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Letter of the Day | Is Jamaica ready to become a republic?

Published:Tuesday | June 21, 2022 | 12:06 AM

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I write with reference to the article ‘Jamaica to break with monarchy by 2025’ in the UK Weekly Gleaner of June 16. How can anyone/group assemble an idea within a disorganised society without a well-informed citizenry? I beg the question. I find the mere mentioned of a parliamentary republic , under the current climate of crime, violence and delinquency, absolutely daunting, if not frightening, and I believe I am speaking for many.

The Westminster’s political system that we’ve inherited, prior to and after Independence, there’s probably only a third or less of the population who understood it. So, in not knowing the basis of the former after 59 years, when will we reach the latter, which is intended.

We are heading for another political system (republic) which the population, on a whole, has not got the foggiest idea of what it entails. All new ideas, whether in politics or otherwise, require an exercise in education and discipline. Is Jamaica ready to become a parliamentary republic?

Will there be weekly workshops up to the mentioned time, to inform the citizens of the new, incoming republican system? If not, the mere mention in the media of Jamaica intents to become a republic in 2025 does not warrant its promotion.

I’m for changes, like a million others whose eyes and ears are open, but there must be a firm foundation, or at least to an acceptable level.

VERNAL WRIGHT

London