Opposition Leader Mark Golding has written to Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness asking him to reconsider his suggestion that the People’s National Party President and the Justice Minister meet to discuss the Constitutional Reform matter.

Mr. Golding said the discussions should instead be between himself and Dr. Holness. 

In a letter shared with the media, Mr. Golding noted that he was responding to a letter sent by Dr. Holness, last month.

Golding reiterated his stance that Jamaica should do away with both the British Monarch and United Kingdom Privy Council, in order to complete the unfinished circle of independence and establish Jamaica’s full sovereignty. 

He cited comments by Dr. Holness at the recent swearing in ceremony for the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader to partner on completing the work started by the PNP in making Jamaica a republic.

Golding welcomed the comments, as they indicate acknowledgement that the governing Jamaica Labour Party does not have a two-thirds majority in either House of Parliament, reinforcing the imperative of partnership between Jamaica’s two major political parties, if progress is to be made in reforming the constitution. 

He noted that the only route to reaping success in this reform effort is through authentic collaboration, as had been done in the past with collaborations between former prime ministers and opposition leaders. 

Accordingly, it is Dr. Holness and Golding, as the leaders of Jamaica’s two major political parties, who must establish a basis for the required partnership, if the reform process is not to become another exercise in futility. 

Golding said in furtherance of Dr. Holness expressed aspiration of partnership, he was expecting an invitation to meet with Dr. Holness to discuss the way forward, as a first step. 

However, the Prime Minister had proposed that Golding meet with Delroy Chuck, who is the Minister of Justice. 

The Opposition Leader pointed out that that approach will not initiate the required partnership. 

Golding then invited Dr. Holness to reconsider the matter, adding that he is looking forward to hearing from the prime minister.