Saint Lucians To Talk Constitutional Reform In New York

The Government of Saint Lucia already assiduously involves its overseas-based nationals in its development plans and tourism promotion efforts, and it is now involving them even more with a chance to review the Constitution of the 30 year-old independent small island state.

On Thursday, September 17, 2009, the Saint Lucia Constitutional Reform Commission, an independent, non-political body responsible to the country's Parliament, meets with compatriots in the New York Tri-State area to review Saint Lucia's Constitution and other related laws and recommend potential revisions.

The dialogue, which aims at enhancing democratic governance of Saint Lucia and the participation of all citizens in the affairs of the State, will feature Saint Lucia-based Commissioners Eldon Mathurin and Lawrence Poyotte at the United Nations Mission and Consulate General at 800 Second Avenue in Manhattan. The event will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Commission's remit is to consult widely with Saint Lucian citizens and organizations whether at home and abroad, and to receive and examine proposals from the general public. As such, the St. Lucian Diaspora represents an incredibly important constituency to contribute to the island's vibrant democracy at home.

 Some of the questions to be tabled for discussion include:

• Should a member of parliament serve in Saint Lucia if not born in the country?

• Should parliamentary representatives be more accountable to their constituents?

• Should Saint Lucia adopt a unicameral legislature and should the Senate be an elected body?

• Should the Cabinet contain mainly members of parliament?

• The current Constitution discriminates against women in that the spouse of a Saint Lucian woman acquires citizenship by registration whereas the process is more seamless for the spouse of a Saint Lucian man? Should this be changed in a new constitution?

The meeting will also discuss issues of financial accountability, the powers of the Prime Minister, the role of the Opposition Leader and the appropriateness of maintaining Saint Lucia's links with the British Crown.

"We expect a very spirited dialogue at our offices," said Sarah Flood-Beaubrun, Saint Lucia's Minister Counsellor at the Permanent Mission to the United Nations who encouraged all Saint Lucians to exercise their right to take part in these landmark discussions in New York City.