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Saint Lucians call for change in the nation's Constitution

Friday, March 13, 2009 –  Over forty-five (45) organizations and individuals have made submissions to the Constitutional Reform Commission calling for changes to the thirty year old Saint Lucia Constitution Order, 1978.

Among the most critical, calls for change include the following:

• The move from a Constitutional Monarchy to a Republican Model where Her Excellency the Governor General will be replaced by a President in a move to sever one of the last vestiges of colonial rule;

• Diminution in the power of the Prime Minister;

• A fixed date for general elections;

• A right to recall an elected member of Parliament before a general election;

• The ability of an individual with a criminal record in Saint Lucia or aboard to hold the post of a Parliamentary Representative or a Member of Parliament;

• Radical changes in the appointment and function of the Senate;

• The expansion to the Bill of Rights to include the right to education, right to health, protection of the environment.

• Greater accountability of elected officials to the governed.

These and many other recommendations will be presented at Open Public Hearings to be held on:

• Tuesday, 17th of March, 2009 - From 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.;

• Thursday 19th of March, 2009 - From 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.;

• Friday the 20th of March, 2009 - From 9; 00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

All days at the NIC Conference Centre, 5th Floor, Government Buildings, Waterfront, Castries.

Presentations are expected from organizations and individuals including the Chamber of Commerce, CSA, SLHTA, St. Lucia National Trust, AIDS Action Foundation, UWP and Helpage to name a few.

The Commission is extending an invitation to the general public to come, listen, debate; express your concerns, areas of interest and challenge competing views.

In this present time of economic hardship, where core principles and values take precedence, Saint Lucia as a nation has an opportunity to chart the way for future development and growth.

For Saint Lucians who are dissatisfied with our systems of governance; who believe in greater participation of civil society and systems guaranteeing fundamental rights to all, this is your opportunity to “RAISE YOUR VOICE”.

Following the presentation of the submissions, the Commission will be engaging in more public consultations and will begin the task of collating all recommendations received in a coherent report to Parliament.

The Commission fully intends to make known its recommendations to the public on completion of the report.

“SECURE YOUR RIGHTS; RAISE YOUR VOICE”.

For further information please contact the Commission’s Office at (758) 453-2662 or Ms. Veronica Cenac at (758) 458-4763

Madame Justice Suzie D’Auvergne

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