Holness says Jamaica’s Republic Push is ‘Dashed’; Blames Golding

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has accepted that the goal of transforming Jamaica into a republic at this time, has been dashed.

The prime minister places the blame of the failure squarely at the feet of opposition leader, Mark Golding.

The prime minister delivered the rebuke while addressing a large crowd during the Jamaica Labour Party’s East Central St. Catherine constituency conference on Sunday.

The People’s National Party, PNP, has boycotted all but the initial sitting of a joint-select committee reviewing the Constitution Amendment Republic Act, which seeks to abolish the British Monarch as Jamaica’s head of state.

Opposition leader, Mark Golding, cited the prime minister’s unwillingness to answer questions regarding Jamaica’s final appellate court as the reason for the boycott.

Without the support of the opposition, any attempt to move forward is likely to end in failure.

Dr. Holness accused Golding of going back on his word.

Meanwhile, Dr. Holness says through its actions, the PNP has shown it cannot place the needs of the country above its narrow political interests.

The prime minister urged his supporters and Jamaicans at large, to vote for the party they believe will best promote the needs of the country.

Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew Holness.