Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Sir Steadroy Benjamin, says he is encouraged by the response from the legal fraternity and the general public regarding the establishment of a Constitutional Review Commission to undertake a comprehensive review of the Antigua and Barbuda Constitution.
He said that former attorney general, Justin Simon, KC has agreed to serv as deputy chairman of the Commission that will make recommendations for the consideration of the Cabinet and the parliament. Sir Steadroy said letters of appointment have already been sent to the persons who have been identified as possible members and that they have all responded in the affirmative to the invitation to serve.
He said apart of Simon, others who have agreed include Richard Lewis, the parliamentary representative for St. John’s Rural West Constituency. Sir Steadroy said that Lewis’s acceptance ensures that the views of the opposition are well represented throughout the discussions.
The other members of the Commission who have agreed to serve are; Dr. Lenworth Johnson, Carlton Knight, Fitzmore Harris, a lawyer representing the diaspora community, Ralph Bowen and Beverly Benjamin from the Antiguans and Barbudans for Constitutional Reform and Education (ABCRE), which is based in the United States, Debra Burnett, and a representative from Barbuda with attorney in the Attorney General’s Chambers, Zachary Phillips.
Sir Steadroy said he wants a broad-based representation on the Commission with more appointments expected from non-government organizations to be announced shortly.
‘I am very happy with the response that we have been receiving and the public support for some of the areas of the constitution that we wish to review and to make recommendations for change.
‘Areas such as the Republican status and a possible recommendation for ministers of religion to be eligible to serve in elective politics have generated much positive reviews from the public thus far,’ he added.
The Attorney General said he is confident that when next the country holds a referendum on constitutional reform to include adopting the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as the final appellate court that with the support of both political parties, the measure should earn the support of the public.
Sir Steadroy praised ABCRE for the work that it has been doing over the last several years to educate Antiguans and Barbudans both at home and in the diaspora, about the need for Constitutional reform.
He said the work has made a significant difference regarding the public’s appetite for Constitutional reform
Parliament has already adopted the measure to change the Oath from swearing to the British Monarch to swearing to Antigua and Barbuda. The legislation was signed into law by the Governor General on December 18 and will be Gazetted by Wednesday December 24.