The Real Situation - A Taste of Jamaican Politics

To elect or not to elect a senator?  That is the question -  in addition to many more which were submitted to the Joint Select Committee by the public.  

Join me, your host Melanie Byfield, as we check out the real situation at the March 19 and March 26 Joint Select Committee meetings and other developments on Jamaica's rocky road to becoming a republic, together.

March 19: 

March 26:  

Job Description for MPs

The Joint Select Committee had impeachment on their mind during their February 26 and March 12 meetings - but did not have the mind to include the provision in the Bill for Parliamentarians.

The Porsche still has 2 flat tires - the CCJ and the appointment of the President.  Join me, your host, Melanie Byfield, as we summarize the latest meetings and other developments on Jamaica's rocky road to becoming a republic, together.

The Joint Select Committee held another meeting on February 19, asking how many generations should be able to claim Jamaican citizenship by descent?   

Join me, your host, Melanie Byfield, as we summarize this latest meeting and other developments in Jamaica's road to becoming a republic, together.

The Joint Select Committee held another meeting on February 6.  Jamaican citizenship entered the discussion but the Opposition Leader didn't because he wasn't there.  He's still on pause.  

The CCJ and The President are still part of the huge debris blocking the road.  Join me, your host, Melanie Byfield, as we summarize the latest meetings and other developments in Jamaica's road to becoming a republic, together.

The Joint Select Committee has held 2 more meetings since the Opposition Leader announced their caucus is taking a pause.  Why the pause - they have 4 questions they want the Prime Minister to answer, the main one being the position on the Privy Council - but the porsche ain't pulling over.

Join me, your host, Melanie Byfield, as we summarize these meetings and continue to navigate Jamaica's road to becoming a republic, together.

The Joint Select Committee on The Constitution Amendment Republic Act, 2024 had their first meeting on January 15.  Things are off to a bumpy start as plans are made to deliberate on provisions of the bill as well as inviting submissions from the people of Jamaica.  "Without the people, there can be no government.  The government must be, therefore an expression of the will of the people." (Marcus Mosiah Garvey)

I am your host Melanie Byfield.  Join me as we continue to navigate Jamaica's road to becoming a republic, together.

Historic! Malahoo Forte tables Bill to amend Constitution to replace King Charles with Jamaican president!  But what’s the benefit of having the Supreme law taken out but leaving the highest court?  And there is no consensus on the highest court - the Opposition Leader reminding the Government that one hand can't clap and without the support their, this process is going nowhere.

I am your host Melanie Byfield.  Join me to discuss the newly tabled Bill as we continue to dodge the pot holes on Jamaica's bumpy road to becoming a republic, together.

Bill to Amend Constitution
Why is Jamaica Holding onto the Privy Council?
JAMP - The Accountability Imperative

The Constitutional Reform Committee's report is proposing an increase in Senators from 21 to 27.  Do we need more senators?

A senate appointment is for the life of the parliament - 5 years.  The government represents the people of Jamaica and the expectation is that for those 5 years, everyday is work!  A Job Description was introduced for Members of Parliament in June, 2023.  There is none for a Senator.  Since the CRC Report is only a recommendation, maybe it’s time make some additions and to re-assess exactly what that work should be.

I am your host Melanie Byfield.  Join me to discuss these and other recommendations to reform the Jamaican Parliament as we continue on Jamaica's road to becoming a republic, together.

There are currently 56 countries in the Commonwealth of Nations.  In its May 2024 report, the Constitutional Reform Committee recommended amending the Constitution so that to sit in the Parliament of Jamaica the requirement should be Jamaican citizenship, not being a Commonwealth citizen.

I am your host Melanie Byfield.  Join me to discuss these and other recommendations to reform the Jamaican Parliament as we continue on Jamaica's road to becoming a republic, together.

The Constitutional Reform Committee recommended in its report that Jamaica should retain the parliamentary system of governance.  The journey continues - please join me in my podcast as we discuss what retaining this system of governance could mean for Jamaica’s journey transitioning from a Constitutional Monarchy to a Constitutional Republic.