The beginning of the new year has seen the swearing in of the members of the Public Service and Police Service Commissions, and this was due mainly to the constructive engagement process between President Bharrat Jagdeo and Opposition Leader, Mr. Robert Corbin.

The stage has also been set for the continuation of that meeting between President Jagdeo and Mr. Corbin for the 2004 round of the constructive engagement process, according to Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon.

Luncheon on Friday told reporters that the meeting has been delayed as the Head of State is on an official visit to India.

"The high-representatives of the two leaders have set the stage for the next meeting of the two leaders, a meeting that is unfortunately delayed due to President Jagdeo's state visit to India," Luncheon said.

He said the issues on the agenda entail the PPP/C's paper on inclusive governance; legislation on a permanent Elections Commission; legislation to address 'crossing the floor'; and the de-politicisation of the public service.

The duo last met in December when they finalised consultations on the appointment of the Service Commissions.

Luncheon also noted that with the election of Mr. George Fung-On as the Chairman of the Public Service Commission, both the Police and the Judicial Service Commissions can now be fully reconstituted.

With regards to the Parliamentary and Constitutional matters, Dr. Luncheon said results should be forthcoming from the Appointive Committee on the work in naming members of the Constitutional Rights Commission.