Gov’t Targeting the Conclusion of Proceedings During 2025/26 for Jamaica’s Transition to a Republic

The remaining steps will be taken to pass the Constitution (Amendment) (Republic) Bill, 2024 and have it approved by citizens in the 2025/26 legislative year.

This was disclosed by Custos Rotulorum for Kingston, Hon. Steadman Fuller, as he delivered the Throne Speech during the 2025/26 Ceremonial Opening of Parliament at Gordon House on Thursday (February 13).

Mr. Fuller, who deputised for Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, said the Government is making historic strides in transforming its legal and constitutional landscape, guided by a vision of self-determination and modernisation.

“The reform work will continue into the next phases, with a sharp focus on Chapters III and VII of the Constitution, the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms and the Judicature, respectively. The people of Jamaica will also be provided the opportunity to have their say on the matter of Jamaica’s final court,” he informed.

Mr. Fuller noted that the Report of the Constitutional Reform Committee and the Constitution (Amendment) (Republic) Bill, 2024 have been tabled in Parliament.

The latter was read a first time and is being reviewed by a Joint Select Committee of both Houses.

“This is the most advanced step taken towards achieving the national goal of replacing the Monarch as Head of State and establishing Jamaica as a republic. The stage was set with the prior enactment of the Constitution (Amendment of Section 61) Act, 2024, which modernised the Words of Enactment by replacing references to the Monarch with references to the Parliament and the people of Jamaica, where appropriate, as a critical move towards patriating our Constitution,” Mr. Fuller underscored.

Meanwhile, he advised that a Referendum Bill will be tabled to provide for the procedures for the people’s participation in the reform of the Constitution.

Mr. Fuller added that work is also far advanced to amend the Law Revision Act, to establish a new framework for modifying and publishing Jamaica’s laws in digitalised form.