Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has said that the time for constitutional reform in Trinidad and Tobago is now.
Speaking at a post-Cabinet press conference at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s on Thursday, the prime minister noted that while it has been a longstanding topic of debate, it cannot be said that efforts were not made to reform the Constitution.
He noted that in 1976 there were significant changes to the 1962 Constitution and that both Patrick Manning and the People’s Partnership government had initiatives and discussions toward this matter.
“Today, I want to advise the country that in a season like this in our 61st year, and given the number of persons who have been expressing a willingness to see some return to our Constitution, with the hope that we can upgrade it, amend it, introduce new points, evaluate the components, now is an appropriate time for us to do that,” Rowley said.
Stating that it is not for the Government or the political party he leads to take the lead, Rowley said he proposed and received his Cabinet’s approval to appoint an advisory committee to formulate terms of reference for a national consultation on constitutional reform in Trinidad and Tobago, to engage citizens and stakeholders in Trinidad and Tobago and the diaspora in a national consultation.
“What Cabinet approved as an advisory committee to formulate the terms of reference and to make recommendations to Cabinet within three months of its appointment, on the promoting and convening of a national constitution conference and consultation in June of 2024, taking into consideration the diverse nature of our national society, its historical evolution, and the progress made in nationhood since attaining independence and republican status and matters related thereto.
“The national advisory committee shall incorporation within its first terms of reference parameters of subject matter for national debate and for the engagement of the widest cross section of persons and bodies representing the citizenry including the diaspora, political parties, NGOs, commercial interest, religious interest, labour, trade union interest, educators and students, with a view to promoting meaningful consultations, debate and engagement in the offering and exchange of opinions and the making of recommendations for reform of our Constitution in Trinidad and Tobago.”
He said the national advisory committee is to be comprised of seven experienced citizens of distinction with a wealth of knowledge, representative of the diverse ethnic, cultural and religious nature of Trinidad and Tobago society.
Those selected to serve on the national advisory committee are Barendra Sinanan, SC, wo will chair the committee, Dr Terrence Farrell, Ray Sandy, Jacqui Sampson-Miguel, Winston Rudder, Nizam Mohammed and Hema Narinesingh.
