Black Immigrant Daily News

PHILIPSBURG — The Council of Advice will not be drawn into a political discussion about the suspension of independent Member of Parliament Claudius Buncamper. This appears from the Council’s reaction to an advice-request from the parliament.

On June 3 Buncamper sent a letter to parliament with the request to ask the Council of Advice for an advice about the interpretation of articles 50.2 and 50.3 of the constitution. Those articles regulate under which circumstances a member of parliament is suspended.

Buncamper, through his request to the parliament, wanted to know up to what point articles 50.2 and 50.3 of the constitution violate international treaties. He also asked about the role and rights of a substitute Member of Parliament.

The Council refers in its reaction to article 14 of the national ordinance that regulates its functioning. This article stipulates that the Council is authorized to give advice on request or on its own initiative if it considers this necessary in the interest of the country or the kingdom.

The Council concludes that the request it received from the parliament does not relate to an issue that occurs “within a broader social context with a potentially far-reaching impact.” Instead, the questions relate to an individual case.  This means, the Council states, that therefore the interest of the country or the kingdom has not been established, at least, as long as the application of the suspension by law-rule in cases of (not yet irrevocable) court rulings does not happen so often that it puts the interest of the country at risk.

A request to the Council for advice about issues other than initiative laws must make sufficiently clear which interest of the country or the kingdom is at stake. Parliament’s request about Buncamper’s questions insufficiently meets this requirement, the Council concludes.

Referring to article 14 of the national ordinance that regulates its functioning, the Council uses its discretionary authority by refraining from handling the request on merit. It adds that the Council is not the appropriate body for answering the questions.

“From its objective position, the Council does not engage in political discussions by formulating legal opinions. Furthermore, the Council is not the appropriate body when the desire arises from an individual case to contest an article in the constitution.”

The Council concludes that it has not been established that the interest of the country or the kingdom is at stake. Therefore, it refrains from handling the request on merit.

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Related articles:MP Buncamper challenges his suspensionAppeals Court acquits Buncamper of tax fraudParliament handles MP Buncamper’s suspension with kid’s gloves

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Black Immigrant Daily News

Students, parents and education sector stakeholders were sensitised on how to respond to bullying and cybercrimes during an anti-bullying workshop held on Thursday, October 13.

The forum was the first in a series of virtual workshops being hosted by the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), aimed at strengthening stakeholders’ capacity to alleviate the negative effects of bullying on the nation’s children.

Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Rosalee Gage-Grey, said the workshops align with the “multisectoral and holistic approach” needed to help tackle the issue of violence in schools.

“Worldwide, bullying remains a constant issue in the home, community and schools. In Jamaica, bullying is also a prevalent problem, as a study by the CPFSA, through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), shows that six in 10 Jamaican students say they have been bullied at some point in their lives,” she indicated.

Meanwhile, as technology advances and more students become exposed to cyberspace, they are being cautioned about the dangers of cybercrimes.

Cybercrime is any offence facilitated by or involving the use of electronic communications or information systems, including any device or the internet.

According to Corporal Samantha Ewan of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Cyber Safety Unit, a common sign of cyberbullying is when individuals become emotionally upset during and after the use of the internet or a device.

She said other signs include individuals becoming very secretive or protective of their online activities, withdrawal from family members, friends and engagements, and avoiding school and group gatherings.

Throughout the session, Corporal Ewan encouraged students to refrain from physically meeting persons they have only met online or disclosing personal information.

“Look at your privacy settings on your computer and do not give out information about yourself. Adults should be more responsible for their children and participate actively in keeping them safe,” she advised.

Under Jamaica’s Cybercrime Act, a person commits an offence if they use a “computer to send to another person any data (whether in the form of a message or otherwise) that is obscene, constitutes a threat or is menacing in nature, intending to harass any person or cause harm or the apprehension of harm, to any person or property.”

Corporal Ewan recommends that all schools establish clear policies regarding cyberbullying.

Persons can call the 24-hour helpline – 211 – to report cyberbullying or any form of child abuse.

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Black Immigrant Daily News

Football. Régionale 1 – Vito. 5e journée

Le Phare a nettement dominé l’Etoile, samedi soir, à domicile (3-0) et s’affirme comme une référence dans cette poule B, à un point du leader Baie-Mahaultien.

France-Antilles Guadeloupe

969 mots – 17.10.2022

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Black Immigrant Daily News

Two hundred and twenty-one outstanding Jamaicans will be recognised at the National Honours and Awards Ceremony today, October 17, National Heroes Day, on the lawns of King’s House, beginning at 9am.

Heading the list of recipients is Monty Alexander, who is one of 10 individuals to be conferred with the Order of Jamaica (OJ), for sterling contribution to the promotion of Jamaican music and the jazz genre interpretations globally.

Among the others to be conferred with the Order of Jamaica are Olivia “Babsy” Grange, for sterling contribution to cultural development and political administration in Jamaica; posthumously, Joan Isabelle Duncan, for distinguished services to the banking sector and the development of the money market, in particular; Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, for outstanding performance in the field of athletics at the international level; Justice (ret’d) Karl Stanhope Harrison, for distinguished service to the legal profession and the advancement of electoral democracy in Jamaica.

Also to be conferred with the Order of Jamaica are Rita Humphries Lewin, for sterling contribution to the financial sector, in particular, the stockbroking industry; Professor Maureen Elaine Samms-Vaughn, for pioneering research, clinical work and policy development in the field of child health, child development and behaviour; Audrey Vivia Sewell, for distinguished contribution to the public service; Professor Alvin George Wint, for distinguished service to the development of public and private institutions and academia in Jamaica; and Sheryl Lee Ralph (honorary), for sterling contribution as an actress, cultural ambassador for Jamaica and contribution to the international film industry.

Thirty people will be conferred with the Order of Distinction, in the rank of Commander (CD); 35, the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer (OD); six, the Badge of Honour for Gallantry; 29, the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service; and 30, the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service.

Two members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) will receive the Medal of Honour for Gallantry.

Meanwhile, 78 members of the uniformed groups representing the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), the JCF, the Department of Correctional Service (DCS), and the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) will be bestowed with the Medal of Honour for Meritorious Service.

The ceremony, to be presided over by Governor-general Sir Patrick Allen will be streamed live on the JIS website at www.jis.gov.jm.

For more than 50 years, the Government of Jamaica has formally recognised those Jamaicans who, by their service and contribution, have had a meaningful impact on national life.

Under the National Honours and Awards Act, promulgated on July 18, 1969, provision is made for those outstanding Jamaicans to be conferred with one of the honours of the Orders of the six Societies of Honour.

The six honours are the Order of National Hero, Order of the Nation, Order of Excellence, Order of Merit, Order of Jamaica and Order of Distinction. There is also the Medal or Badge of Honour, which recognises gallantry and meritorious service.

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