Prime Minister Holness Warns Jamaica Not To Take Barbados Breaking Of Ties With England As “Empty Symbolism”

The recent severing of ties from England by Barbados on November 30, sparked much controversy as many Jamaicans have given their opinion on the matter claiming that Jamaica should be following suit. Prime Minister Holness did not spare the people any dead air as it relates to the matter, however, as he gave a public statement at the official opening of the all-inclusive 444 suite Ocean Eden Bay by H10 in the parish of Trelawny.

In his speech, Prime Minister Holness gave information telling the people that a nation is based on what it does especially where prosperity, sovereignty, and independence is concerned, in his perspective these are the things to do to make Jamaica a republic. He highlights that the move by Barbados cannot be left as “Empty Symbolism” but should be held as a genuine concern since actions determine who we are.

As such the Prime Minister stated that he is now focused on doing things that will help to build towards the dream of Jamaica becoming a republic, rather than arguing about the matter. For those persons who have been interestingly tuned in to the conversation of Jamaica becoming a republic, the Prime Minister said they will be the ones who will be able to understand what he is saying.

The idea of Jamaica becoming a republic has been raised many times in the past, especially on the 40th anniversary of Jamaica’s independence from Britain however, publicly there was no move seen towards the goal but on Sunday Attorney General Marlene Malahoo Forte stated that by the second quarter of next year there should be an announcement by the Prime Minister concerning the situation.

In terms of a constitutional amendment, the Attorney General said that those already have been on the way since 2010 when the charters of rights and freedoms were amended. With regards to where the potential of the country stands at the 60-year mark since independence, Prime Minister Holness described it in his speech as amazing.