Dear Editor,

I firmly support the pursuit for a Jamaican republic.

I am an Australian and back a parliamentary republic model for my home with an indigenous head of State.

It is a dream of many to see full Jamaican leadership and independence from England. An independence referendum should take place in Jamaica as soon as possible to enshrine this dream that I believe exists in the hearts of many Jamaicans.

I propose the best way to achieve this is a referendum based on Australia’s 1999 republican referendum. The referendum was not successful; however, there was little to no talk in public discourse about the best republican model for moving forward.

Rather than a focus centred on the preamble to the constitution and a flag design change, the best republican transition example for the independence of Jamaica is the republican model for Malta, which gained independence from Britain in 1974. This should be coupled with an independence referendum that should be proposed as soon as possible.

A requisite for head of State could include the holder of the office of president of Jamaica being one who previously held a high position within the country, inspiring education initiatives for young Jamaicans.

I look forward to the day when Jamaica can echo a future with full independence and fantastic leadership all from within.

Matthew Cardwell

Melbourne, Australia

mattncardwelluk1@gmail.com