PM proposes new constitution by 2009
There will be a new constitution by the end of 2009 if all goes to plan, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves suggested in parliament last week.
During the Thursday 7th, June sitting of parliament, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves moved a resolution to create the Constitutional Reform Steering Committee (CRSC) to guide the process towards achieving this goal.{{more}}
Under the leadership of Parnel Campbell QC, the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC), which was commissioned in October of 2002, led the process of reviewing and making recommendations for a revised constitution; a final draft was submitted to parliament on September 28, 2006.
The CRCâs mandate subsequently ended October 31, 2006.
The new entity, the CRSC, will oversee further discussions, public consultations and liaisons with external organizations like the OECS and CARICOM that are deemed necessary for constitutional reform.
Dr Gonsalves said that a lot of work has already been done on the new constitution and said that the CRSC will assist parliament and the country on a whole to move forward towards a new constitution.
He also celebrated the bi-partisan approach that has been taken in the issues regarding the new constitution and expressed his desire to see this continue.
The Prime Minister indicated that debate on the final document which was presented to parliament, will begin on July 16 and 17th. He said that after those two days the parliament will be in a better position to see where they are on the various issues in the document.
The Prime Minister put forward a timetable which sees a new constitution being put before the electorate by the first half of 2009.
âIt doesnât mean that between now and the referendum that there wouldnât be heated debates,â Dr Gonsalves said.
He said that he hoped that the process of discussing the new constitution will be insulated from the day to day, partisan politics.
The new constitution will need a two thirds majority pass in parliament, followed by the same margin by the electorate to become law.
Parnell Campbell QC, assisted by Noel Jackson will head the CRSC. It will consist of seven other members who would be appointed using several criteria highlighted in the resolution.
The Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and the Speaker of the House will play vital roles in the appointments.
Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace seconded the resolution but expressed his concern about the terms of reference of the CRSC, suggesting that they needed tightening a bit and said that he would discuss these concerns with the Prime Minister.
Eustace, responding to Dr Gonsalves suggestion of the referendum being held in 2009, also said that he wasnât sure that the committeeâs work would be continuous leading up to the referendum.
Dr Gonsalves however noted that the life of committee can directed by the parliament.(KJ)
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