The Real Situation - A Taste of Jamaican Politics
The Real Situation is a podcast about Jamaican politics and the country's journey toward becoming a republic. Host Melanie Byfield examines the past, present, and future of Jamaica's political landscape. Each episode offers context and reasoning on the road to republicanism and what it means for Jamaicans. It is aimed at listeners following this historic transition.
Episodes
Episode 42 - Let Me Tell You What I Know
The discussion for Jamaica to move its highest court from the Privy Council to the CCJ has intensified. The Ambassador to CARICOM, David Comissong is defending the CCJ and wants to educate Caribbean residents about how important this institution is. How does that relate to Jamaica's journey to become a republic? Join me and mek wi reason bout it.
Episode 41 - Dont' Forget, Know Who You Are And Where You Stand In The Struggle
What will this next year of independence bringWill we finally get rid of the British kingBecome a republic close the colonial doorSurely it’s owed to those who came before .Happy Independence Day! Join me as we continue the journey on Jamaica's road to becoming a republic.CCJ Media Releasehttps://ccj.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Media-Release-The-Mohameds-v-Minister-of-Home-Affairs.pdfCCJ
Episode 40 - None But Ourselves Can Free Our Mind
While the driver may have taken the battery out of the Porsche, Haile Mika’el Cujo of We The People Republic JA has put it in neutral and is trying to push it anyway. Check out his video for the 20th draft Constitution of Jamaica as the journey on the road to becoming a republic continues.20th Revision July 26, 2026Happy Emancipation Day!
Episode 39 - Don't See No Sun
Vale Royal talks are dormant. - The sky is thick - don’t see no sun. What is the fate of the bruk dung Porsche? Come in like somebody took out the car battery. Check out the real situation as we reason about the latest developments on Jamaica's road to becoming a republic.
Episode 38 - Come Together and Make It Work
Isat Buchanan, MP for Portland Eastern and son of Big Youth has stepped into the arena of constitutional reform. How will this affect the bruk dung Porsche?Check out the real situation as we reason about the latest developments on Jamaica's road to becoming a republic.
Episode 37 - Dready Got a Job To Do
Dready got a job to do! In 2022, PM told William and Kate that we are moving on. The job isn’t done.Check out the real situation as we reason about the latest developments on Jamaica's road to becoming a republic.
Episode 36 - Time Alone
Can the CCJ Stand Above Politics? Can Jamaica’s Ambassador to the US, His Excellency Major General Antony Bertram Anderson command NaRRA to successfully undertake Jamaica’s multi-billion dollar recovery projects? Can the Porsche be repaired and put back on Jamaica’s road to becoming a republic, free of potholes and roadblocks? Time alone.Check out the real situation as we reason about the lates
Episode 35 - Check Out The Real Situation
The mace was touched! What does this have to do with constitutional reform? Check out the real situation as we reason about this colonial tradition and the latest developments on Jamaica's road to becoming a republic.
Episode 34 - It Seems Like Total Destruction's The Only Solution
Haile Mikael Cujo is urging us to use his draft constitution. Professor Roselea Hamilton says you can't have a draft that does not modernize the government. And Gordon Robinson is saying nah sah - begin again.It seems like total destruction’s the only solution.Check out The Real Situation as we reason about how to restart the Porsche on Jamaica's road to becoming a republic.
Episode 33 - Some People Got Nothing
The Road to Republic website hasn’t been updated, and he Joint Select Committee report has yet to be published. Check out The Real Situation as we reason about what's new with Constitutional Reform in Jamaica.
Episode 2 - Which Way Will We Choose
Where in the world is Marlene Malahoo Forte - the only member of the old Cabinet who was dropped by Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness. She had led the Ministry of Legal and Constitutional Affairs which was created to drive the constitutional reform process.Check out The Real Situation as we reason about the start of the new Parliament and what is next for Constitutional Reform.13 Ministers of Stat
Episode 1 - Don't Give Up The Fight
There is a fight brewing but it’s not against Jamaica becoming a republic. It’s a fight to put Jamaica’s journey to becoming a republic on a different road.Join me as we reason about the General Election and the future of Jamaica's journey to becoming a republic.
