KINGSTON, Jamaica – Following a meeting of the Constitutional Reform Committee (CRC) on Monday, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has expressed gratitude to the committee for their dedication and hard work.

According to a release on Tuesday, Monday’s meeting was focused on discussing the recently submitted report containing recommendations from the 15-member body marking the country’s milestone move in its journey towards constitutional reform.

“This meeting marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards constitutional reform. I am deeply grateful for the dedication and hard work of the Constitutional Reform Committee. Together, we are laying the foundation for a future where Jamaica stands as a sovereign, independent Republic, reflecting the will and aspirations of our people,” Holness said. “The Jamaican people are watching, and their Government will continue working to build consensus to deliver for them.”

Holness expressed that despite “ongoing political challenges”, his administration “remains steadfast in their commitment to achieving consensus on the first phase of reform: replacing the British monarch as Head of State with a Jamaican President.”

Opposition representatives on the Constitutional Reform Committee (CRC) are yet to sign off on the committee’s report until concerns raised about the reform process are resolved.

READ: PM says Government will continue to pursue consensus on constitutional reform

However, the CRC has reported that all recommendations in their report were reached through consensus.  The report will be tabled as a Ministry paper in Parliament on Tuesday, marking the next step in the process.

In the news release, Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Marlene Malahoo Forte, who also chairs the CRC, stated that “by engaging with all stakeholders and building consensus, we are ensuring that the process is deliberate and reflective of the will of the Jamaican people.”

“The adoption of a phased approach to constitutional reform reflects our commitment to thoughtful and inclusive change,” she continued announcing that in the coming weeks, the Ministry of Legal and Constitutional Affairs will launch a public education campaign to inform the Jamaican people about the committee’s recommendations.

“The Government believes that providing comprehensive information is crucial for the public to make an informed decision in the upcoming referendum,” Malahoo-Forte said.