Fitz-Henley calls on Opposition leader to ‘abandon delay tactics’ in Jamaica republic bid
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party’s Communication Taskforce, Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, is calling on Opposition Leader and PNP President, Mark Golding, to abandon what he describes as the PNP’s ‘flip-flopping and delay tactics’ and allow Jamaica to become a Republic.
In a statement on Sunday, he noted that Jamaica’s Constitution mandates cooperation from the Opposition if the British Monarchy is to be deposed as Head of State and Jamaica is to assume Republic status.
“Jamaicans might recall that initially, the Opposition leader had pledged via no lesser place than the Parliament, to cooperate and move forward quickly with constitutional changes where the Opposition and the Government agree. Jamaica transitioning to Republic status is one such area of agreement he mentioned. However, as the General Election approached and even as he at the time remained a British citizen, Golding made a U-turn and introduced the highly contentious issue of which institution should be our final court as a deal breaker and de facto stumbling block to moves to make Jamaica a Republic,” Fitz-Henley commented.
The senator said it would be a perfect gift for the Jamaican people, should Mr Golding use his Independence Day address to return to his original position and not further delay the process of Jamaica becoming a Republic.
“The Opposition leader’s flip-flopping on the issue of Jamaica achieving Republic status has essentially delayed and/or blocked the initiative. I reckon it would be a perfect present to the Jamaican people should Golding reconsider his position and announce during his Independence Day address that he will allow our country to move on from the British Monarchy as Head of State,” Fitz Henley said.
He added “His flip-flopping on the issue might be reasonably contemplated as a delay tactic. I am strongly of the view that on this matter the Opposition should look beyond which administration is in office and do what is right, which is to offer full and unconditional support to Jamaica becoming a Republic.”
