Prime Minister Andrew Holness has listed the members of the Constitutional Reform Committee who will lead the process of Jamaica’s transition from a constitutional monarchy to a republic.

Holness made the announcement today (March 22) during a press briefing where he labelled the establishment of the committee and transition to a republic as a monumental and once-in-a-lifetime achievement.

The committee will be chaired by by Marlene Malahoo-Forte, minister of legal and constitutional affairs, and co-chaired by Ambassador Rocky Meade of the Office of the Prime Minister.

Also joining the committee are Derrick McKoy, attorney general of Jamaica; Senator Tom Tavares-Finson, president of the Senate and commissioner of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica; Senator Ransford Braham; Dr Lloyd Barnett, national constitutional expert; and Professor Richard Albert, international constitutional law expert.

Nominated to the committee by Mark Golding, leader of the opposition, are Senator Donna Scott-Mottley; Anthony Hylton, opposition representative from the House of Representatives; and Hugh Small, consultant council.

Representatives of civil society were also listed as committee members. They include Dr David Henry, representing the wider faith-based society; Dr Nadeen Spence, representing civil society; Laleta Davis-Mattis from the National Reparations Committee; Sujae Boswell, who will serve as a youth advisor. Christopher Harper will be the committee liaison officer.

“I am confident that we will be able to meet the ambitious timelines that have been set and that we will make one step further in redefining who we are as a country and as a sovereign people,” said Holness.

He then sought to assure the public that the Government was acting in their best interest and that careful considerations will be made throughout the process.

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