New approach to public engagement essential to constitutional reform process, says advocate

Executive Director of Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) Mickel Jackson says a complete restart of the constitutional reform process is unnecessary, but acknowledges that a new approach to citizen engagement is vital to the exercise.

Her comments come against the background of a suggestion by People’s National Party (PNP) president and leader of the Opposition, Mark Golding, on Sunday, that an administration led by him would restart the constitutional reform process, making it inclusive.

Speaking at the 86th annual conference of the PNP, Golding said Jamaica embarked upon a formal process of constitutional reform last year, and established a committee, but the citizens of the country were excluded from the design of the process.

He made it clear that members of the PNP who sat on the constitutional reform committee did not sign the report prepared by the committee because the party did not agree with some of its recommendations.

While taking note of Golding’s suggestion that a PNP administration would restart the process, Jackson recommended that a comprehensive one-year public education campaign be implemented.

“The approach to public education has been very flawed to begin with and needs adjustment. There is no sustained comprehensive campaign and public education efforts with developed information, education and communication materials and videos that sufficiently explain the structure and authority of government and areas of accountability,” she said.

Jackson said Jamaicans must be adequately informed before voting on constitutional matters, as well as ensuring that they have a thorough understanding of the issues at hand and the broader parliamentary systems involved, including existing gaps.

The JFJ boss argued that it was imperative to prioritise inclusive engagement, particularly with marginalised communities, including individuals with disabilities.

AVOID UNDUE DELAYS

At Sunday’s annual conference of the PNP, Golding also said that an administration led by him would change the law to allow for all Integrity Commission (IC) reports to be published on Parliament’s website within 24 hours of their dispatching to Parliament.

However, Jackson said that changes are necessary to ensure that the IC reports are mandated to be presented at the next sitting of the House following their dispatch to avoid any undue delays.

“Furthermore, we support the timely uploading of these reports on the Parliament’s website within 24 hours of being tabled, rather than limiting access solely to the IC’s website,” she added.

But Jackson made it clear that JFJ did not support the uploading of the IC reports on Parliament’s website within 24 hours after they are sent, before tabling, as the parliamentary procedures must be respected.

“We also think we must move to lifting the gag clause with high thresholds as to when and how the IC can speak. I think much of the speculation or even the ability of the public to hold the IC to account is that the gag clause remains,” she said.

Jackson questioned how the public can put the IC through rigorous scrutiny and accountability if they are unable to offer any comment on matters of public interest.

edmond.campbell@gleanerjm.com