Jamaica Marches Forward on Road to Republic

Work was advanced in 2023 to further Jamaica’s transition from a Constitutional Monarchy to a Republic. The process is spear- headed by the Ministry of Legal and Constitutional Affairs.

Prime Minister Holness (foreground), with members of the Constitutional Reform Committee, at the Office of the Prime Minister on March 22. From left are (2nd row) Sujae Boswell, Senator Donna ScottMottley, Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte; Ambassador Rocky Meade; Attorney General, Dr. Derrick McKoy and Laleta Davis Mattis. In the back row (from left) are Dr. Nadeen Spence, Senator the Hon. Tom Tavares-Finson, Hugh Small, Dr. David Henry, Anthony Hylton and Professor Richard Albert.
Legal Education Officer, Ministry of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Ivan Godfrey (right), speaks to Cedar Grove Academy students about the voting process during the Ministry’s Road to Republic School Tour, which was launched on November 23, at the St. Catherine based institution.

Key Achievements

• Establishment of the Constitutional Reform Committee (CRC) on March 22, 2023. Members will provide expert guidance and oversight to Jamaica’s transition from a Constitutional Monarchy to a Republic.

• Executed over 70 public engagement sessions between April and December 2023 (Town Hall Meetings in Portland, Manchester, St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and St. James; presentations by stakeholders at CRC meetings; online consultation sessions; etc.).

• Completion of deliberations by the CRC on matters relating to the transition from a Constitutional Monarchy to a Republic and establishment of the Office of President (Phase 1).

• Formation of the Public Engagement and Communication Committee, which facilitates the receipt and examination of questions, proposals and ideas from the Jamaican public and mobilises public interest in the work of the Committee.

• Establishment of the Youth Strategic Engagement Committee to facilitate active and inclusive participation of young people in the constitutional reform process.

• Creation of the State Affairs Committee, which is responsible for reviewing the existing powers exercised by the Monarch through the Governor-General, under the Constitution and any other relevant laws or by convention.

• Launched Road to Republic National Public Education Campaign, aimed at educating Jamaicans on the Constitutional Reform Process, particularly the country’s journey from a Constitutional Monarchy to a Republic.

• Bail Act passed by House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 25.

• Completion of deliberations by the CRC on matters relating to the transition from a Constitutional Monarchy to a Republic and establishment of the Office of President (Phase 1).

• Design and implementation of a robust Legal Education Programme.

• Establishment of a comprehensive human rights portfolio, active engagement of all stakeholders, maintaining a presence in international fora, and receiving commendations from stake- holders in carrying out the work.

• Creation of a dedicated web- site for the Constitutional Reform (Road to Republic) Programme: road-to republic. mlca.gov.jm. The Ministry’s website was established in 2022 (mlca.gov.jm).