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Contact:
Julita Peter
Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - The deepening of democracy was cited as
one of the fundamental reasons for a constitutional reform for Saint Lucia.
Since its Independence from Britain in 1979 Saint Lucia has not had any major
alterations to its constitution. A Constitutional Reform Commission-CRC, has
been launched with the mandate in the main of refashioning the constitution so
that there is greater harmonization with the island's changing and political
circumstances. The CRC was launched on Friday November 18th, at the conference
room of the National Insurance Scheme.
Government's intention to establish the CRC was announced by the island's
Governor General Her Excellency Dame Pearlete Louisy back in March 2000, when
she stated that the CRC's responsibility was to “encourage effective governance,
ensure that the institutions of the State remain strong and responsive, and that
the rights and freedoms guaranteed to all persons are respected.”
During Friday's event which was carried live via the National Television Network
and Radio St. Lucia, Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Kenny Anthony, a Lawyer and
former lecturer of constitutional law, suggested that there was a “disconnect
between democracy and the constitution which seeks to protect it.” according to
Dr. Anthony, “The constitution quite apart from giving shape to structures and
institutions, should connect with its people in a very fundamental way.”
The Prime Minister said there was no better timing to engage in constitutional
reform adding that the alienation which regular Caribbean people feel about
their constitutions should never be underestimated. “For most of our people the
provision of our various constitutions are unknown and do not provoke the least
bit of respect. Whereas they have given shape to our most fundamental
institutions, and have promoted a quality of democracy that is admirable,
Commonwealth Caribbean constitutions have never succeeded and this includes our
own for what ever reason, of inspiring that basic sense of connectivity and
identity which every nation's constitution should arguably inspire,” said Dr.
Anthony.
But while the Prime Minister supports constitutional reform he believes that
such an exercise should not be based on what seems fashionable but on a real
need. He noted that discussions of constitutional reform may become an abstract
exercise, if the agenda for reform is not placed in an appropriate context,
otherwise he said, “ the process of reform will remain in the preserve of
academics and professionals.”
Recounting major constitutional breakdown in 1982 in St. Lucia when measures had
to be introduced to sustain a government to allow for a smooth transition and
return to parliamentary normalcy. Dr. Anthony impressed upon the minds of the
gathering the importance of engaging in constitutional reform at this times. “We
cannot pretend that 10-15 years down the road we will not face another
constitutional breakdown. for that reason we need to build and rely on the
experiences that we have had and to bring 26 years of managing our fundamental
law, ” he added.
Dr. Anthony says while the government has given its full support and resources
to the Constitutional Reform Commission, it will also ensure that the Commission
which is headed by retired High Court Judge Madam Suzie D'Auvergne works free of
political influence. There are no members of Parliament on the CRC. Its members
were nominated by civil society organizations. Meanwhile Leader of the
Opposition and Member of Parliament for Dennery South Honourable Marcus
Nicholas, in a brief address pledged his support to the constitutional reform
process.
The Feature address at Friday's launch was delivered by Chairperson of the
Constitutional Reform Committee of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Mr. Parnel
Campbell, CVO,QC.
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