Not Everything in Existing Constitution Will Be Thrown Out –Minister

As Jamaica continues on the path to becoming a republic, Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte, has pointed out that not everything under the existing constitution will be thrown out in the reform process.

Speaking on Wednesday (June 28) at a public consultation town hall meeting in Portland, the Minister noted that the reform of the constitution will not be one of “reinventing the wheel”.

“We intend to keep what has worked well for us, make some changes to what hasn’t worked well and replace some things that have outlived their usefulness. We believe that having the British monarch as our Head of State has outlived its usefulness in the best interest of the people of Jamaica,” the Minister said.

The public consultation sessions are being held as a crucial step in the constitutional reform process and are guided by members of the Constitutional Reform Committee.

Minister Malahoo Forte called on Jamaicans to engage with the Committee when these opportunities are presented.

“When we say goodbye to the King and we are establishing the republic, a number of questions will have to be answered. What kind of president? How long will the president serve for? What should qualify you to become president?” the Minister outlined.

She updated that, so far, Jamaicans have been seeking to understand the types of presidencies and the different processes by which a president is to be put in office.

“Many are saying ‘we want a say in the process’. What is emerging is that there is a lot to clarify and there is also a lot to hear from the people,” the Minister said.

“No question is a silly question. When we come to you, use the opportunity. You have a role to play in the changes that we are seeking to make in Jamaica, and I am going to invite you to enumerate, to participate in the process… and also to share with us your views,” she added.

In addition to the abolition of the constitutional monarchy and the establishment of the office of president, phase one of the constitutional reform process is to also deal with extension of the life of Parliament and qualification to sit in the Parliament. Phase two will deal with the issues of rights and other things.