Westmoreland youth push for Jamaican republic, presidential elections

WESTERN BUREAU:

Educators and students from several high schools in Westmoreland are clamouring for the Jamaican electorate to vote directly for a president who will become the head of state under a republic system of government.

This movement reflects a growing desire for change and modernisation, emphasising the importance of having a locally elected head of state to represent the nation’s interests and identity.

“The time has come for Jamaica to have its own head of state, elected by the people and for the people,” said Vannessa Foster, a student at Petersfield High School.

Foster, who spoke with The Gleaner on the sidelines of a Ministry of Legal and Constitutional Affairs ‘Road to Republic’ school engagement session held at the Sean Lavery Faith Hall in Savanna-la-Mar, shared that she believed Jamaica should leave the British monarchy but continue to use a national voting system to decide who becomes the new head of state.

The interactive sessions, conducted by the ministry, are designed to engage students in discussions about the proposed amendments to the Constitution.

“We need a leader who truly represents our values and aspirations,” said Foster.

The Government has taken the first legal step in transitioning Jamaica towards becoming a republic and moving away from the British monarchy with the tabling of a Constitution (Amendment) (Republic) Bill in Parliament to replace King Charles with a ceremonial Jamaican president as the island’s head of state.

Wayne Coley, business education teacher at Frome Technical High School, welcomed the dialogue now taking place on Jamaica becoming a republic and having a president as its head of state but argued that Jamaicans should be afforded the privilege of voting for the person who will occupy the office of head of state.

“I would have hoped that the selection process for the president would have been something that involved the people, not just the legislative arm or the Senate,” said Coley, who noted that what is being proposed is a reflection of what currently exists under the British system in appointing the governor-general.

“If the people under this reform have a chance to vote, I think it will make a better decision,” he argued.

Sian Woodbine, a teacher at Manning’s School, said her students were elated to see Jamaica become a republic and have learned much about the constitutional reforms being proposed in attaining the goal.

‘Let all Jamaicans ... have a say’

However, in relation to Jamaica considering installing a president on the recommendation of the prime minister, with the support of the opposition leader and a subsequent vote by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, Woodbine wants greater involvement in the selection process through all registered electors voting directly for their new head of state.

“I believe the president should be subjected to a vote of the wider society and let all Jamaicans who are of voting age and registered to vote have a say in this election,” Woodbine argued.

Additionally, students who are among the country’s 1.8 million youth population are concerned about the seven years being allotted to the tenure of the president.

“I feel like the tenure of the president is a bit too long, especially on the basis that they can be reappointed for another term. It could be reduced to five years in line with the life of the government,” said Jon-Kristoff Williams, headboy at Manning’s School.

Daniella Irving, also a sixth-form student at The Manning’s School, said she learned a lot from the engagement session and the process to transition Jamaica to a republic, but parts company on the term limit of the president.

“I don’t completely agree with the full tenure being seven years. I think that we should keep it as democratic as possible, although there are instances where it can be changed. I definitely believe that seven years is too long to be in that position,” said Irving, who has in the past served as a youth parliamentarian.

Dylano Chin, a lower sixth-form student at Petersfield High School, echoed the views of his peers’ on the term limit of the holder of the presidency.

“I think seven years is too long. It should be reduced to five years in line with what we have now for the government,” he also argued.

editorial@gleanerjm.com