Constitutional reform on the agenda in St Lucia

CASTRIES, St Lucia — The final report of the Saint Lucia Constitutional Reform Commission has been tabled in Parliament by Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony.

When the House of Assembly met on Tuesday April 2, 2013, the document was laid by the prime minister and copies were made available to each member of the House of Assembly for perusal.

The Constitutional Reform Commission was launched in November 2005 by the former Labour administration. At the time, Anthony explained that, after several years of independence, the constitution needed to be evaluated to determine whether it had served the country well.

He felt too that it was necessary 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.

The Commission was headed by retired high court judge, Madame Justice Suzie d’Auvergne.

The report will be placed on the government of Saint Lucia website and citizens are encouraged to read the report and submit feedback to the Office of the Prime Minister.

The report will be debated by the House of Assembly sometime in the next session of Parliament.