Jamaica - May 2024

The Constitutional Reform Committee (CRC), appointed by Prime Minister Andrew Holness in 2023 with the objective to provide guidance in Jamaica’s transition to a republican form of government, has issued its first report. Among its recommendations is the proposal that a constitutional monarchy is no longer an adequate form of government, and that Jamaica’s head of state should be chosen in a democratic process. It further makes recommendations on parliamentary reform. Members of the CRC from the opposition’s People’s National Party (PNP) have, however, refused to sign the report, due to objections of the phased approach the CRC has adopted. The Committee first addressed issues related to deeply entrenched constitutional provisions that require a referendum, such as those related to establishing a republic, leaving others for a second phase. PNP argues that the definition of the Caribbean Court of Justice as Jamaica’s final court (instead of the UK Privy Council) should be considered at this point as well.

Sources: Government of Jamaica, Jamaica Observer, Jamaica Inquirer, International IDEA