Begin march to being a republic
Dear Editor,
The discussions about Jamaica being a republic are relevant and timely.
In 1962 Jamaica became an independent country. Many of the decisions that were taken prepared the way for Jamaica becoming a republic. There are several matters that are relevant and timely, some of which are set out in this letter.
1) All governors general were citizens of Jamaica. The governors general were appointed by the prime minister in office. The first appointment was by Sir Alexander Bustamante, prime minister.
2) Governors generals have the responsibility of swearing into office prime ministers, ministers of government, leaders of the judiciary, the military, the police, custodes.
3) Jamaica introduced a programme of honour awards to citizens of Jamaica. Awards were also made to citizens of other countries and were accepted. Honour awards for citizens of Jamaica from the United Kingdom were not acceptable.
4) Legislation passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate were approved by the governor general.
5) The governor general addressed the Parliament on the annual presentation of Jamaica’s budget.
6) Jamaica embarked on programmes of development that were funded by Jamaica and financing from the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and other countries.
7) The governor general received ambassadors from other countries to Jamaica.
8) The Gleaner Company’s Selecto Publications Ltd 1985-1987 publication of The Jamaica Directory of Personalities carried information on Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. That was the last mention of The Queen in that periodic Gleaner publication.
9) The governor general has the responsibility in October each year to present honour awards in accordance with the schedule of awards.
10) The National Anthem of Jamaica and the Jamaica flag are well established and well known.
As Jamaica moves to become a republic, the existing system of honour awards should be maintained and strengthened. The governor general would be replaced by the president. Honour awards for the president should be put in place. The president would have the responsibilities and functions of the governor general.
On the question of the change of Jamaica to a Republic, the timing should be a 2022 matter; hopefully in place perhaps no later than August 2022.
Alvaro Casserly
aacasserly@cwjamaica.com
