KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Government took the hint Thursday, that none of the eight Opposition Senators would vote in favour of the three Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Bills, and now seem intent on working towards a bipartisan deal that could take up to a year.

In moving for the adjournment, Leader of Government Business, Senator AJ Nicholson said that he would address the proposals from Opposition Senator, Dr Christopher Tufton, for further efforts at a bipartisan approach to the Bills.

“Tomorrow (Friday) we will elaborate on some of the suggestions put forward by Senator Tufton,” he said. Nicholson is expected to make his contribution this morning when the debate resumes at Gordon House.

But, even before he made that revelation, Government Senator Dr Angela Brown Burke, revealed her frustration with the situation, although expressing hope that the current process could lay the foundation for future success.

“If nothing else comes from this debate, let it be a turning point in our nation, where individuals can no longer be considered partisan, because they agree or disagree with a position of the government or the opposition,” she said.

“Many may think that the buck stops with our political leadership, I say, no. I say that Jamaica’s survival depends on bold and enlightened leadership at all levels – religious leaders, community leaders, private sector leaders, leading in our families and communities wherever we find ourselves,” she added.

“I make the appeal, sadly coming to the realization that this Senate, collectively, is not bold or enlightened enough to make the decision that faith has placed before us,” she admitted.

At Friday’s sitting, it is likely that the government will postpone a vote on the Bills, which aim at replacing the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) with the regional CCJ court, and seek bipartisan agreement over a period of time.

Balford Henry