He explained that the constitution reform process envisioned that the mandatory setting up of constitutional commissions dealing with ethnic relations, human rights, gender and equity, children, indigenous people and procurement would “comprehensively and forever address allegations of discrimination, victimisation and corruption”.

“Our contention is that these are the constitutional expressions of shared governance. We say this because the proposed members of these commissions must enjoy bi-partisan support to be appointed. The act speaks specifically (about) appointments being made on a two-thirds majority”, Luncheon said.

Reporting on meetings between President Bharrat Jagdeo and members of the religious community, and the Guyana Bar Association, the Private Sector Commission and the Trades Union Congress collectively, he said that the proposals on shared governance ignored these “existing formidable constitutional provisions”.

Important also, he said, is the inclusion of investigative and sanctioning authority given to the Commissions.

The Commissions have not yet been appointed.

“All allegations in these areas (discrimination, victimisation and corruption) will be directed to these bodies, with the powers that they do have to carefully adjudicate on these matters and decide, in the absence of street protests and political violence, whether indeed there is merit to these allegations and what remedies should be put in place”, Dr. Luncheon said.