MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica–Scores of students from schools across Westmoreland gathered at the Sean Lavery Hall in Savanna-la-Mar last Thursday to participate in the Ministry of Legal and Constitutional Affairs (MCLA) Road to Republic School Engagement Session.

The event, following the recent tabling of the Constitution (Amendment) (Republic) Act 2024 by portfolio Minister, Marlene Malahoo Forte, provided the youngsters with insights into the nation’s transition from a constitutional monarchy to a republic.

The MCLA team guided discussions on the president’s tenure, the fate of the Governor-General, advantages and disadvantages of becoming a republic and more.

The students demonstrated an understanding of the proposed constitutional changes and added their voices in support of Jamaica’s move towards full independence from the British monarchy.

Head Boy of Manning’s School, John-Kristoff Williams, said such a move would establish Jamaica’s true independence.

“I believe that it is a sure go. The people of Jamaica, I believe, are in full support of this. Our identity is one of the most important things… and it is time for us to take ourselves away from the past and to the present that is Jamaica,” he contended.

John-Kristoff said he is in support of a five-year term for the president, instead of the proposed seven years, noting that this is in line with the current political structure, and will provide more opportunity for citizens to go to the polls to select their leadership.

Upper sixth form student at Manning’s School, Daniella Irving, said the session was informative and she came away with a better understanding of the benefits of Jamaica transitioning from a monarchy to a republic.

Like John-Kristoff, she is in support of a five-year presidential term.

“I definitely believe that seven years is too long for one person to be in a position of power. So, I don’t completely agree with the president’s full tenure being seven years. I think that we should keep it as democratic as possible,” she expressed.

For Lower Sixth Form student at Petersfield High School, Dylano Chin, the event was an “eye-opener”. He said he strongly supports the shift to a republic as it would mean that Jamaica would no longer be bound to the British monarchy.

“Jamaica will no longer [answer] to the monarch in England. We can have our own president,” he pointed out.

Dylano noted that while there are potential downsides to losing the protective influence of the English monarchy, the benefits of independence far outweigh these concerns.

Sixth-form student at Frome Technical High School, Trishana McCarty, in her contribution, said the nation’s status under the constitutional monarchy does not fully reflect the independence gained in 1962.

She argued that the proposed change would pave the way for a more self-sufficient nation.

The session also included students from Godfrey Stewart, Rhodes Hall, and Maud McLeod high schools.

-JIS