Jamaica’s Legal Ministry promotes digital portal for constitutional reform

Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte, displays a copy of the report of the Constitutional Reform Committee (CRC) during her contribution to the 2024/25 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (June 11). (Photo: Adrian Walker)

Jamaica’s Ministry of Legal and Constitutional Affairs (MLCA) is encouraging all Jamaicans to utilise the newly launched Jamaica Legal Information Portal (JLIP) —a cutting-edge, free digital resource to demystify the country’s constitutional reform process and foster informed national participation.

Launched last month, JLIP is a mobile-friendly, artificial intelligence (AI) powered platform that provides public access to Jamaica’s laws, court judgments, legislative developments, and historical legal documents.

JLIP embodies the Road to Republic campaign’s core message of our shared journey to full self-governance. “The shift to republican status is not just a legal change—it is a redefinition of Jamaica’s sovereignty,” said the Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte, Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs. “JLIP empowers every citizen with direct access to the legal resources needed to comprehend and contribute to this national evolution. Knowledge is power, and JLIP places that knowledge at your fingertips,” she added.

Through JLIP, Jamaicans can access the current Constitution of Jamaica and review relevant Acts of Parliament, directly fulfilling the call for informed participation. The platform’s conversational AI assistant, “Garvey,” helps explain complex legal language, while the interactive public forum allows Jamaicans to engage in meaningful dialogue, ensuring the process is both transparent and inclusive.

In highlighting the portal’s accessibility, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Wayne O. Robertson, emphasised that, through JLIP, the Ministry is ensuring that Jamaicans are informed, aware, and involved in Jamaica’s transition to Republican status. “Whether you are a teacher, a farmer, a student, or a business owner, JLIP allows you to access accurate, government-verified information about our laws and the reform journey ahead.”

As Jamaica’s constitutional reform programme progresses, the MLCA urges all Jamaicans to explore JLIP, stay informed about key developments, and engage in meaningful dialogue in shaping Jamaica’s future. Visit JLIP at www.jlip.gov.jm