Phase two of constitutional reform process to begin in coming months

 

Phase two of the constitutional reform process is expected to get underway in the next few months.

 

This is according to Strategic Youth Advisor on the Constitutional Reform Committee, Sujae Boswell.

 

The second phase involves reviewing ordinarily entrenched provisions of the Constitution for which amendments are desired and required, including the wordings and provisions on the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms set out at Chapter III.

 

Mr. Boswell also detailed upcoming plans for the Constitutional Reform Committee, having submitted its report which was tabled in Parliament. 

 

"Now, when you think about the process of how this major constitutional amendment or reform can be made as it relates to delinking from the monarchy, there is at least a one-year timeline that we're looking at as it pertains to getting a bill ready, having that bill being scrutinised by the public, the members of Parliament and the senators scrutinising it in their respective Houses of Parliament," he said. 

 

The sixth Ministry of Legal and Constitutional Affairs Road to Republic townhall was held on Thursday to discuss concerns about the reformed constitution.

 

A Delinking from the Monarchy townhall will also be held on July 30.

 

Primary among public concerns are issues relating to political representation, the type of government and accountability for office holders.

 

Last Friday, the Senate approved the amendment to section 61 of the Constitution which speaks to the words of enactment, which indicate the source of authority for the making of laws.

 

The move indicates that bills will no longer be given effect in the name of the British Monarch but rather the authority of the Parliament of Jamaica.

 

The amendment was tabled in Parliament in May.

 

 

Meanwhile, Deputy Dean at the faculty of Law at the University of the West Indies, Dr. Christopher Malcolm has said despite public anticipation and impatience, the CRC must ensure that the process and amended Constitution effectively represent and address public concerns.

 

Dr. Malcolm argued that while a timely end to the reform process is important, the timelines being issued to the public must be carefully considered. 

 

"The timelines are going to be difficult but I also agree, I think it is imperative that we sit down and seriously think about when things are going to be done, because once you set timelines then it now becomes milestones which must be met," he admitted. 

 

"I think we're going to, however we do it, ensure that we put the belts and braces together...so that people feel satisfied that what we get is a best possible prescription that can allow the nation to have a fruitful and productive and better life going forward," suggested Dr. Malcolm, who was speaking with Morning Agenda host, Jodi-Ann Quarrie, on Power 106.