I HAVE always believed that senators, though appointed, could also impact the legislature and the process of bills becoming laws. It is ironic, therefore, that the Government and Opposition, appear to be in favour of having at least one 'foreign' Jamaican senator representing the diaspora - those Jamaicans who have emigrated, most of whom have not lived in Jamaica for any recent period, nor have any interest even in returning.

This would also create an ironic situation in light of the recent dual-citizenship saga, where existing laws which were ignored over the years were suddenly reinforced to prevent any Jam-aican resident, qualified, willing and able to serve and represent the people from being elected to Parliament if he or she also held foreign passports.

Agree in principle

It is also ironic that the People's National Party after challenging the Jamaica Labour Party on the dual citizenship issue would then present a candidate who also held a foreign passport, despite the country (Canada) being part of the Commonwealth as sanctioned by the Constitution. The law is clearly ambiguous and should be corrected to make it modern and applicable to all situations, regardless.

Both Government and Oppo-sition should move swiftly to agree in principle on representation as it applies to dual citizenship. I would suggest that the individual must hold Jamaican citizenship and can prove country of residence for a minimum number of several years .

It simply makes no sense to argue that the holder of a foreign passport should not sit in Parliament, because he or she can simply 'flee' at anytime.

Can't the holder of a passport from a Commonwealth country (including Canada) also flee?

And what about those who may not hold a foreign passport, but have valid foreign resident permit? Can't those with temporary travel visas also flee?

Jamaica must modernise its systems and principles, realising it exists in a very modern and global environment.

Petty issues are often the main hindrance to progress and often cause unnecessary bickering.

I am, etc.,

P. CHIN

chin_p@yahoo.com

Ontario, Canada