A MANIFESTO commitment of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to have the diaspora represented in the Senate is to become the subject of bipartisan discussion.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding told Parliament on Tuesday that his government was seeking consensus with the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) to determine possible amendments to Section 40 (2) of the Constitution.

The section disqualifies persons who have pledged allegiance or obedience to a foreign power from sitting in the House of Representatives or Senate.

Barred from house

It also bars persons who have not been ordinarily residents in Jamaica for the preceding 12 months from sitting in the houses of Parliament.

The JLP, in its election manifesto, had said it would expand the Senate to include some persons who would be appointed by the governor general, at least one of whom could come from the diaspora.

"We had indicated that we were in favour of ensuring that at least one of those positions would be a representative of the Jamaican Diaspora abroad, providing a way could be found for the diaspora to democratically select such a person," the prime minister said.

Matter for discussion

The prime minister said he would be writing to the Leader of the Opposition as it was a matter that required discussion and consensus.

"While the relevant sections are not entrenched, and therefore could be amended with a simple majority of Parliament, it is my view that any amendment of the Constitution should best be approached and pursued on the basis of consensus," Golding said.

The Opposition has said that it was eager to speak with government on the issue.