2012 election to be 'referendum' on political union: Manning

Prime Minister Patrick Manning still plans to rush his political and economic union with three OECS states union through Parliament and pass it by the end of the year. But Manning said Wednesday the 2012 general election will be a “referendum” for his initiative to establish political union.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) Manning signed earlier this month with the leaders of Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent will establish an economic union by 2011 and political union by 2013.

The "referendum" he is planning will only cover the political side of the union since the economic component would have been established one year before the next election is constitutionally due. He didn't include the economic part in his so-called referendum.

"If we consult the people in a general election and this is made an election matter, then if we win the elections we have the endorsement of the public...That’s how it works,” Manning told reporters.

He dismissed speculation that his initiative has been rejected by Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding.

"We never sought any signatures from them and therefore there was never any question of being blanked," Manning added.

Golding issued a statement following his meeting with Manning that Jamaica would not participate in the initiative. He expressed concern about how it would impact the wider regional integration movement and suggested that it should be a matter to be discussed and debated by heads of government.

Manning said earlier this month that other states are welcome to join.

Commenting on Jamaica's position, Manning said it is not new, adding that he is "not worried at all” over the matter. And he said his unity initiative would have no negative impact on the regional movement.