Inanity in the silly season

By – LEONARD ST HILL
| Mon, October 01, 2012 - 12:01 AM

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It is not for want of good reason that the time anticipating the imminent dissolution of Parliament is called “the silly season” for great and precious promises to be made, none of which justifies commitment to a permanent inanity.

The investment of $600 million at any time in facilitating the establishment, extension or improvement of system of transport, whether by land, water or air, is a matter for which provision may be made in Development Plans, according to law. This involves a report of public inquiry commissioned by the Minister Responsible for Town & Country Planning into objections and representations being submitted to both Houses of Legislature for approval by resolution as an amendment of the Development Plan in force at the time.

The omission of this procedure is a ground for a petition to the High Court for judicial review under provision of the Administrative Justice Act, Cap 109 B, for remedies and penalties, not the least of which might be a writ of mandamus for the public inquiry to be held into representations that any new or additional facility for the accommodation of increasing (?) cruise tourist ship traffic should be located in Speightstown, Oistins and Holetown.

The Town & Country Act supporting this view binds the Crown.

The Administrative Justice Act, Cap 109 B, applies to the Minister Responsible for Town & Country Planning for any decision or omission involving approval of a Development Plan or amendment under provision of Section 9 of the Town & Country Planning Act, Cap 240.