Substance over symbolism in Vale Royal Talks

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness’ recent clarification about his intent to engage Opposition Leader Mark Golding on constitutional reform is an important step toward restoring trust in the process. What was initially perceived by many as a deliberate bypass of the Opposition in favour of Justice Minister Delroy Chuck has, thankfully, been clarified as a misunderstanding. Dr Holness made it clear that Minister Chuck’s engagement is meant only to brief the Opposition on the structure of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, not to substitute for leader-to-leader dialogue. This is a welcome correction.

The proposed return to the Vale Royal Talks format is, in principle, a commendable move. Jamaica has long needed a forum where Government and Opposition can meet away from the heat of political grandstanding to engage in meaningful dialogue and seek principled compromise. However, the dilapidated state of the Vale Royal building, with its tarpaulin-covered roof, is a stark metaphor for the state of our political dialogue — neglected, broken, and in need of urgent repair. If the Government is serious about this process, it must not only restore the physical structure but also the spirit of mutual respect and collaboration.

These talks must not be confined to constitutional reform, important as that is. The debates around republicanism and the final appellate court — whether to retain the Privy Council or accede to the Caribbean Court of Justice — are critical. Yet, they remain divisive and unresolved. The Government wants to prioritise removing the British monarch as head of state, while the Opposition insists that this must go hand-in-hand with leaving the Privy Council. The lack of consensus here reflects deeper flaws in the previous constitutional reform process, which failed to gain public legitimacy. A fresh, transparent approach, under non-partisan leadership, is urgently needed — one that begins with widespread public education on the existing Constitution and clear, honest dialogue on the way forward.

Just as urgent is the matter of education reform. The Orlando Patterson report offered 365 recommendations — one for each day of the year — yet less than a third have been implemented, and even that may be overstated. Without a clear national consensus on priorities, and without targeted funding and institutional support, most of these reforms will remain stuck on paper. The Vale Royal Talks must address this crisis. Our long-term economic and social development depends on it.

The Vale Royal Talks should not merely be seen as a photo opportunity, it is for both leaders to show that they are serious about the country’s future.

ROBERT DALLEY

opinionwriter300@yahoo.

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