The Government of Jamaica has taken a position that may be contrary to article 239 of the Honduran constitution. We should be careful not to follow every drumbeat of the United States. President Manuel Zelaya wanted a referendum to continue his rule. That is clear and putting that question to the people via a referendum is always a commendable move, something the previous administration in Jamaica was very scared to do.

However, earlier in March, the Honduran president tried to force workers to participate in a poll to convene a national assembly to lengthen his rule.

The problem in Honduras is not what the president said but rather the way in which it was done. The president issued an executive order, which is the bone of contention that triggered article 239 of the Honduran constitution.

Many persons have jumped to the conclusion that it is just another military coup, like what was very common in the area in the not too distant past. However, I came across an article by US representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Florida), in which she outlined in detail the situation in Honduras.

The Organisation of American States (OAS) and the US and our own government might have been premature. If indeed Zelaya's actions constituted a breach of the constitution, then why shouldn't the Hondurans consider a charge of treason, as they are now doing?

What if he was aware that an executive order for a referendum was illegal in Honduras, and how aware are the OAS, Jamaica and the US of the Honduran constitution? Finally, how much are they listening to Zelaya's people without trying to find out what is going on?

I am, etc.,

DAMION HESLOP

damionheslop@yahoo.com