Malahoo Forte Wants PM, OL to Settle Constitutional Reform Differences

Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Marlene Malahoo Forte, says she hopes both Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader Mark Golding can settle their differences for the sake of the constitutional reform process.

Minister Malahoo Forte was speaking Wednesday morning during a media briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister in St. Andrew.

Mahiri Stewart has that story.

The Constitutional Reform process stalled last week after Opposition Leader, Mark Golding, declared that he would not support the agenda.

Mr. Golding stated that Jamaica’s move from a British monarchy must be paired with the country also leaving the London-based Privy Council and adopting the Caribbean Court of Justice, CCJ, as our final appellate court.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed his displeasure at Mr. Golding’s stance.

Minister Marlene Malahoo Forte says the last meeting between the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader on the matter of constitutional reform was in April.

The Opposition Leader had made reference to this meeting in his open letter to the Prime Minister dated May 7.

In that letter, Mr. Golding highlighted his concerns about the reform process.

Minister Malahoo Forte says her desire is for both leaders to put their differences aside in order for the constitutional reform process to continue.

The Legal Affairs Minister adds that the bill to replace the monarchy as head of state is being worked on by the committee.