The Constitutional Reform Committee (CRC) made a good start to its pledge to consult Jamaicans on the country’s journey to what will be a fundamental change in our governance structure.

Last Wednesday’s town hall meeting in Montego Bay, St James, we believe, gave Jamaicans in that city, and its neighbouring communities, an opportunity to state their views on how we should move forward as well as to examine the committee’s recommendations.

We also note that the committee made a special effort to hear from Jamaicans in Diaspora, and thought is being given to establishing a subgrouping of the CRC specifically to engage with members of the Diaspora who are interested in being a part of this process.

Opposition spokesman on industry, investment and commerce Mr Anthony Hylton, who is a member of CRC, quite rightly noted that a number of Jamaicans in the Diaspora have been arguing for closer involvement in, and contribution to, not just the economy but the social and political life of the country. As such, the committee, he said, believes “there are some important questions there to be answered — and their engagement to that process is very important as well”.

Another CRC member, Dr Nadeen Spence, noted that efforts have already been made to ensure that members of the Diaspora are engaged in the ongoing deliberations.

Dr Spence also encouraged Global Jamaica Diaspora Council member Dr Karren Dunkley, who had joined the town hall via Zoom, to let the CRC know if there is a group of individuals who wish to meet and discuss the issues, pointing her to a WhatsApp group through which she could become a part of the conversation.

“We will seek to deepen that engagement with the Diaspora so that Jamaicans who live abroad can continue to make their impact,” Dr Spence added, her assurance a reiteration of CRC co-chair, Mrs Marlene Malahoo Forte’s promise that the Diaspora will have a voice in the process as Jamaica moves away from the British monarchy and becomes a republic.

We are, as we have said before, encouraged by the commitment we have seen from members of the CRC to getting this process beyond the stage of pure talk, ever since it was first raised by then Prime Minister Michael Manley in 1977. Mr Manley died 20 years later and the needle had not moved on this matter.

Since then, successive governments have kicked the can down the road, despite declaring, with much bravado, their intention have Jamaica sever ties with the British monarchy.

The CRC has been very clear that this process will be very long and has recommended that it be done in three phases. What it wants to achieve in the first phase is the severing of the umbilical cord with the monarchy and the creation of ceremonial presidency. Outside of how the vote for that office will be taken, there is consensus across the political divide. As we have stated before, it can’t be difficult for either side to yield on this matter, given the importance of the country taking that first step to republican status.

We urge them to settle this matter. Additionally, we encourage the CRC to press ahead with its public consultation campaign and ignore those who seem set on derailing this important development.