Consensus is the key, even if it means compromise
Published:Tuesday | May 21, 2024 | 12:05 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
I read the concerns raised by the Opposition on the Constitution Reform Committee’s (CRC) draft report. They are valid in my view. If we move away from the monarchy, we should not cling to the crown like a dependent, even if it is considered ‘a phase’.
The Opposition’s view on the matter is not new; I think the issue of dual citizenship, which forbids persons from serving in Parliament if they hold citizenship from a non-Commonwealth country, is archaic. The real test should be allegiance, followed by an oath of office with a firm commitment to upholding the Constitution of Jamaica. It is 2024 and many Jamaicans, especially those who are progressive, are global citizens with dual citizenship.
To accuse the Opposition of being hypocritical is absurd; The Opposition adhered to the current law, which restricts dual citizenship to Jamaicans with Commonwealth citizenship. If the CRC proposes to progress backwards and remove Commonwealth citizens and restrict all dual citizens, If a dual citizen can live in Jamaica, own property, and vote in elections, why can’t they be elected to Parliament?
Why restrict them to serve politically? Mark Golding has confirmed that he has British citizenship by descent, which is not currently against the law. He has the option to denounce, if necessary, but I do believe it is progressive to review this aspect of the law in the best interest of Jamaica and its citizens as we move forward in the 21st century and debate the pros and cons.
Constitutional reform must be non-partisan; Jamaicans must come first. Let us debate to achieve consensus and compromise.
The Opposition has proven multiple times what can happen when laws are rushed through the system and later challenged in the courts and ruled unconstitutional. Marlene Malahoo Forte does not appear to have a good understanding of constitutional law and the processes behind it. There should be no room for errors and ambiguity as there will be consequences. If political representatives can’t agree on the fundamental framework for reform, we are simply not ready to move forward. The process to educate the public on constitution reform must be ramped up. Town hall meetings alone won’t work; we need a mass communication campaign in simple form.
Consensus is key, even if it means compromise. Reform must be by the people, for the people, and we must get it right.
P. CHIN