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Even without immediately resolving the problem of a final court of appeal, moving toward a republic is a practical approach to constitutional reform.
These were the words of Irish Prime Minister Andrew Holness in his Declaration of Independence to fellow citizens abroad, read by Lisanne Salmon, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Jamaican Embassy in Washington, D.C., at a recent Emancipation and Independence Church service at the Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland.
“It is time to end our historical ties to the monarchy and become fully independent and sovereign. We need a Jamaican head of state who truly represents our values, culture and aspirations and symbolizes our full sovereignty,” he noted.
He noted that the majority of Jamaicans support abandoning allegiance to the monarchy as it is a relic of the country’s colonial past.
“Constitutional reform is a complex process best undertaken in stages. Should the Supreme Court continue to be the Privy Council, or the Caribbean Court of Justice? Or should it be decided with full sovereignty that our final court of appeal should be located in Jamaica? These are very important questions that require further consideration and consensus.
“Let us stay united and move forward, continue the debate and reach consensus on the next steps,” Prime Minister Holness urged.
Hundreds of Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica attended the ceremony, which marked two landmark anniversaries for the country and also saw the presentation of the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) Awards, recognizing the outstanding contributions made by members of the diaspora over the years.
Prime Minister Holness said constitutional reform was more than just a legal necessity.
“It is an affirmation of our identity and a preparation for us to take full control of our own destiny. True independence is both political and economic. It means taking control of our future and creating an environment where local businesses thrive, young people gain meaningful employment, and innovation and entrepreneurship become the cornerstones of our economy,” he noted.
“That is why we are investing in education, skills training, technology and sustainable industries to build a resilient economy that can withstand global shocks. Economic independence is essential for the sustainable development of our people and our country,” he said, noting that “most Jamaicans support abandoning allegiance to the monarchy, a legacy of our colonial past.”
At the same time, the Prime Minister said Jamaica’s national independence is of great significance and worth celebrating.
“Importantly, independence should also be a time for us to collectively reflect on our history and journey as well as our goals and aspirations as a people. It should be a time for us to actively embrace and recommit to a vision of a peaceful, productive and prosperous future,” he said.
In his sermon, the Rev. Everett Brown, president of the Jamaica Union of Seventh-day Adventists, referred to this year’s Independence theme: “One Love for the World,” as he urged Jamaicans to “demonstrate our love for one another in practical and tangible ways, in our interactions with one another, in our service to one another.”
“We are more than a country known for our beautiful white sandy beaches, authentic reggae music and world-class athletes. We are a country of character, compassion and love for our people.
“The love we wish to share with the world has the capacity and power to change and transform lives. Love can eradicate poverty, discrimination, corruption, crime, violence, conflict, inequality and injustice, which are just a few of the many pressing social issues that pose a real existential threat to the sustainable development of our countries,” he noted.
The 2024 Jamaican Diaspora DMV Awards are presented to three individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Jamaican community.
They are community stalwarts Carmen Edwards, Doreen Thompson and Linda Gatling, and Larry Sindass, founder and executive producer of CaribNation TV.
The Friends of Jamaica Award is presented to Performing Artists Under the Lord (PAUL) in recognition of their dedication and performances in Jamaican church services in Washington, D.C. for more than three decades.
Proceeds from the church’s donation will go to St. Elizabeth’s Black River Hospital, which was severely damaged by Hurricane Beryl.
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