On Tuesday, for the first time in the lower house, the newly appointed Minister of legal and constitutional affairs Marlene Malahoo-Forte addressed the House of Parliament on her unique role and expectations, which includes constitution reform and matters causing some Jamaicans to feel oppressed by the law.

On the heels of being sworn in, Minister Marlene Malahoo-Forte gave a comprehensive breakdown of the new ministry and its mandate. In her maiden ministerial presentation, she notes priority was taken by the government a decade ago with the re-writing of chapter three of the constitution which speaks to the fundamental rights and freedoms of Jamaicans. She notes despite certain concerns, at present, there has not been any fundamental reform to the constitution.

Malahoo-Forte shares what she considers the oppression imposed by the law and notes that though in some instances justice has been served through legislative frameworks, distrust lingers among Jamaicans. She explains the procedures of the legal reform department in regards to proposing new laws.

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