the World Cup, he invited persons who feel their rights are violated during the event, to take the matter to the courts.
During the debate on the legislation, which makes provision for the fulfillment of the Government's obligations as it relates to the staging of the event, Dr. Phillips said the measure was not designed to infringe on businesses or individual's rights.
However Opposition Leader Bruce Golding, in his contribution to the debate, argued that, notwithstanding the Government's assurances, there were still areas of "ambiguity" in the legislation that must be addressed.
Discussing the issue of culpability if a person's rights are violated, Mr. Golding said it was not clear under which jurisdiction that person could be compensated as the responsible bodies might be based overseas.
Closure of roads
He also took issue with the closure of roads in the vicinity of the venue hosting the Cricket World Cup, arguing that businesses would be affected financially as neither suppliers nor customers would gain access to the location without accreditation....
Author: Edmond Campbell
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