Episode 30 - Don't Sit There and Jester
60% of Jamaicans positively support adoption of the CCJ. During the Leadership debate, the Prime Minister finally confirmed the Government’s position on Jamaica’s Final Court of Appeal - Jamaica should have its own local Final Court of Appeal. “No serious person considers that to be an alternative”. It's election day tomorrow and the stakes are high. Join me your host, Melanie Byfield, as
Episode 29 - It's You I'm Talking To
The Bill nuh dead. It is in a politically induced coma, waiting on the winner of the General Election to determine its fate. The date - September 3. Join me your host Melanie Byfield as we reason about the first of the 3 national debates that took place on Saturday, August 23rd.PNP v JLP Debate - August 23, 2025
Episode 28 - Baby Baby We've Got A Date
Baby baby we’ve got a date. Got 2 actually. Nomination Day - August 18 and the General Election on September 3.The Constitutional Reform Bill might be near death, but the election campaigning is very much alive.Join me your host Melanie Byfield as we travel to election day, and see who will be the party to revive Jamaica's journey to becoming a republic.PNP Manifesto
Episode 27 - It Takes A Revolution To Make A Decision
Happy Independence Day!After 63 years of political independence Jamaica is once again on the road to becoming a republic.But, the Bill is in limbo - possibly dead! Election time is near and so is the end of the current Parliamentary term.Advocates Network, National Integrity Action and others have stated that the Bill can’t work and needs to take a different direction, with proper public educatio
Episode 26 - In This Great Future, You Can't Forget Your Past
“I would rather die upon yonder gallows than live in slavery”. Those are the words of Samuel Sharpe, National Hero of Jamaica whose Baptist War contributed to the abolition of slavery.Join me, your host Melanie Byfield, as we give thanks for the sacrifices made for us by the likes of Samuel Sharpe, Paul Bogle, Tacky and millions of other Africans who gave their lives so that we could be free to
Episode 25 - Excuse Me While I Light My Spliff
In a Submission on the proposed Bill to amend the Constitution, Professor Hamilton, the Advocates Network, Jamaica Council of Churches, Institute of Law & Economics, Jamaica Beach Birthright Environmental Movement, among other civil society organizations and individuals, have asserted that the Parliamentary Cabinet/Westminster System of political governance is flawed, contributing to poor gove
Episode 24 - Are You Satisfied With The Life You're Living
The review of The Constitution (Amendment) (Republic) Bill, 2024 by the Joint Select Committee (together with the political grandstanding and lecturing) are coming to an end. What's next - the Committee has prepared a draft report but is the journey is taking a different direction? Join me, your host Melanie Byfield, as we reason about where Jamaica's journey to becoming a Republic is
EPISODE 23 - Puss An Dog They Get Together
A Joint Select Committee meeting was held on April 2, 2025 but the words on many lips seems to be that Constitutional Reform is dead! Or is it? Join me, Melanie Byfield, as we look at whether a nine night needs to be held for Jamaica's Constitutional Reform of whether it can in fact be resuscitated.Joint Select Committee Meeting April 2, 2025
Episode 22 - Everything For The People, Everything By The People, And Nothing Without The People
To elect or not to elect a senator? That is the question - in addition to many more which were submitted to the Joint Select Committee by the public. Join me, your host Melanie Byfield, as we check out the real situation at the March 19 and March 26 Joint Select Committee meetings and other developments on Jamaica's rocky road to becoming a republic, together.March 19: March 26: Job Descr
Episode 21 - The Road of Life is Rocky
The Joint Select Committee had impeachment on their mind during their February 26 and March 12 meetings - but did not have the mind to include the provision in the Bill for Parliamentarians.The Porsche still has 2 flat tires - the CCJ and the appointment of the President. Join me, your host, Melanie Byfield, as we summarize the latest meetings and other developments on Jamaica's rocky road t
Episode 20 - We Know Where We're From
The Joint Select Committee held another meeting on February 19, asking how many generations should be able to claim Jamaican citizenship by descent? Join me, your host, Melanie Byfield, as we summarize this latest meeting and other developments in Jamaica's road to becoming a republic, together.
Episode 19 - The Stone That The Builder Refuse
The Joint Select Committee held another meeting on February 6. Jamaican citizenship entered the discussion but the Opposition Leader didn't because he wasn't there. He's still on pause. The CCJ and The President are still part of the huge debris blocking the road. Join me, your host, Melanie Byfield, as we summarize the latest meetings and other developments in Jamaica's ro
Episode 18 - Time Will Tell
The Joint Select Committee has held 2 more meetings since the Opposition Leader announced their caucus is taking a pause. Why the pause - they have 4 questions they want the Prime Minister to answer, the main one being the position on the Privy Council - but the porsche ain't pulling over.Join me, your host, Melanie Byfield, as we summarize these meetings and continue to navigate Jamaica&apo
Episode 17 - The Will of the People
The Joint Select Committee on The Constitution Amendment Republic Act, 2024 had their first meeting on January 15. Things are off to a bumpy start as plans are made to deliberate on provisions of the bill as well as inviting submissions from the people of Jamaica. "Without the people, there can be no government. The government must be, therefore an expression of the will of the people.&quo
Episode 16 - You Can Fool Some People Sometimes
Historic! Malahoo Forte tables Bill to amend Constitution to replace King Charles with Jamaican president! But what’s the benefit of having the Supreme law taken out but leaving the highest court? And there is no consensus on the highest court - the Opposition Leader reminding the Government that one hand can't clap and without the support their, this process is going nowhere.I am your host
Episode 15 - Everyday is Work
The Constitutional Reform Committee's report is proposing an increase in Senators from 21 to 27. Do we need more senators?A senate appointment is for the life of the parliament - 5 years. The government represents the people of Jamaica and the expectation is that for those 5 years, everyday is work! A Job Description was introduced for Members of Parliament in June, 2023. There is none fo
Episode 14 - We The Generation
There are currently 56 countries in the Commonwealth of Nations. In its May 2024 report, the Constitutional Reform Committee recommended amending the Constitution so that to sit in the Parliament of Jamaica the requirement should be Jamaican citizenship, not being a Commonwealth citizen.I am your host Melanie Byfield. Join me to discuss these and other recommendations to reform the Jamaican Parl
Episode 13 - Babylon System
The Constitutional Reform Committee recommended in its report that Jamaica should retain the parliamentary system of governance. The journey continues - please join me in my podcast as we discuss what retaining this system of governance could mean for Jamaica’s journey transitioning from a Constitutional Monarchy to a Constitutional Republic.
