PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley says his administration has proposed and received Cabinet’s approval to appoint an advisory committee to formulate terms of reference for a national consultation on constitutional reform in the twin island republic.
Speaking at a post-Cabinet press conference on Thursday, the prime minister noted that while it has been a longstanding topic of debate, it cannot be said that efforts were not made to reform the Constitution.
He said the advisory committee will formulate the terms of reference and to make recommendations to Cabinet within three months of its appointment, on the promoting and convening of a national constitution conference and consultation in June of 2024.
According to the Prime Minister, the committee will take into consideration the diverse nature of the national society, its historical evolution, and the progress made in nationhood since attaining independence and republican status.
”The national advisory committee shall incorporate within its first terms of reference parameters of subject matter for national debate and for the engagement of the widest cross section of persons and bodies representing the citizenry including the diaspora, political parties, NGOs, commercial interest, religious interest, labour, trade union interest, educators and students, with a view to promoting meaningful consultations, debate and engagement in the offering and exchange of opinions and the making of recommendations for reform of our Constitution in Trinidad and Tobago.”
The national advisory committee is to be comprised of seven experienced citizens of distinction with a wealth of knowledge, representative of the diverse ethnic, cultural and religious nature of Trinidad and Tobago society.
“The Committee will be required to initiate, consult widely and guide the national debate towards the generation of package of ideas and opinions which can be distilled into a working document which will become the working document for a Constitution Conference by mid-2024,” Rowley said.
He added that it’s anticipated that this national participatory exercise “should generate specific proposals for legislative and other adjustments and introductions which will almost certainly invite Parliamentary notice and relevant action.”
The Prime Minister also disclosed that the Ministry of Finance is required to provide all the necessary financial support for administrative, legal, travel, media expenses and community engagements service for the duration of the existence of the Committee. The appropriate budget to be approved by the office of the Prime Minister.
“The Ministry of Public Administration will be required to provide acceptable office accommodation as well as technical and clerical support staff for the Committee. The Office of the Prime Minister will return to Cabinet by separate Note to obtain authorization for the payment of an appropriate honorarium to members of the Committee,” he said.
Those selected to serve on the committee are Barendra Sinanan, Dr. Terrence Farrell, Raye Sandy, Jackie Sampson-Miguel, Winston Rudder, Nizam Mohammed and Hema Narinesingh.
