Jamaica’s Constitution Reform Bill proposes ending Monarchy, adopting CCJ

Jamaica’s Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Marlene Malahoo Forte, has announced plans to table the Constitutional Reform Bill as early as next week. Speaking in the House of Representatives, she confirmed significant progress on the Bill but acknowledged that bipartisan support, particularly from the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP), is crucial for its success.

The proposed Bill, comprising 36 clauses, aims to replace the British monarchy with a Jamaican president as Head of State, transitioning the nation to a republic. Additionally, the Bill seeks to entrench the Electoral Commission of Jamaica, clarify parliamentary eligibility, and formalize national symbols in the Constitution.

Despite optimism about progress, Malahoo Forte expressed doubts that the reforms could be completed within the current Parliament’s term, citing procedural delays. The Bill requires a three-month wait before its first debate and another three months before its passage.

It must also secure a two-thirds majority in both parliamentary houses and approval via a referendum to remove King Charles as Head of State.

Opposition Leader Mark Golding has signaled reluctance to support the reforms unless specific concerns, such as adopting the Caribbean Court of Justice as Jamaica’s final appellate court, are addressed in the initial reform phase. Golding also criticized the lack of engagement between the Government and Opposition on the Constitutional Reform Committee’s deliberations.

Malahoo Forte countered that the Opposition members on the committee bear responsibility for keeping Golding informed. She urged bipartisan cooperation to ensure a referendum reflects national unity rather than partisan divides.

With the next meeting of the Constitutional Reform Committee scheduled for December 4, the government remains determined to advance the reforms despite ongoing political hurdles.