Former Prime Minister PJ Patterson is urging the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader, not to allow Jamaica to be last to sever its colonial vestiges.

He says Andrew Holness and Mark Golding have the political authority and the opportunity to capture a truly historic landmark, by establishing Jamaica as a republic, during the 60th anniversary of independence next year.

The call from the former PM follows Barbados’ transition this week to a republic. He made the call in an open letter to the two leaders.

Mr. Patterson notes that the country has been actively engaged in extensive discussions and consultations on moving towards a republican system, adding that successive prime ministers have reiterated that firm intention at their installations and the policy position reaffirmed in throne speeches.

He notes that it has been fully accepted by the parties that the new head of state would be ceremonial in function, save for powers expressly granted by the legislature.

Mr. Patterson states that based on the work and reports of previous commissions and parliamentary committees, the single outstanding issue is whether the head of state should be chosen by a two-third membership of both houses sitting jointly or separately.

He suggests that an early vale royal meeting between the leaders could settle this issue.

Mr. Patterson says Jamaica’s constitution should be enacted by a sovereign parliament and not remain perched on an anachronistic order in council issued some 59 years ago.

The former PM notes that a number of retired professionals could be mobilized to volunteer their expertise in the legislative work required to make Jamaica’s 60th anniversary truly a memorable milestone.

He says it would be repulsive to contemplate a diamond jubilee, where the constitution rests on order in council, dated July 23, 1962, and a head of state who does not reflect Jamaica’s own image, and enables every Jamaican to aspire to reach the highest position in the land.