Constitutional review report completed
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has hailed the completion of the report by the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) as a sign of constitutional progress and the evolution of the Virgin Islands’ democratic system.
The Commission was expected to make recommendations on how checks and balances and mechanisms for accountability may be employed to mitigate against abuse of power, among other things.
“I am grateful to the Chairman and members of the Constitutional Review Commission, who worked diligently to complete and present a report that is representative of extensive public and private consultation, thoughtful and engaging deliberation, and meaningful research and consideration,” Premier Wheatley said.
The completed report was handed over last Monday, November 27, to Governor John Rankin and Premier Wheatley. It encompasses a full review of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007.
Dr Wheatley said the report would help address several recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (COI), as well as the territory’s aspirations for advancement. He further explained that this includes checks and balances towards the development of an even greater democracy for the people of the territory.
The report is expected to be received by the Cabinet before being laid in the House of Assembly (HOA), where it will be the subject of parliamentary debate. Premier Wheatley said the document will then be available for public review, which will inform the next steps, including the establishment of a negotiating team.
The 16-member Commission included Lisa Penn-Lettsome, Chairman; Janice Stoutt, Deputy Chairman; the Right Honourable Sir Charles Michael Dennis Byron; Maya Barry; Tanya Cassie-Parker; Sendrick Chinnery; Susan Demers; Noni Georges; Dr Steve Lennard; Coy Levons; Bernadine Louis; Dr Benedicta Samuels; Ronnie Skelton; Rajah Smith; Rev. Dr Melvin Turnbull and Dr Charles Wheatley, OBE.
Commissioners Janice Stoutt, Ronnie Skelton, Coy Levons and Bernadine Louis resigned before the Commission submitted its report.
The Commission was also mandated to explore the next steps towards self-determination, align law enforcement and justice agencies within the constitutional framework, and assess the effectiveness of independent institutions for ensuring good governance.
Recommendations on the powers reserved to the Governor, the Speaker’s appointment process, the relationship between Ministers and their Departments, and the potential inclusion of statutory boards in the Constitution were also addressed in the review.
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This self detetmination thing is frightening.you are trying to force us the people toward independence.that should be our last resort.we are not yet ready for this crap.
It is brainwashed people like you who are frightening.
You said the same thing when we wanted to free everyboby from slavery, remember.
Now you are trying to force us the people toward ivingin more slavery rather than being free.
Bondage should be our last resort,we are not yet out of the first slavery.
WHERE U GUYS AT ? SWEEPING THE DIRT UNDER THE RUG ISN’T GOING TO MAKE IT DISAPPEAR SO WHO ( ALYO ) TRYING TO FOOL ? BLONDIE THE DRAMA QUEEN OF THE YELLO SITE SPEWING OUT RACISM DAY & NIGHT TO CREATE DISTRACTIONS AND THESE SO CALLED INDIGENOUS BVILANDERS ARE QUIET LIKE LAMBS / WHILE HE IS USES HIS WEB SITE AS A TOOL , IS THAT GOING TO HELP
TOURISM ? PERHAPS HE SHOULD BE OUR PREMIER / THE GUY IS A GENIUS , ( SADLY ) HIS MIND DWELLS IN THE GUTTER ALONG WITH HIS OVER GROWN EGO ( A LOT OF DICTORS HAD A LOT OF KNOWLEDGE TOO BUT THEIR ( SOUPED UP EGO , WAS THEIR DOWNFALL
This quote below intrigues me… especially the last sentence, My question is WHY?
“The 16-member Commission included Lisa Penn-Lettsome, Chairman; Janice Stoutt, Deputy Chairman; the Right Honourable Sir Charles Michael Dennis Byron; Maya Barry; Tanya Cassie-Parker; Sendrick Chinnery; Susan Demers; Noni Georges; Dr Steve Lennard; Coy Levons; Bernadine Louis; Dr Benedicta Samuels; Ronnie Skelton; Rajah Smith; Rev. Dr Melvin Turnbull and Dr Charles Wheatley, OBE.
Commissioners Janice Stoutt, Ronnie Skelton, Coy Levons and Bernadine Louis resigned before the Commission submitted its report.”
The constitutional review should examine practical, innovative and robust ideas for reform. It also should look at Judicial review as this is an important part of a constitutional balance of powers between the executive, parliament, and judiciary.
It’s a way of upholding the sovereignty of parliament and maintaining trust in government decision making.