Chastanet says No Referendum No CCJ!, a referendum would help to ensure that the decision is seen as legitimate and binding

By Chastanet

On Tuesday, the Government of Saint Lucia will head to parliament to amend the constitution to allow for the Caribbean Court of Justice to replace the Privy Council as our final court of appeal.

This is hastily being done by the Government without sufficient consultation with the general public or dissemination of information on the pros and cons of this move. How many of you can confidently say that you know or understand how this move will impact you?

Since being founded in 2001, out of 15 countries who initially signed on, only 4 countries in the region have made the full transition to the CCJ serving as their final court of appeal.

The Government of St Vincent & the Grenadines in 2009, and the Governments of Grenada and Antigua & Barbuda in 2018, all held referendums on this issue regarding the CCJ.

There are several reasons why a referendum on this issue would be appropriate.

First and foremost, a referendum would ensure that the decision is made democratically and transparently. While it is ultimately up to the government to decide whether to adopt the CCJ as the final court of appeal, this decision should not be made without the input and consent of the people. A referendum would allow for a public debate on the issue, with both sides of the argument being heard and considered.

A referendum would help to increase public awareness and understanding of the issue. Many people in Saint Lucia may not be fully aware of what the CCJ is and how it works. By holding a referendum, the government can ensure that the public is fully informed about the issue before making a decision.

Finally, a referendum would help to ensure that the decision is seen as legitimate and binding. If the government were to make the decision without consulting the people, there would always be a question of whether the decision was truly representative of the will of the people.

Call or message your MP, tell them NO Referendum, NO CCJ!