Based on a high volume of calls and letters to this newspaper, it seems people in the Diaspora are concerned about the state of politics back in the Caribbean. In a recently published letter to the editor, a reader questioned whether some Caribbean countries were really ready for Independence given their chaotic political environment.

However, it makes little sense to conclude that because there is some amount of political turmoil in the region, it is an inability for countries to govern themselves. In fact, compared to countries in other parts of the world, the independent Caribbean states have fared well at governance. For the jost part Caribbean countries have remained peaceful, although there are shortcomings in many social and economic areas.

What we see happening in CARICOM states is democracy at work, which is the environment that allows political parties and politicians to compete aggressively among themselves, even if this creates the semblance of turmoil. The alternative would be intolerance and the breeding of autocratic and dictatorial governments. We should be thankful that due to the vibrant democratic process in the region, the possibility of dictators being entrenched in the Caribbean seems remote.

On the other hand, we do agree with those who have been criticizing two particular aspects of the political system in the region -- the tenure for the governing party, and the date for elections. The governments in jost Caribbean states are based on the British Westminster Model under which the ruling party is elected for a 5-year term. But, the model does not include a stated date for ensuing general elections. Rather, the ruling party is given the right to call the date of general elections, which can be any time before the end of the five-year term (a practice known as “snap elections”). The model includes a check-and-balance feature whereby the governing party can be forced into early elections (before the five year limit) should the opposition party or parties bring pressure on the governing party for whatever reason.

Conceivably, this is the root cause of the so-called political turmoil in the Caribbean. The pros and cons of calling elections to surprise the opposition, or, alternately to hold off the opposition, breed too much politicking in the Caribbean, at the cost of effective governing. The system needs to be changed so that both the tenure for ruling parties, and the dates for elections are fixtures in the calendar, similar to the system that exists here in the United States.

A party could still be elected (in general elections) for five years on a fixed date, and that party will remain in office until the next election is due. This allows the governing party and opposition parties five clear years to govern, and to prepare for the next elections, respectively. This would eliminate much of the political drama that is taking place in the Caribbean, and governing parties could have a chance to focus on matters of government rather than on perpetually focusing on political campaigns while in office.

There is a downside to this however, and it is an argument that is used effectively by those who favor the Westminster Model. They contend that if an ineffective government is elected, the country is stuck with that government for a period of five years, which can really create a crisis. Others argue, that those in power for a fixed period can do just about anything they want within that period, and this should not be so. There are many who believe that since people do have a say in who is elected to govern them, they should also have a say in removing them.

There is some merit in these arguments. Therefore, in order to prevent any travesties being undertaken by those governing within the five-year period, the new system will also require its own check and balance. Thus, a non-political body, like the Supreme Court of each country, would then have to be given the right to impeach ineffective, inept and corrupt prime ministers, presidents and ministers once it is proven that they have contravened established guidelines. This would serve to keep governments in line.

All this is much easier said than done. Adjustments to the current Westminster Model, of course, will require significant constitutionals debate and rewrites. There is no telling how long this would take. Jamaica, for example, has been in the process of rewriting its constitution for years without a new one in immediate sight. However, the time is right for changes to begin. The old system of politics, with snap elections, and the pressure for removal by opposition parties before the traditional five-year tenure is allowing too much politicking turmoil which is weakening the ability of governing parties to govern. We trust that respective governments will give serious, and carefully studied consideration to changes to the Westminster Model, which is becoming antediluvian.