Treat constitutional reform with urgency

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The time has come for Jamaica to complete its long-overdue journey toward full constitutional sovereignty. The Gleaner editorial makes a compelling case for not only replacing the British monarch as head of state but also for abandoning the UK-based Privy Council, in favour of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). These two goals must be pursued together, not separately, and they require not just political will, but true national collaboration.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness must now move beyond symbolic gestures and demonstrate the leadership necessary to bring about real constitutional change. That begins with securing the meaningful support of Opposition Leader Mark Golding. Without bipartisan consensus, any effort at reform will stall — as it has repeatedly in the past. Both leaders must recognise that constitutional reform is not about party politics or point-scoring. It is about completing the mission of independence and giving Jamaicans a constitution, a head of state, and a justice system that reflect our values, identity, and regional context.

Jamaica cannot claim to be truly sovereign while retaining the British monarch as our head of state and outsourcing our final court of appeal to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. This court, rooted in a colonial past, is both physically and philosophically distant from the Jamaican people. It is financially and logistically inaccessible to most citizens, and is part of a legal construct built to serve the interests of colonial past, not a modern Caribbean democracy. The CCJ, by contrast, is a Caribbean institution shaped by our region’s legal minds and supported by a robust and respected framework. It understands our people, our laws, and our societal norms. It is led by capable Caribbean jurists, including highly respected Jamaicans, and offers a modern, accessible, and independent forum for justice. It is already serving us in its original jurisdiction — there is no valid reason why it should not serve as our final appellate court as well.

For this process to succeed, constitutional reform must not be confined to backroom negotiations or parliamentary committees. It must include widespread and genuine consultation with the Jamaican people. Too often, past efforts have failed because the public was sidelined or consultation was superficial. This time must be different. Reform must be inclusive, transparent, and rooted in the will of the Jamaican people.

If Prime Minister Holness is serious about delivering on his pledge of inclusive governance, he must take Mark Golding’s hand in partnership and lead a sincere, united effort to complete constitutional reform. Together — with the people — we can finally break free from colonial relics.

ROBERT DALLEY

opinionwriter300@yahoo.

com