ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – 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 serve as deputy chairman of the Commission that will make recommendations for the Cabinet’s and parliament’s consideration.
Sir Steadroy said letters of appointment have already been sent to the persons identified as possible members, and that they have all responded affirmatively to the invitation to serve.
He said that, apart from Simon, others who have agreed include Richard Lewis, the parliamentary representative for the St. John’s Rural West Constituency. Sir Steadroy noted that Lewis’s acceptance ensures that the opposition’s views 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 broad-based representation on the Commission, with more appointments from non-governmental organizations expected to be announced shortly.
“I am pleased 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 the country holds a referendum on constitutional reform to adopt the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as the final appellate court, with the support of both political parties, the measure will earn public support.
Sir Steadroy praised ABCRE for the work 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.
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