Dear Editor,

I write in reference to the announced composition of Jamaica’s Constitutional Reform Committee and the objection of some church groups and Christian organisations to the inclusion of Canadian Professor Richard Albert.

From media reports I gather the objection is two-fold. The first objection is Professor Albert is not a Jamaican citizen and the second is his position on same-sex marriage and abortions. The first of the two objections appears to have more merit than the second.

A constitution, in the most simple term, is “the basic principles and laws of a nation, State, or social group that determine the powers and duties of the Government and guarantee certain rights to the people”. It is a legal document outlining the relationship between the people and those empowered with governance. A nation’s constitution is a contract between a country and its citizens.

Jamaica’s constitution will only be binding on Jamaicans and, therefore, it should be drafted and agreed by Jamaicans. Foreigners have no part or lot in the matter. It is on this basis I support the groups’ objection to the inclusion of the learned professor. Our current constitution was, for the most part, handed to us by the British Government of the day. It is now time for Jamaicans to craft their own constitution, consistent with our culture, values, morals, aspirations, and realities.

While I support the Church’s and the Bible‘s position on marriage and the sanctity of life, I do not subscribe to the view that holding an opposing view disqualifies an individual from serving on the committee. We must always remember that we are a democracy and citizens will hold different views and beliefs on a variety of religious and non-religious matters.

We must resist the temptation to “cancel” people with whom we disagree. Cancel culture must be denounced wherever it is practised. We cannot denounce cancel culture when it is directed at conservatives and practise it against liberals.

Ultimately, it is the people of Jamaica who will approve or reject any proposed revised constitution. Let all views contend and let the people decide the principles, laws, practices, and customs by which they agree to be governed.

A resounding no to outside interference and cancel culture! The Jamaican Constitution must be crafted by Jamaicans for Jamaicans.

Wayne Plummer

Greater Portmore

St Catherine

wayne.r.plummer@gmail.com