Karibbean Vibez Editorial Team
October 8, 2025 | Karibbean Vibez Radio Network
Opposition Leader Mark Golding has written to Prime Minister Andrew Holness urging him to reconsider his proposal that constitutional reform discussions begin between Golding and Justice Minister Delroy Chuck.
Golding argued that the talks should take place directly between himself and the Prime Minister, noting that he was responding to a letter Dr. Holness sent last month.
Reiterating his long-held position, Golding said Jamaica must remove the British Monarch and the UK Privy Council to complete its sovereignty. He referenced Dr. Holness’s recent remarks calling for bipartisan cooperation to advance Jamaica’s transition to a republic—an initiative started by the PNP decades ago.
Golding welcomed the Prime Minister’s acknowledgment that the government does not have the two-thirds parliamentary majority required to effect constitutional changes, stressing that meaningful reform can only be achieved through genuine collaboration between the JLP and PNP leadership.
He further stated that, based on Holness’s comments, he expected a formal invitation to meet directly to discuss the way forward. Golding rejected the idea of meeting first with Minister Chuck, arguing that such talks would not lay the proper foundation for bipartisan partnership. He urged the Prime Minister to reconsider his approach and respond positively.
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Editorial View
While national dialogue between government and opposition is essential, Prime Minister Holness would be making a strategic misstep by accepting this invitation in its current form. Allowing Golding to dictate the framework of the discussions risks ceding control of the constitutional reform agenda.
The Jamaican electorate reaffirmed Holness and the JLP’s leadership at the polls. Having already invited Golding to engage with the Justice Minister and the Minister of Constitutional Reform, the Prime Minister would set a troubling precedent by now agreeing to Golding’s terms.
Many Jamaicans believe Golding is not approaching these talks in good faith, viewing his letter as a political performance rather than a sincere attempt at partnership. Holness must therefore stand firm. He should insist that Golding first meet with Minister Chuck to establish the groundwork before any high-level talks take place.
Real constitutional reform requires honesty, respect, and structure—not political showmanship. The Prime Minister must protect the integrity of the process while ensuring that future discussions genuinely put Jamaica’s national interest first.
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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this editorial are those of the Karibbean Vibez Radio Network Editorial Team and do not necessarily reflect the views of any political party or external organization.
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This is a classic case of who gets to play traffic cop for sovereignty! Justice Minister Golding acting like Dr. Holness needs his permission to talk about talking is just diplomatic theatre gone wild. The idea of setting up a meeting *before* deciding *what* to talk about is like trying to decide the menu before the waiter arrives – makes zero sense! Prime Minister Holness needs to tell Golding to take a seat at the table already, maybe with Minister Chuck stirring the pot first, and stop trying to direct the convo. Let’s get this republic business moving, already!tạo vòng quay may mắn
Well, this is the constitutional equivalent of demanding the main course before being offered even the appetizer! Justice Minister Golding is basically saying, Meet me at the head of the table, Ill tell you whats for dinner. Prime Minister Holness needs to remember the Jamaican people already gave him the menu; letting Golding set the table first looks less like partnership and more like a demand for ketchup on the national sovereignty meal. The editorial team wisely points out this isnt about genuine dialogue, its about a political stage play. Lets hope the Prime Minister has the good taste to stick to the script the people wrote, not the one Golding is trying to rehearse!quay random
Haha, typical JLP strategy – demanding the Prime Minister jump through their hoops for a bipartisan chat about removing the Monarch! As if they havent tried that tune before. Prime Minister Holness needs to stick to the script and remember the Jamaican people already gave their mandate. Let the Justice Minister meet the established expert first; otherwise, we risk another performance instead of real structural reform. Keep the integrity, Mr. Prime Minister, dont let them set the stage for another political sideshow! #Jamaica #Republic #NoToGoldingsDemandsai watermark remover free