...- Parliamentarians in Jamaica to vote on hanging despite Opposition appeal
November 25, 2008
PARLIAMENTARIANS, ARMED with a made-up conscience, are today sche-duled to hand down a verdict on whether to abolish or retain the death penalty in Jamaica.
The decision is expected, despite a late appeal from Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller for a special date to be set for the vote.
Andrew Gallimore, acting leader of government business in the House, told The Gleaner yesterday that the vote would be taken in Gordon House this afternoon.
Last week, Prime Minister Bruce Golding adjourned the debate on capital punishment to allow more members to participate in the crucial decision today.
Reflection
More time was also given for members to reflect on their positions before registering their conscience vote on the controversial issue.
Clerk to the Houses of Parliament, Heather Cooke, confirmed yesterday that the agenda for public business had not changed. This means that, about 2:30 p.m., legislators will say 'yes' or 'no' to hanging.
Simpson Miller, who was absent from last Tuesday's sitting, will again be missing from the House.
Senior Opposition MP Robert Pickersgill argued that, on a matter of such national importance, a specific date for voting should have been set from the beginning of the debate.
"When the debate is of such fundamental importance and attracts so many participants, a date should be set," he insisted.
Pickersgill said Simpson Miller had made arrangements to travel overseas prior to the date set for a parliamentary vote on the death penalty.
"I am pretty sure she would want to be here," said Pickersgill, adding that he was ready to vote on the issue.
Government MPs are expected to be out in their numbers to answer the call.
According to Gallimore, except for Derrick Smith, leader of government business, who isreceiving treatment for diabetes overseas, no other member had indicated that they would be absent.
Meanwhile, human rights lobby group, Jamaicans for Justice said debate on the retention or abolition of hanging was premature, arguing that the perpetrators of crime must first be caught....
Author: Edmond Campbell and Adrian Frater
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