Episode 12 - Yes Mi Friend. Wi Deh Ah Street Again
I am your host, Melanie Byfield and yes mi friend. Wi deh a street again. Is the Porsche moving. Look like its being pushed. It ah move still, but one problem though. Looks like we are heading down a dead end street. The journey continues. Please join me in my podcast as we continue the discussion on Jamaica's road to becoming a republic together.
Episode 11 - Resisting Against The System
Check out The Real Situation! We are in election mode! A by-election on September 30 in St. Ann NE and a general election due by September of next year; .With constitutional reform, this could be the last general election with a monarch. Jamaica would be a republic and the CRC have proposed a president as the new head of state but there are parts of Section 4 which have many resisting against
Episode 10 - Do You Want More?
Check out The Real Situation!The 15-member Constitutional Reform Committee submitted a May 2024 report of recommendations which has been tabled in parliament as a Ministry Paper. From the discussions that are taking place, the people of Jamaica want more.More involvement for all Jamaicans in this processMore views to be shared by the Jamaican publicMore public educationMore accountability for ex
Episode 9 - Give A Little One More Time
During the Reasoning with Mr Orette Bruce Golding about Reform of the Jamaica Constitution and De-Linking from the British Monarchy at UWI on July 30, Mr. Golding showed a picture of Michael Manley and Edward Seaga signing the legislation for what is now called the Electoral Commission of Jamaica, describing it as “consensus being formalized” and reemphasizing “consensus is not beyond us - if Manl
Episode 8 - Check Out The Real Situation
Check out The Real Situation - “We cannot say we are independent and still continue to have the King of our colonial past as our head of State or make laws that cannot become effective unless they are signed by the King’s representative, the governor general, and whose appellate jurisdiction still lies with the colonial Privy Council" (Dr. Raulston Nembhard).I am your host Melanie Byfield. P
Episode 7 - We Can Make it Work
Happy Independence!Today, Jamaica is celebrating 62 years of political independence and is currently on a road to becoming a republic in order to secure independence 100% - executive, legislative and hopefully judicial. We may not have won the hundred meters, but wi bad pon relay. Our ancestors, martyrs, many heroes and we the people are waiting tor the baton to be picked up so we can carry on t
Episode 6 - If You Listen Carefully Now, You Will Hear
Check out The Real Situation!The first Town Hall Meeting in Kingston, Jamaica took place at Emancipation Park on July 25, 2024. The Jamaican public have plenty to say. If you listen carefully now, you will hear. I am your host Melanie Byfield. Please join me in my podcast and get a taste of Jamaican politics as we continue Jamaica's journey to becoming a republic together.UWI - The Hon. O
Episode 5 - One J-A-M-A-I-C-A!
Check out The Real Situation!Jamaica's independence celebrations are drawing closer, and as the new winning Festival Song says, "we have come a long way, standing in a strong way!" We truly stand on the shoulders of some very strong men and women who started the journey we are on. Yes, wi Porsche park up an di tire still flat, but the public education campaign surrounding the CRC&
Episode 4 - I Want You To Straighten Out My Tomorrow
Check out The Real Situation!The Constitutional Reform Committee submitted a May 2024 report of recommendations which has been tabled in parliament as a Ministry Paper. The Leader of the Opposition, prepared a document outlining the issues the party is not in agreement with, and the big one weh buss di tire is the final court of appeal. I am your host Melanie Byfield. While the Porshe park up, w
Episode 3 - Don't Forget Your History, Know Your Destiny
Check out The Real Situation!I am your host, Melanie Byfield joining you at a time when we are waiting for the issue of Jamaica’s final court of appeal to be resolved. So, that flat tire still needs to be fixed so we can, in reality, carry on with Jamaica’s journey to becoming a republic. And I say in reality because you can wash the car, check the oil, clean up the inside, refill the washer flu
Episode 2 - Didn't My People Before Me Slave For This Country
Check out The Real Situation!The Constitutional Reform Committee have released their report but 3 signatures were withheld.https://mlca.gov.jm/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/MEDIA-FULL-CRC-REPORT-MAY-2024.pdfWe may have a flat tire but I say don't watch that. We always knew this was going to be a road with whole heap of pot holes - some of them real big, but while it's not an easy road, we
Episode 1 - An Introduction To Jamaica's Journey To Becoming A Republic
Check out The Real Situation!This may be the start of this journey for you and I, but Jamaica's journey to become a republic has already started. While it's not an easy road, we fully expect to reach the destination.I am your host Melanie Byfield. Please join me in my podcast and get a taste of Jamaican politics as we travel this road together.
Trailer: The Real Situation - A Taste of Jamaican Politics
