Dear Editor,

To be frank, I have waited for this day since I decided to make a career out of politics.

I discovered in my early years that many Jamaicans were under the impression that Jamaica had severed political ties with the United Kingdom. I have got into heated debates about this, especially with my grandmother, who was born in St Ann in 1945.

As I watched the Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs Marlene Malahoo Forte and her panel of members answer questions from the crowd, it dawned on me that the Jamaican political machine is doing what it does best. It happened in 1962 and it happens during every election. I refuse to sit idly by as this historic moment is taking place — a historic moment that can change the trajectory of Jamaica and improve the quality of life for all Jamaicans.

Yesterday, during the town hall, Minister Malahoo Forte kept repeating, “This is just the first phase.” But I asked myself the critical question: How can we start a conversation on drafting a constitution when we do not know how the Government is going to be structured? We know for a fact that the monarchy will be abolished, but what would replace it? Is Jamaica going to be an executive system or a dual executive system? Will we keep the parliamentary system or change to a congressional system? There should be no question about keeping the Privy Council. If Jamaica is going to be self-governing, then be 100 per cent self-governing. Create a Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and district courts and give parishes the right to govern themselves.

The United States Constitution at its inception was four pages long and took almost six years to ratify. It was amended by Congress as society changed. My fellow Jamaicans, the gatekeepers of 81 Duke Street hand-picked the members of this committee. They do not speak for you or have your best interest at heart.

This is an opportunity to improve the lives of every Jamaican. Learn from the mistakes of the past. We cannot let the political machine dictate the future. Look at our children and think about the Jamaica we want them to inherit. Think about our history and the influences of the colonisers.

Raise your voice! Speak your mind! Protect the land we love!

Kemar M Newman

Political consultant

kemarnewman5@gmail.com