In Jamaica, minister discusses timeline for referendum to become a republic

There are 13 provisions in the Jamaican Constitution that will require change before the country can transition from the current constitutional monarchy to become a republic. Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte, in making the disclosure, said that a nation-wide referendum is also required where the people will have to go to the polls to vote for or against the process to “abolish the British monarchy and establish the Republic of Jamaica.” “Sometime next year, if not, then early in the following [year], we will be going to a referendum. A lot of work [has to be done] before we get there, because we would have to design the ballot, let the people know the details of what is in the Bill and to let all of you have your say,” she outlined. [...] The Minister explained that the next step in the process is to formally establish a Constitutional Reform Committee aimed at building consensus among the Government and the Opposition as well as the public, through expert guidance and consultation. The consultative committee will be comprised of representatives from the Government and Opposition, the Attorney General, constitutional law experts, including persons from academia, and the private sector.
Read the full article here: Jamaica Information Service