BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Barbadians will have an opportunity to discuss the island’s parliamentary system when the Parliamentary Reform Commission hosts a series of town hall meetings from Thursday next week.
Chairman of the Commission, Sir Richard Cheltenham, will lead off the discussions with a presentation titled “Introduction to the Parliamentary Reform Commission and its Work, while trade unionist and historian Robert “Bobby” Morris will discuss ”High Points in Parliamentary and Constitutional Development.”
The Commission said that political scientist, Dr. George Belle, will examine “Public Perception of the Utility of Parliamentary Reform.” In contrast, regional pollster and political scientist Peter Wickham will speak on “Composition of Parliament and Rights and Privileges of Prime Ministers and Members of Parliament in the Democratic Republic.
Sir Richard is urging the public to attend the meetings, noting that Barbados has put its colonial past firmly behind it and that “parliamentary reform is crucial for the country at this stage of our development, and we want citizens to be a part of this process.
“Republicanism is the opportune moment for Barbadians to take stock of our parliamentary system. After almost 400 years of Parliament in our country, we must decide what has worked, what has not, and what needs modifying.
“Parliament also needs to address growing concerns about ethics, transparency, and accountability to the people. We have to find workable ways to regain public confidence in this most important national institution,” he added.
The Parliamentary Reform Commission was sworn into office in May this year, and it aims to enlarge and fortify democracy and to reflect the desires of citizens as they seek to take full ownership of national institutions and processes in building a culturally relevant, inclusive, and modern state that reflects Barbados’ republican status.
A government statement said that after extensive consultation, the Commission is expected to prepare and submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the President.
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