This parody on the Jamaican Constitution may be timely as we fumble about what to do with a double appointment of senators.

IN the year 2011 I was at the age — and long past it — for enjoying the “Whereas” in the constitution, as I understood them. But that was the year they interrupted my reverie and changed whereas.

Whereas is now hidden in an arrangement for future generations, children and their education, the environment, my passport, and my vote, and other accommodations as may be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society — whatever that means. I am still entitled to the right to life, except when the State orders my execution. Although I am not to suffer torture or inhumane or degrading punishment, I am still subject to any description of punishment which was lawful in Jamaica before 2011 — the more things change, the more they remain the same: Welcome back, slavery! Notwithstanding, the status of my marriage is now secured; Bugger off Adam and Steve, they say.

I silently allowed changes to the Constitution in the past, usually for unobtrusive issues, such as, Cabinet changes, age of retirement of judges, etc. But alarm bells sound when they increased their numbers by 44.4 per cent over their original amount, and I had nothing to do with it. Now they wish to put 14 ‘baby governments’ out of my reach in the constitution, without my saying. I am to be denied access to the last forum on the journey for justice or put up with a change of terminus, without my consent to either. They exercise absolute authority over me, because they love me — so they say.

They metamorphose every five years only to change colour; leaving my ‘Whereas’ in crumpled paper with piece-by-piece changes satisfying derided love — expressing change, but flinching from needed comprehensive overhauling.

The arrangement for ‘Whereas’ in the Jamaican Constitution must be clear and certain to be understood by the least among us; even by leaders, to avoid embarrassing folly like over-appointment of senators

frank.phipps@yahoo.com