People’s Constitutional Commission to Serve Independent of External Influences

Henry Charles Usher

Minister Usher also gave some details on the terms of reference for each representative on the newly formed People’s Constitutional Commission. To date, a total of twenty-five members sit on the commission, and according to Minister Usher, there is no intention to add any more seats.  He also spoke about the level of autonomy the P.C.C. will enjoy.

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Constitutional and Political Reform

“We want to hear from everyone and we are looking at the terms of reference of the different groups and how they can participate in this process. They will not operating in isolation. Their mandate is to go out to the communities, towns, villages, cities, hear what the people have to say. They will also create a platform online for persons to send in their recommendations and try to incorporate as many recommendations as possible. So, it is a consultative proves. It is a process that we have to hear from the people. But, for those around the table, the proper terms of reference has to be there. The bill gives a full timeline of eighteen months for it to be completed that includes all of the research, consultations, and drafting of the reports. We want to make sure that we incorporate as many recommendations and views as possible, but we also have to have an end. It can’t be open-ended.   I have to stress that in the law itself, in section seven of the bill, it stresses on the independence of this commission. So there will be no outside influence to say, oh we want you to do this and do that. There will be independent in receiving the information, deliberate on the recommendations, and make their final report. That report will go to the Prime Minister; it will also be tabled in the House of Representatives where it will be debated.”