The Honourable Orette Bruce Golding ‘entered’ the Jamaican political arena at birth, and he is one of only a few persons still alive who were elected in the Class of 1972 to serve as Members of Parliament. He became Jamaica’s 8th Prime Minister under a JLP Government from 2007-2011. Prior to becoming Prime Minister, and while serving under the JLP, Mr Golding lobbied for major reform in the political system. This led to his resignation from the JLP and the establishment by him of the National Democratic Movement (“NDM”). Among other policy objectives, the NDM advanced an agenda in support of a US-styled republican model for government, for fixed election date, and for the impeachment of parliamentarians. In short, Mr Golding’s involvement in public life has enabled him to speak about the Constitution and how it could be reformed in a manner that few others are able to. His perspective is unique, and reflective of honing by experience and a deep understanding of Jamaica, including by reference to its socio-political and economic history.
This Reasoning with Bruce, as he is affectionately called, to be moderated by Chris, will be frank, honest, incisive, and illuminating. It will revisit critical steps that have been taken by Jamaica along its developmental journey under the 1962 Constitution, including efforts at reform that have been engaged or completed as well as others that may have been contemplated but never embarked upon. The Reasoning will also include consideration of topical issues, such as, for example, the possible establishment of a new model for governance under republicanism, with ultimate de-linking from the British Monarchy, the thorny issue of dual citizens in the Parliament, and whether the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) should be replaced by the Caribbean Court of Justice (“CCJ”) as Jamaica’s final court of appeal.