Since 2007, the matter of citizenship and who qualifies to sit in the Jamaican parliament has been on the political agenda in Jamaica. Vents involving Norman Horne on the People’s National Party over the last two weeks or so is a clear indication that the matter needs to be resolved or addressed in the constitution.
Section 39 of the constitution outlines who qualify for membership in the Jamaican parliament…But if the constitution is respected and followed citizens of 51 other countries would qualify to sit in our parliament. Where do we go from here/ what is a sustainable response? To answer those questions and more we are joined by an attorney at law Patrick Bailey and Professor Christopher Charles, Senior Lecturer Department of Government, Political and the Social Psychology University of the West Indies.