Work of Constitution Reform Commission paused until a Secretary is found

The Constitution Reform Commission is searching for a Secretary and once that person is found, the body will get down to its work, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall said Tuesday night.

During his ‘Issues in the News’ weekly programme, Nandlall said the diverse Commission met earlier Tuesday and began considering the appointment of a Secretary.

That individual will be the head of the secretariat.

Nandlall noted that the appointment of that individual has not been concluded as a decision on remuneration and other contractual aspects must first be finalised.

“All other business of the commission was suspended until the secretary is appointed,” he noted.

Additionally, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira has been chosen as the Vice Chairperson.

In August 2022, the Constitution Reform Commission Bill, which seeks the establishment of a Constitution Reform Commission to review the country’s supreme laws, was passed.

Following the passage of the Bill, monies were budgeted in 2023 for constitutional reform plans and a building was rented and furnished for the Commission.

The Commission will review the constitution to provide for the current and future rights, duties, liabilities, and obligations of the Guyanese people.

It is mandated for that purpose to receive, consider and evaluate submissions for the alteration of the constitution, and report its recommendations to the standing committee for transmission to the national assembly.

In conducting the review, the commission will consider the full protection of the fundamental rights of and freedom of Guyanese under law, the rights of indigenous people of Guyana, the rights of children, eliminating discrimination in all forms, improving ethnic relations while promoting ethnic security and equal opportunity.

The commission will also, among other things, implement reforms relating to elections and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), taking into consideration its composition, method of electing its chairman and members and its jurisdiction over national registration and electoral process.