KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs and Chair of the Joint Select Committee reviewing the Constitution (Amendment) Republic Bill, Marlene Malahoo Forte, says the reform goals are of national interest and should move forward without delay.

Her statement follows the Opposition’s boycott of the second meeting of the committee on Wednesday after a lack of response to questions posed to the prime minister a week earlier, one of which was to clarify the stance of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Government on the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

READ: PNP poses questions in constitutional reform issue: Golding says answers will determine party’s continued participation

Addressing Wednesday’s sitting of the committee, Malahoo Forte said, “We cannot agree on national goals, set them, then dispute it because of politics.”

The meeting, however, proceeded in spite of the Opposition’s absence, with Malahoo Forte deferring the response to the series of questions raised by Opposition Leader Mark Golding at the inaugural meeting.

A key aspect of the meeting was a presentation delivered by Christopher Harper, senior director of constitutional reform in the ministry, outlining the proposed amendments to the Constitution and underscoring how a “Jamaicanised” Constitution would shape the future.

During the session, Malahoo Forte emphasised the importance of clarity and deliberate action, stating “Every Bill is backed by a policy framework and the policy has been clearly articulated. As we move forward to the new Jamaica that we’ve been dreaming about, we are doing this work in phases, not piecemeal.”

The minister further emphasised the critical need to enhance public education of the Bill’s intricate provisions.

She noted the active involvement of civil society representatives on the Constitution Reform Committee and her ministry’s efforts in its public education campaign. These efforts, she explained, have included engagements with various groups and sectors across Jamaica, with plans for other activities to engage with more citizens.

Malahoo Forte said the Government would continue to provide clear, understandable explanations of the reform process, offering explanatory Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) alongside legal texts.

“We have a commitment to the Jamaican people to ensure they understand what is taking place,” she said.

She concluded the meeting by calling for unity, urging the Opposition to set aside political differences and focus on achieving the shared goals for Jamaica’s future.

To foster public engagement, the ministry has issued a formal notice inviting submissions on the Bill no later than Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Members of the public can access the Constitution (Amendment) (Republic) Act, 2024 through the Road to Republic website and the Parliamentary website.