As more evidence mounts that a stalemate between the nation’s two major political parties could thwart a second attempt to unseat the British monarch as head of state, the Holness administration says it will be taking “other steps” to promote inter-party discussion on Jamaica’s movement to become a republic.
After providing an update on the House of Representatives restructuring process, Constitutional Affairs Minister Marlene Malahoo Forte remarks, “Other steps will be taken to have the cross-aisle conversation.”
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Mark Golding, the leader of the opposition, criticized the government for not pursuing forceful talks with the PNP, which led to the statement.
In reference to the monarch’s inability to be overthrown without the backing of Parliament, Golding stated, “This is a situation where one hand, simply, cannot clap, and without the support of this side, this process is going nowhere. And we have put on the table issues of real concern and unless those are addressed, our support is not guaranteed.”
The main source of the impasse is whether the Privy Council of the United Kingdom is Jamaica’s last court. In response to the opposition’s insistence that the court be abolished concurrently with the replacement of the monarch, the government has maintained that there is no agreement on the matter and that the court’s decision would be made at a later stage of the reform process.
Malahoo Forte said a bill from the Republic of Jamaica that would replace the monarch with a ceremonial Jamaican president as head of state could be introduced in the House as early as next week, but she admitted that the process is unlikely to be finished before the next general election, which is scheduled for September 2025, due to constitutional requirements.
According to her, the removal of the monarchy is a deeply ingrained constitutional provision that necessitates a drawn-out procedure that includes waiting three months after the bill is tabulated before the debate, waiting another three months before a vote, obtaining two-thirds of the vote in both Houses of Parliament (including the support of at least one opposition senator), and then holding a referendum.
Malahoo Forte noted, “Where we are in the life of this Parliament and having regard to the constitutional timelines, the work will not be completed in this Parliament.”
The minister added, “but in its wisdom, the Constitution allows for the work to be done over the life of more than one Parliament.”
Then, she made a plea to the opposition, saying, “at this juncture, it cannot be about how we feel because of where we are in the life of the Parliament. There is still enough time to get it now, and if we give up now, it will be a betrayal of what we hope to achieve and the goals that we have set as a nation.”
Malahoo Forte added, “Too often we convince ourselves that in order to achieve greatness, we must perform grand, extraordinary things, we must do it all at once, … but this mentality is devastating, and even more devastating in an approach to constitutional reform. If we give up now, it will be a betrayal.”
However, Golding contended that the Constitutional Reform Committee’s May recommendations had left the opposition with “unresolved” concerns. In addition to his position on the Privy Council, Golding had argued that the Constitution should contain provisions for impeachment.
Golding stated, “These are important matters that will affect whether or not the Opposition is able or willing to support the bills that are being put forward,” before asserting that there hasn’t been enough consultation since he voiced his concerns about six months ago.
Malahoo Forte supported the government’s strategy, emphasizing the CRC’s function in promoting dialogue and suggesting that revisions to Golding could have been hampered by opposition members’ absence from sessions.
“The lack of update to the leader of the opposition has to be owned by the opposition members on the committee,” she noted.
In addition to the republic transition, the measures seek to “strengthen” constitutional amendment procedures, include national symbols and emblems, include the Electoral Commission of Jamaica in the Constitution, and define the requirements for Jamaican citizenship.
The minister also revealed suggested adjustments to agendas to modify ordinary sections in the Constitution, including cutting the three-month delays for debating and voting to 14 days.
Golding voiced worries about the potential removal of essential protections including the need for a two-thirds legislative majority. However, Malahoo Forte comforted him by saying, “There is no proposal to change the vote that is required in respect of any category of provision, so there is no fear that a two-thirds majority will be changed in any way.”
