The Constitution reform process
What the people say about
Over a week ago the Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC) presented its report to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitutional Reform. The report consisted of submissions and recommendations made orally at public hearings and in writing. The recommendations were arrived at following lively debates among the 20 members of the commission. This week the man/woman-in-the-street comments on the importance of the constitution reform process and what it means to them. Derek - businessman: 'As a Guyanese the process of broad consultation was very important for all of us. I also feel comfortable in the fact that it was broad-based. The fact that consultations were held would better suit Guyanese but Guyanese including myself would be more comfortable if the recommendations could be published bit by bit or in summary if possible. I am happy that it was completed within the scheduled time. I did not want it to go beyond the stipulated time. I am satisfied that recommendations have been made as to how government should run the country and the terms a president should serve. I think that the commission, especially its chairman, Ralph Ramkarran and other commissioners should be commended for finishing on time. I would wish that the process of constitution reform continues as scheduled so that we could go back to the business of developing this country. We don't want problems of race and other issues affecting us. To a great extent I think that a new constitution could ensure the country's stability.' Phillip Da Silva - lecturer, University of Guyana: 'The process was very important especially following the December 15, 1997 general elections when there seemed to have been a lot of confusion about who was eligible for the presidency and who was not. It is also necessary to deal with the whole issue of power-sharing and for the composition of parliament. I think the whole process allowed for the incorporation of views from the grassroots level right up and that was what made it interesting. Whatever comes out of the process and becomes the constitution will have been as a result of consultation, participation and involvement of all. Now I am looking forward to the recommendations being made public.' Rita Juman - businesswoman: 'Yes, the constitution reform process in Guyana is very important. Because of all the problems the country has been experiencing at the political and economic levels it was very important. It was also good that hearings were held in the countrywide. It was good that women's and children's issues and youths as well were discussed and recommendations made to protect their rights. However, I think that the time was too short for all the public hearings and many missed out on the opportunity because they were not aware of when hearings were being held. It is important that the Constitution Reform Commission report should now be made public so that the ordinary man-in-the-street understands the importance of constitution reform. Many still do not understand.' Margot Loy-Butler - banker: 'Of course constitution reform was necessary. There are some things that needed to be changed and some things to be included. That the president should serve for two terms only is fine but to exclude a naturalised Guyanese is discrimination. If someone has struggled and shed his blood for this country and has the ability to carry the country forward I do not see why that person should be denied the highest office in the land. All in all I think that the consultative process on the constitution reform was made public enough for people's participation. If people did not bother to contribute that was not the fault of the Constitution Reform Commission.' Rockcliffe Cooke - teacher: 'I like some of the recommendations that were made public particularly those that relate to who should run for the presidency and who should run for public office. I quite support the recommendation that future presidents of Guyana should be Guyanese by birth and should be of Guyanese parentage. The process too was very important to allow ordinary Guyanese to be involved which is the essence of democracy. The little I followed in the news was interesting but I felt that the media could have done more and highlighted more of the recommendations especially from the ordinary people. The biggest fear I now have of the process is whether the politicians would accept the recommendations as they are and go for it or whether they would find excuses to now stall the process. I think that certain issues should go to a referendum. Our problem right now is that our constitution as it is gives our leaders too much power. More power should be given to parliament.' Ray - overseas-based Guyanese: 'Constitution reform is important. It is a sure way to question ourselves if we want to improve ourselves and develop our country. There is always room for improvement. I agree with the recommendation that any Guyanese President must be Guyanese born or of Guyanese parentage. I followed a bit about the constitution reform and found the democratic process of getting everyone involved interesting. Because of this I think that people should be more comfortable with a constitution that came from the people. Everyone would have his or her biases. If we put all the biases together, such as a bias for women's or children's issues, minority rights and making provision for each under the law, then we will have a better country. This is what is needed for Guyana.' Patricia Jones - housewife: 'There is need for change in the country and there is need for development. This constitution can bring this about. I agree with the recommendation that born Guyanese or persons of Guyanese parentage alone should be eligible to run for the presidency. Limiting the president's term to two is also good. In that way a presidential candidate cannot win and remain in office for 28 years. I think the constitution makes provision to guard against race problems, problems of governance and looks at Amerindians' and children's rights as well as gender issues. I think that it should be brought into effect as early as possible.' Leonard De Silva - trawler captain: 'The process was very important to me and to the country. This reform process will be historic because it is the first time that the Guyanese people have been consulted on what is needed for the country. Of importance is the fact that we do not need a foreigner as head of our country. The post of president should be reserved strictly for born Guyanese. I agree too that persons born to Guyanese parents outside of Guyana should be eligible. This means that my children who may have been born outside of Guyana because of my work commitments will not be denied their place in the country's development and history.' Doodnauth Singh - businessman: 'Constitution reform is important to this country. It was especially important to reduce the powers of the president which was not consistent with the full flow of democracy. The period for consultation was, however, too short. In addition the promotion of the reform process was poor. Some people only knew that hearings were held after the day had passed. There was the problem too of the public service strike which might have affected the process. In spite of that it was good that the commission went into the communities and took the views of those who made themselves available. I would now like to know or to see what is there in the recommendations. I think that it is important that the process move forward but parliament needs to do whatever is necessary to make the process as consultative as possible. If there is need for a referendum on issues mechanisms should be set in place to carry forward the process as early as possible.'
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