By Vernon Daley, Staff Reporter
Nicholson
EVEN AS Jamaica played host to the Queen as part of her Jubilee celebrations, the Government is pushing ahead with plans to amend the Oath of Allegiance to the British monarch in time for Independence celebrations six months from now.
Though cagey and evasive on the issue, Attorney-General A.J. Nicholson revealed a number of suggestions had come in from church groups and civic organisations to the Government, proposing changes to the oath.
Mr. Nicholson, who was given responsibility by the Prime Minister to tie down plans for amendment to the oath, said he had been in consultation with various groups on the issue.
"Work has started on the subject," he said on Tuesday.
After the Government arrives at a final draft of the oath, it will then take it to the public for discussion, Mr. Nicholson added.
Last year Prime Minister Patter-son told the House of Represent-atives that the Government would move to shrug off one of the final vestiges of Jamaica's colonial past by ending a requirement that public office holders swear an oath of loyalty to the British Monarch, who this year celebrates 50 years on the throne.
This will be done through a Constitutional amendment replacing the traditional oath of fidelity to the British monarch 'and her heirs and successors' with a pledge of allegiance to Jamaica and its Constitution.
"I can hardly think of anyone, certainly few in this chamber, who are required to take the Oath of Allegiance, who does not feel a sense of discomfort at being obliged to swear allegiance to a foreign monarch, rather than the nation and Constitution of Jamaica," Mr. Patterson told Parliament last year.
He also stated in his address that he wanted to see the change effected before Jamaica celebrates its 40th year as an independent nation on August 6, this year. Amending the oath, requires only a simple majority vote in the House and the Senate.
Plans to amend the oath are supported by the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party. How-ever, Opposition Leader Edward Seaga has constantly criticised the Government for what he said is a piecemeal approach to constitutional reform.
Debate on changing the Oath of Allegiance stretches back many years. Several politicians, including the late former Prime Minister Michael Manley, advocated amending the oath so public officials could swear loyalty to the Jamaican state.
The Queen delivered an address to a joint sitting of Parliament on Tuesday in which she lauded the legislature for making up its deliberations more accessible to the public and engaging civic organisations in governance.
The Queen, along with Prince Phillip, arrived in Jamaica on Monday for a hectic three-day visit, including meetings with state and Government officials. She attended a cultural presentation at the Montego Bay Civic Centre yesterday before leaving the island.
