NIA Director Danielle Archer - file photo
By Racquel Porter
One of Jamaica's anti-corruption watchdogs is calling for the government to fully involve all Jamaicans before amending any aspect of the current Constitution.
Director of National Integrity Action (NIA) Danielle Archer said amending the Constitution without the involvement of every Jamaican is bad sign and ill-conceived.
Miss Archer made the call in response to concerns regarding the Leader of the Opposition holding British citizenship.
Noting that it is permitted by Jamaican law, Miss Archer pointed out that both the Governor-General, who is the King's representative, and the Prime Minister swear loyalty to the King of the United Kingdom.
But she said the transition from a constitutional monarchy must include a solemn commitment to the Jamaican people and not the Parliament of Jamaica.
NIA said it is crucial to recognise that the act of removing the King does not sufficiently guarantee the loyalty of Jamaica's leaders to the people.
Miss Archer said it is ethically unsound to remove the King and still expect the Privy Council, appointed by the King, to dictate the application and interpretation of Jamaican law.
In the meantime, Miss Archer suggested that the issue of whether dual nationals should participate in the governance of the people of Jamaica is not a matter to be determined by the Parliament without its members actively seeking the opinions of those they represent.
Miss Archer noted that the issue also affects Jamaicans within the diaspora, whose views should also be considered.
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