The increasing call by the church community for Canadian Professor Richard Albert to be taken off Jamaica’s Constitutional Reform Committee is to be addressed by the committee’s chair, Marlene Malahoo Forte, but at least one member of the government has indicated that the selection was done in the country’s best interest.
Minister with responsibility for Information, Robert Nesta Morgan said the intention of the Committee as was articulated by Prime Minister Andrew Holness is to focus on the Republic status of Jamaica.
“To give credit to those on the committee, they are very strong individuals of intellect, competence and consequence,” he said during Wednesday’s post cabinet press briefing.
“Jamaicans can be assured that the committee was formed in the best interest of our society; for its better future. So we are not really…,” he said, before halting his thoughts and reiterating that Malahoo Forte will address the matter.
The 14 member committee was officially announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness on March 22. Since that time, several church leaders and members of para-church groups have been voicing their concerns about the inclusion of Professor Albert, who in a previous media interview seemed to be in support of same-sex marriage and abortion. The church community has been increasingly concerned about efforts by international organizations in recent months to overturn the country’s buggery law.
“The issue that consumes the conversation is not a matter that is being contemplated by the government. The government has not articulated that this constitutional reform process will disturb such wide ranges of issues,” said Morgan in reference to concerns raised by a pastor during a local radio interview which ventilated the issues.
He argued that the committee that was assembled, represents a wide cross section of interest, including a member of the church, a youth advisor, members of the opposition, constitutional lawyers, members of government and legislators.
“The government was very cognizant of getting the views of a wide cross section, including the church, and I don’t suspect that any, as the church may contemplate, or as this particular representative of the church may contemplate, that there will be anyone who can dominate a debate or a conversation on the committee,” asserted Morgan who is a minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister.
It is not known when Malahoo Forte, Jamaica’s Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, will address the concerns expressed by the church community.
“I’ve had conversations with her; she is currently overseas at important meetings and she will return and address it,” Morgan said.
