Noted constitutional scholar, Dr. Lloyd Barnett, has warned that there are significant dangers in embracing an executive-style presidency for Jamaica.
The respected attorney issued the warning amid ongoing calls for Jamaica to replace the Governor General with an executive President.
But Dr. Barnett says history has proven that executive presidencies often slip into dictatorships.
Several civil society advocates have called for Jamaica to move towards an executive presidency.
Over the decades, several countries in Latin America and on the African continent have endured brutal dictatorships arising from the embrace of the executive Presidential model.
Dr. Barnett says in recent times even the United States’ presidential model has come under strain. The US Supreme Court recently granted the President absolute immunity for all official acts taken while in office.
Legal scholars have warned that the expansion of presidential immunity risks creating an imperial an unchecked presidency.
The United States is widely regarded as the most successful example of an executive Presidency, with separation of powers principles.
Dr. Barnett says every country presented as an example for Jamaica has had a chaotic outcome with the executive presidency.
Dr. Lloyd Barnett, constitutional attorney.
English (US) ·