Seminar looks at constitutional reform
“To abolish or not to abolish the Senate?” According to Attorney General Godfrey Smith, while there is some sentiment for getting rid of this legislative body, the Political Reform Committee recommended that it be retained and its duties enhanced. The Senate was just one of a number of issues discussed today at a workshop sponsored by SPEAR.
Godfrey Smith, Attorney General
“The Political Reform Commission’s recommendation was not to abolish the Senate, but to move to a system of proportional representation, where the Governor General will be appointing members of the Senate. And of course, there’s also the question of making it unilateral. Government has proposed expanding the Senate to involve representatives from various sectors, the private sector, and the unions, the churches and so on. It doesn’t mean that that’s etched in stone. What a programme like today should do, and other such programmes, is to really get a vigorous debate and discussion going so we could arrive at the best position. Because the proposals are just proposals really and based on what happens at committee hearing of the House, what happens at events like this, we may decide to make adjustments.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“Instead of wanting to maybe…people’s idea of abolishing the Senate, why not vest the Senators with greater powers?”
Godfrey Smith
“Indeed that is a very strong recommendation, which I personally like coming out of the Political Reform Commission. Essentially, they say look, give to the Senate where two-thirds of them have voted, have veto power or the ability to make strong decisions on legislation, touching on certain issues like any treaties or issues involving Belize and Guatemala, issues concerning national security.”
Other amendments to the Constitution Bill discussed include the procedures for removing a judge of the Supreme Court or Court of Appeal and new procedures for the appointment of the Auditor General. The Bill will shortly be sent to House Committee meetings where members of the public can give their views and recommendations. Today’s working session was held at the Radisson.
