THE EDITOR, Sir:

After nearly 46 years of supposed independence from colonial Britain, Jamaica gained independence in 1962, but the real question is how independent are we? There are so many vestiges of colonialism still existing in independent Jamaica that we can say we are still a protégé of England.

A check with a reputable dictionary defines independence thus: not subject to the control of others, not relying on others acting and thinking for oneself and self-directing. Let us examine a few things that fall within the domain and realm of Her Majesty's government (a) a governor general as her representative, appointed on the recommendation of the prime minister and serves at her pleasure (b) The Privy Council as the final arbiter of our court system, (c) all high court judges when sworn in have to take the oath of allegiance to Her Majesty.

It was the Privy Council of England in their landmark ruling of the Pratt and Morgan case in 1988 that created the suspension of hanging and since then neither of the ruling adminis-trations has done anything about it and quite a number of condemned inmates are languishing in jails uncertain of their fate.

amend the constitution

I and other observers feel that in this scenario one of two things should take place - amend the Constitution and abolish hanging or abrogate the laws to do this, or resume hanging, as this is the law even if it is an unpopular decision for the Government. Another thing, sometime ago the idea of Jamaica becoming a republic in the Commonwealth was bandied about. It was a judicious idea, but since then that has gone on the back burner like many others. Let me remind my fellow Jamaicans that since we attained independence, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana have gained independence and they are now republics which is a truer image of independence. What happened to Jamaica? It is time Jamaica follow suit.

In the final analysis the members of parliament and the citizens must now agitate for this matter to come to the fore without further delay. If all the vestiges of colonialism remain indefinitely, the whole idea of an independent sovereign nation appears to be a charade. Whatever it takes and in essence it will be the Constitution, amend it and let Jamaica have a real sense of independence.

I am, etc.,

DAVID A. SAMMS

Hopewell District

Watchwell P.A.

St Elizabeth