Cabinet Approves Drafting Instructions for Transitional Bill

Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte, says Cabinet has approved the issuance of drafting instructions for the preparation of the Bill on the transition to the Republic of Jamaica.  

The report of the Constitutional Reform Committee (CRC) on the transition and other matters was tabled in Parliament on May 21.  

“We’re now going to be preparing those instructions based on what will be implemented from the recommendations. There is work to be done, but we are working because we believe that we must go forward. It is the right thing to do. We are agreed that the Monarchy should be abolished and a republican form of government be established,” the Minister said.  

Mrs. Malahoo Forte was addressing Wednesday’s (May 22) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House.  

The Opposition representatives on the CRC say they will not sign off on the Committee’s report until concerns raised about the reform process are resolved. 

Mrs. Malahoo Forte said she is keeping faith that the quarrels will die out, “that  the wounds will heal and that our leaders will find the maturity that is required”.  

“I believe that we must lead and look beyond elections and continue to hold the interest of the nation before us. I believe that we cannot fail as others behind us have failed, and it is our hope that those who come after us will find us faithful,” she added.  

Mrs. Malahoo Forte noted that the nation will get “some clear indication” when she makes her contribution to the Sectoral Debate.  

She further noted that the CRC will reconvene, maybe not as a full committee, but  for the drafting strategy and the public engagement and communication sub-committees, to continue the work to get the Bill ready for tabling in Parliament.  

“We will work on the other areas that we must work on to arrive at consensus because the framework of the Constitution rests on consensus,” Mrs. Malahoo Forte said.