By: Kimberly Ramkhalawan
October 14, 2022
Its coming near to a year since Barbados became a republic nation declaring its Governor General, Dame Sandra Mason transition into the role of Head of State. Coincidently, on this same day, November 30, it celebrates some 56 years of Independence.
Since the momentous occasion, much discussion has swirled around constitutional reform. In June this year, the Constitutional Reform Commission was sworn in with a mandate to consider and propose what should be included, excluded, or modified in the new Republican Constitution for Barbados.
Following her snap elections in January, Prime Minister Mia Mottley promised Barbadians that beginning January 2022 and into 2023, a programme of public consultation would commence with reference to the concomitant constitutional reform project. On June 24, a ten-person Constitutional Reform Commission was launched under the Chairmanship of retired Justice Christopher Blackman.
In a move to get things going, the first of several public meetings will be held this Sunday October 16. Said to be in town hall session, members of the public are encouraged to attend and make submissions on matters they wish reflected in the new Barbados Constitution.
This is the first of three meetings to be held this month, as there will be another on Sunday, October 30 followed by November 6 meeting.
According to the Commission’s Terms of Reference, they are to examine, consider and enquire into the Barbados Constitution and all other related laws and matters, with a view to the development and enactment of a new Constitution. While ensure that a report in writing provides opinions, recommendations and providing for consideration a draft Constitution, which is necessary and meets the circumstances of a 21st century Barbados, and promotes the peace, order and good governance of the island, and consider all other relevant matters in the attainment of its objectives.