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JAM | Jun 13, 2024

UWI Law Faculty spearheads Constitution reasoning session with PJ Patterson

/ Our Today

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Dr. Christopher Malcolm, deputy dean of UWI Mona’s Faculty of Law, listens intently to former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson as he recounts events leading up to the framing of the Jamaican Constitution. (Photo: Contributed)

As Jamaica considers pivotal constitutional changes, the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus, hosted a ‘reasoning session’ with former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson.

The event provided law professionals, policymakers, academics, students, and the general public the
opportunity to explore the history and future of the Jamaican Constitution, amid critical discussions surrounding the nation’s potential transition to a republic.

The reasoning highlighted the ongoing relevance and future evolution of Jamaica’s foundational legal framework.

As the only person still alive who was involved in the framing of the current Constitution, Patterson shared his wealth of knowledge about the process that led to its implementation.

Former Prime Minister Bruce Golding poses questions at the Reasoning Session on the Jamaican Constitution recently held at the UWI Mona campus.(Photo: Contributed)

The session was germane to the public debates surrounding the potential for Jamaica to become a republic; calls for constitutional reform, and discussions around the Privy Council as Jamaica’s apex court.

Patterson offered a historical and politico-legal perspective on the Constitution’s development, emphasising the milestones achieved and the challenges overcome since its inception.

He noted that: “If we want to advance the welfare of the people, we must find a way of getting it done. I believe the reformed constitution will symbolise national values and inspire us as a land of beauty to become a great people where our destiny beckons. Let us realise that our nation needs peace, harmony and justice for one Jamaica land we love.”

Dr. Christopher Malcolm, deputy dean of UWI Mona’s Faculty of Law, welcomes former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson during the Reasoning Session on the Jamaican Constitution.  (Photo: Contributed)

The reasoning session, led by the Faculty of Law under deputy dean Dr Christopher Malcolm, demonstrated the need to foster national dialogue on matters of critical importance to
national, regional and global developments.

In his remarks at the event, UWI principal Professor Densil Williams noted that, “This reasoning session is a manifestation of The UWI Mona in action, taking the knowledge that is produced within our walls and extending it to the public to bear on solutions for a better society”.

Pro Vice-Chancellor and principal of the UWI Mona campus, Professor Densil Williams delivers remarks at the Reasoning Session on the Jamaican Constitution led by former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson. (Photo: Contributed)

“We are a university steeped in public advocacy and thought leadership, and I am delighted that we are able to engage our stakeholders in discussions on important topics that will provide solutions to shaping a better society for all,” he added.

Present at the reasoning session was Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Marlene Malahoo Forte, who applauded the Mona Faculty of Law, stating, “I am pleased with the Faculty for convening this very important conversation and successfully hosting this reasoning session. It is through these academic and public engagements that we can advance meaningful discussions surrounding our nation’s future.”

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