GG missing from national duties

Published: Monday | August 8, 2011



THE EDITOR, Sir:

SATURDAY, August 6, marked the 49th anniversary of Jamaica's Independence. It is to be noted that His Excellency the Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen, was absent from the National Independence Parade held on the lawns of King's House, a national duty he is required under the Jamaican Constitution to carry out, having sworn and received his instrument of office at Buckingham Palace.

My question is whether Sir Patrick is on duties overseas, or his absence was on the grounds of religious belief? The instrument of office requires any holder of the said office to execute his functions without his own prejudice to race, creed or religion and, as such, it cannot be that because Independence day falls on a Saturday, a day on which he worships, the functions of the governor general will have to be deputised.

The affairs of Jamaica belongs to the people via the process of democracy and, as such, is larger than any singular rights to religion. Therefore, its duties must be carried out by all on any given day. If the issue of religion conflicts with national duties, then in the interest of the nation, all those holding such an office, including the GG, should humbly resign.

Winston R. MOLLISON

Old Harbour

St Catherine

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Related

Of absent GG and fabulous NDTC

Published: Friday | August 12, 2011

Chester Francis-Jackson, Gleaner Writer

Then my daahlings, people are still talking about the governor general's fortuitous absence from the Independence Day celebrations and official functions. And for those who do not get it - the fact that Sir Patrick Allen went to church on the 7th, in Washington, in no way absolves him of the clear dereliction of his duties by being absent on the 6th, here in Jamaica, the Day of Independence.

Sadly, there were those who were casting monetary bets that the GG would be absent, due to the fact that the 6th was a Saturday, and unfortunately those casting the bets in favour of his absence, won - whatever the reason(s) or justification!

This is a pity, as the absence of the GG, our head of State, from our Independence celebrations, cannot be explained or excused away on religious grounds or worse yet, that he was on official leave, as no leave should have been approved for him at this critical juncture.

The GG being a man of the cloth knows fully the requirements of his religion and should learn the requirements of his office. And where there is obvious inherent conflict, he needs to resolve same, with his conscience as his guide, but the country, should not have to face this unpleasant scenario again. ... more

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