Jamaica wants Immigration activists arrested
republic status
a diamond jubilee where our constitution
rests on an Order in Council dated 23rd
July 1962 and a head of state who does not
reflect our own image and enables every
Jamaican to aspire reaching the highest
position within our native land. The time
is long due to seek yonder horizon during
the year of our jubilee,” he wrote.
But based on responses from Prime
Minister Andrew Holness and Attorney
General, Marlene Malahoo Forte the island
is in fact on course for major constitutional
changes in the coming months.
The Observer newspaper reported this
week that Holness has ordered a revamp
of the constitution and it could include
clauses catering to a republic and a local
head of state.
“What is required at this stage is really
a wholesale look at who we are as Jamaicans
and what it is that we stand for even
as we look at the form of government that
we have and who is our head of state. And,
there are involved questions. You know
the matter will ultimately have to go to
a referendum involving all of the people.
So, I can say that everyone can stand by
as timely information will come on how
we will embark on the process and the
issues that we will be addressing,” stated
Malahoo Forte.
On the issue of referendum, Patterson
Is it necessary for
my child to get a
COVID-19 vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended
for children 5-17 years old just like other
childhood vaccinations. The COVID-19
vaccine is the best protection against
getting severely sick or having long-term
complications from COVID-19 illness.
COVID-19 VACCINES SAVE LIVES. GET YOUR CHILD VACCINATED.
To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines, visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine or call 212-COVID19.
Caribbean Life, D 28 ecember 10-16, 2021
argued that once the leaders of the
two main parties endorse the move to
a republic, it would be much easier to
achieve this as the mood is right and the
60th independence celebrations could be
seen as a gift that should be grabbed with
both hands. In the case of Barbados, the
referendum issue was a moot point as the
Labor Party (BLP) controls 29 of the 30
parliamentary seats, meaning the government
was allowed to ignore referendum
requirements with almost absolute control
of the house including the two thirds
mandate for entrenched constitutional
clauses.
On Wednesday, Patterson, former
Prime Minister Bruce Golding, retired
JLP elder and parliamentarian, Pearnel
Charles will appear on radio programs to
push the issue, explain the plan and allay
any lingering fears about the transition.
Jamaica and Trinidad are the oldest independent
nations in CARICOM.
Continued from Page 1
to build a better vision of our country
and secure a true recovery,” he added.
“For 20 months, millions of immigrants
have served on the front lines
of a global pandemic, all while living
under the constant threat of family
separation.
“Now, our leaders need to listen to
the majority of the American people
and deliver on their promise of a roadmap
to citizenship,” Awawdeh urged.
Lucimara, a member of the National
Domestic Workers Alliance’s worker
council, whose last name was withheld,
said: “As a domestic worker, I
do the work that makes other work
possible.
“Like thousands of undocumented
domestic workers, I’ve continued
working during the pandemic at personal
risk, but if I don’t work, I can’t
support my family,” she said. “The
families I work for are counting on me
and my work, so that their lives can
continue to function.
“But despite my essential work, I
live in the shadows, and I am more
vulnerable to exploitation due to my
immigration status,” Lucimara added.
“I live in fear of being separated from
my children constantly. Immigrant
domestic workers like me deserve to
work and live with dignity and safety.
“On behalf of undocumented
domestic workers everywhere, I call
on the Senate to invest in care and
provide us with immigration protections
and benefits through Build Back
Better,” she continued.
“After years of putting food on the
table of countless families, taking care
of their children as if they were my
own, and cleaning houses, I’m counting
on Congress to deliver a path
to citizenship. Immigrants are vital
to this economy, and it’s time we
are recognized for it,” said Erendira
Zamacona, a member of Make the
Road Pennsylvania, immigrant and
domestic worker.
“Without immigrant workers, basic
needs like food and care for millions
would not be met,” she added. “To the
Biden administration and the Senate,
I say: we cannot afford more broken
promises. The time is now to provide a
pathway to citizenship for all.”
“Immigrants like me have had
our homes and livelihoods destroyed
by floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and
encroaching deserts. We sought refuge
in the US and have given back, working
as essential workers and supporting
the US economy during the pandemic.
It’s time for the Senate to invest in
immigrants and in bold climate solutions
so that we all can thrive in the
places we call home. Bring it home
for the holidays, Senators – the people
are counting on you,” said Graphya, a
CASA member from Georgia.
Continued from Page 1
Former Jamaica Prime Minister Percival
James Patterson. REUTERS/Daniel
Aguilar DA/File
Bill de Blasio
Mayor
Dave A. Chokshi, MD, MSc
Health Commissioner
Pediatricians recommend
the COVID-19 vaccine
for 5-17 year olds.
/covidvaccine
