KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is expressing disappointment at Opposition Leader Mark Golding’s decision to instruct representatives of the People’s National Party not to sign a report containing recommendations from the Constitutional Reform Committee.

In a statement on Tuesday, the JLP also accused Golding of acting in a fashion which could potentially derail what it says is “wide-spread public sentiment towards Jamaica becoming a Republic.”

The Cabinet announced on Monday that it had received the report of the Constitutional Reform Committee. The report is said to mark a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards constitutional reform. In its statement, the Government said it remains hopeful that the Opposition will join in signing of the document, outlining that “a collaborative approach is essential for achieving meaningful and lasting constitutional reform.”

READ: Cabinet reviewing Constitutional Committee Report

According to the JLP, the Government has heard and positively responded to “wide and consistent representation from across the island for Jamaica to become a Republic.”

The party went on to share that it has further observed that the administration under the leadership of Prime Minister Andrew Holness “responded to the significant public sentiment concerning the issue by establishing a bi-partisan committee to advance the process” and that the bi-partisan committee, which is chaired by Constitutional Affairs Minister, Marlene Malahoo-Forte, “conducted a thorough and timely review of how best to expeditiously complete the process of Jamaica becoming a Republic and submitted recommendations.”

To that end, the JLP, through Senator Sherene Golding Campbell, expressed disappointment that despite what they dub as “significant progress made in acting on wide-spread public sentiment that Jamaica should become a Republic,” the Opposition Leader has chosen to “potentially derail the process by making demands at the proverbial 11th hour.”

Still, Senator Golding expressed hope that the opposition will “see the wisdom of returning to the table to act upon implementing the widely expressed desire of the Jamaican people.”