ST JAMES, Jamaica – Custos of St James Bishop Conrad Pitkins is imploring citizens to get enumerated in preparation to have a say in the referendum to decide on Jamaica’s move to abolish the British monarch.

“As custos, the first citizen of St James, I would implore our citizens to ensure that you are enumerated so when the time comes to decide on the constitution to govern, you will be a part of it,” Custos Pitkins said.

“Ladies and gentlemen, there is going to be a referendum where the people will decide the way forward. There is only one way to accomplish that (and) it is through our civic duty to vote. In order to be a part of this decision making progress we will have to enumerate to be able to participate in deciding the constitution that will govern our nation,” he added.

He was bringing greetings at the first Road to Republic Town Hall meeting held at the Montego Bay Civic Centre in St James on Wednesday.

Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Marlene Malahoo Forte is co-chair of the Constitutional Reform Committee (CRC) which is tasked with providing expert guidance and oversight for Jamaica’s smooth transition from a constitutional monarchy to a republic. In his address, Custos Pitkin expressed gratitude to the CRC for bringing the consultation meeting to Montego Bay.

“I wish to commend the Minister (of Legal and Constitutional Affairs) for this initiative of bringing the committee to the people to get their views and input not only to advance the work of the committee but to ensure that all Jamaicans become a part of this constitution reform,” he said.