We never wanted this work to be a straight line, but we’re making sure that “all the boxes are ticked,” the agency said, adding that it will do whatever is necessary to make it a success, which is what Attorney General Marlene is asking for Malahoo instructed .
Last week, the latter expressed the executive branch’s “disappointment” at the failure to select the senior constitutional review committee and accused the main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) of delaying the launch of a republican state.
Malahoo told Parliament that although a referendum is needed for Jamaica to leave the British monarchy, the process must involve the cooperation of all political forces and communication with ordinary citizens.
The government’s goal is to appoint the members of the high-level committee, he said, but ruled out confirming that decision to the people for now.
For his part, opposition leader Mark Golding commented that the circumstances were not that simple as Malahoo only recently replied to a letter he sent him in June 2022.
He announced in the text that he was seeking information about proposed changes to the constitution and concerns about the Privy Council, which remains the nation’s final court of appeal.
The transition to a republic would require the dismissal of King Carlos III. as head of state, which currently recognizes him as its monarch. Jamaica gained independence from the United Kingdom on August 6, 1962.
From the Caribbean, Guyana broke off relations with the British monarchy on February 23, 1970; Trinidad and Tobago on August 1, 1976; Dominica on November 3, 1978 and Barbados on November 30, 2021, when then-Governor Sandra Mason was sworn in as head of state.
Five other countries are currently exploring this option: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Belize, Grenada and Saint Kitts and Nevis.
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