Constitutional Reform Committee recommendations ‘not cast in stone’

Mandeville, Manchester:

Amid talks of low public engagement and consultation in the first phase of the constitutional reform process, Marlene Malahoo Forte, minister of legal and constitutional affairs, has sought to assure the public that consensus within the committee has been and will continue to be appraised by the public.

Addressing a Constitutional Reform Committee (CRC) town hall meeting in Mandeville, Manchester, on Wednesday, Malahoo Forte said the process of having the required legislation created, submitted and passed is specific, technical and lengthy, with public education and consultation as the prerequisite.

Head of state

It is expected that the abolition of the constitutional monarchy and transition to a republican form of government will see the creation of an office for head of state or president, who will not be a representative of a foreign monarch.

“… We will begin with those matters requiring change that must ultimately be approved by the people and that simply is what the referendum is. The matters are fixed in the Constitution, I don’t get to choose them and you don’t get to choose them …,” Malahoo Forte said.

Laleta Davis-Mattis, a member of the committee, reiterated that the CRC is a group facilitating discussions and suggestions from all the bodies across the country.

“The committee does not make decisions. They deliberate, they are a group of experts and we have also taken the views of others that are not now sitting on the committee … . We are also aware that there are other elements that are of interest to Jamaicans and we are not negating those because some things are for the Constitution and some things are not, but we understand that this is a people process. What we are seeking to do is put a recommendation to the public … . It’s not cast in stone. It’s so Jamaicans can comment on it.”

According to Malahoo Forte, among the issues on the table is how the head of state will look – a matter that will require full public involvement.

“…. The process is to deliberate among ourselves, starting with recommendations previously made, come to the table looking at the pros and cons … . If something has worked well and contributed to the stability of our democracy, we will keep it and change those features of the Constitution that require change.”

Among the suggestions made by the citizens for the amended Constitution and the process to amend are fixed election dates, having governance works for the people, providing a document that details the options for amendment, making the document diaspora friendly – so those who have lived a way for years and are returning have a better understanding of structure and extending public education campaigns over a year.

CRC member Dr Nadeen Spence said all represented groups, including doctors, teachers, trade union specialists, professional organisations, service groups and civic bodies, are and continue to be engaged.