Public Education Campaign on Constitutional Reform to be Undertaken

The Ministry of Legal and Constitutional Affairs and the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) have entered into an agreement to execute a national public education campaign to enlighten Jamaicans about the country’s Constitutional reform process.

Focus will be placed on Jamaica’s journey from a Constitutional Monarchy to a Republic.

The campaign will run for two years, in six-month implementation phases, between August 1, 2023, and August 1, 2025.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte, made the disclosure during a statement to the House of Representatives on Tuesday (October 3).

Mrs. Malahoo Forte indicated that there is broad consensus within the Constitutional Reform Committee (CRC) and Secretariat for an ongoing comprehensive programme to educate the nation on the Constitution of Jamaica and governance system.

“Engagements with members of the public have revealed a high level of ignorance among the people about the Constitution and basic governance concepts, as well as a lack of understanding of the structure of government,” she stated.

The Minister also informed that the CRC, in accordance with its Terms of Reference, has so far formed three subcommittees.

These are the Public Engagement and Communication; Youth Strategic Engagement; and State Affairs.

Mrs. Malahoo Forte informed that, to date, consultations have been held in each county, with five town halls taking place in St. James, Manchester, Portland, St. Elizabeth, and Westmoreland.

Focus group sensitisation meetings were also convened with key stakeholders in St. James, Manchester, Portland, and Westmoreland.

“Through these town hall meetings and sensitisation sessions, the CRC was able to meaningfully engage members of the public around critical matters of reform and provide a platform for persons to pose questions, raise issues, share perspectives, and proffer recommendations,” the Minister said.

Members of the CRC have also participated in more than 60 consultative activities with a number of stakeholders.

“A wide cross section of Jamaicans has been sensitised on the work to be done in phase one, and all issues raised by them have been documented for further deliberation. The Committee has also received submissions from 25 individuals and organisations, and has heard presentations from eight stakeholders,” Mrs. Malahoo Forte said.

The stakeholders include Carvel Stewart; Jamaica Language Unit; Jamaica Left Alliance for National Democracy and Socialism (Jamaica LANDS); the National Democratic Movement (NDM); the Advocates Network; We the People Republic JA; Citizens Action for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE); and the Jamaican Bar Association (JAMBAR).

“A lot has been achieved in our engagements with the public, but much more needs to be done,” Mrs. Malahoo Forte said.

Additionally, the CRC, through the support of the Secretariat, has established a dedicated website, www.roadtorepublic.mlca.gov.jm, and social media pages, namely Facebook: Road To Republic Ja; Instagram: @RoadToRepublicJa; and X (formerly Twitter): RoadToRepublic).

There is also a dedicated WhatsApp number – 876-441-9097 – and an email address – constitutionalreform@mlca.gov.jm.

“These media are to facilitate the receipt of submissions from the public on matters related to constitutional reform. Through them, the Committee has received submissions, compiled and collated a number of issues/questions and considered perspectives and matters which will inform its recommendations. These issues were published in the print media in September 2023,” Mrs. Malahoo Forte indicated.

The Minister advised that the Youth Strategic Engagement Subcommittee has been mandated to facilitate active and inclusive participation of young people in the constitutional reform process and ensure that their perspectives, needs and aspirations are considered and represented in the formulation of recommendations.

She informed that the subcommittee is chaired by Youth Advisor, Sujae Boswell.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Malahoo Forte said the State Affairs Subcommittee is responsible for reviewing the existing powers exercised by the Monarch through the Governor General under the Constitution and any other relevant laws or by-conventions to determine what additional powers, if any, should be vested in the Office of the President for the Republic of Jamaica.

She indicated that this sub-committee is chaired by Senator Ransford Braham.

A decision has also been taken to establish a subcommittee, in due course, to focus on matters related to the holding of a referendum.

As of September 20, 2023, the CRC has convened 23 meetings.