The People’s National Party (PNP) is calling on the Constitutional Reform Committee to make committee meetings open to the public through streaming.

In a release on Tuesday, the PNP said it believes that transparency and openness are critical to ensuring that the Constitutional Reform Committee achieves its goals of creating a more democratic and accountable system of government.

“We believe that the work of the Constitutional Reform Committee is of great importance to Jamaica’s future. As such, it is essential that the committee meetings are open to the public. This will ensure that Jamaicans have a direct view of the process and can be better informed of the work and deliberations of the committee,” said Mark Golding, Leader of the Opposition and President of the PNP.

Chaired by Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs Marlene Malahoo Forte, the 14-member Constitutional Reform Committee is overseeing the reform of Jamaica’s constitution as the island transitions from a constitutional monarchy to a republic.

The PNP said it recognises that the committee has a complex and challenging task ahead. However, it said it believes that its processes should take place in public view, simultaneously with a series of public consultations and public education campaigns.

It urged the committee to make its meetings open to the public as, in its estimation, this will help to build public trust and confidence in the constitutional reform process. Additionally, it will ensure that citizens are fully engaged in the process of creating a more democratic and accountable system of government, the PNP said.