Headlines:
| Impeach MPs who breach procurement guidelines – Mullings |
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| Wednesday, 18 November 2009 | |
 A Government backbencher
has suggested that parliamentarians be liable for impeachment when they disobey
state procurement guidelines.Clive Mullings, attorney-at-law and former Energy Minister made the proposal as the debate on the Charter of Rights came to a close in the House of Representatives on Tuesday. Mr. Mullings is not the only politician who has suggested that more scrutiny be given to the actions of public officials as the country moves to implement a Charter of Rights. In a series of articles published in the press recently, Former Prime Minister Edward Seaga argued that impeachment would be a key means of safeguarding the full range of rights and freedoms to which Jamaicans will be entitled under the Charter. Penalties  Clive Mullings. "What does it mean for the divestment of assets? Failure to do so prudently should have consequences, should have penalties. "Failure to abide by the procurement procedures that are laid down to protect (and) guard against, be it conflict of interest or a cavalier dealing with the assets of the state, which by extension are the assets of the people, then we ought to have legislation that puts in place penalties for failing to do so," he said. Mr. Mullings was one of three Members of Parliament (MPs) who made contributions to the debate on the Charter as the Government tries to get it passed before the parliamentary year ends on March 31 next year. Require majority  Prime Minister Bruce Golding. In addition, a two thirds majority is required to pass the Charter which means the Government needs Opposition votes. Prime Minister Bruce Golding told the House Tuesday that he is working to get the Opposition on board. "The Opposition had indicted that either accession to the CARICOM Court of Justice or an amendment to the constitution to effectively remove the impact of Pratt and Morgan on matter relating to the death penalty that either of those would have to support the passage of the bill with the required majority," Mr. Golding said. The Prime Minister said he has set up a Committee to review both issues and it will submit a report to him shortly as the Government tries to find common ground with the Opposition. |