The Government has blamed the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) for holding up the start of the process for making Jamaica a republic.

Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Marlene Malahoo Forte, says by refusing to name its representatives to the committee that has been assigned to spearhead the process, the opposition is hindering the process.

She made the statement while speaking in parliament yesterday (January 11), noting that she is disappointed in the Opposition.

She said the Government intends to have a referendum early next year on the establishment of a republic and the action by the Opposition is slowing the process.

In response, Mr. Golding said that the Opposition is willing to name its representatives, but it wants to do so with a full understanding of the direction being taken.

Mr. Golding said he needed a formal response from Government on the charter of fundamental rights and freedoms that the government has indicated it will amend.

He also wants his concerns about the Privy Council remaining as Jamaica’s final court of appeal, to be addressed.