Constitution
committee split
PORT SPAIN
Petroleumworldtt.com
02 17 08
WHILE the roundtable appointed by Prime Minister
Patrick Manning remains deeply divided on the issue
of constitutional reform in this country, the United
National Congress Alliance yesterday re-iterated
that it will join with Government in any move to
introduce an Executive President in exchange for
the introduction of a unicameral parliamentary
chamber.
Members of the round-table met on Tuesday, but
some told Newsday yesterday that there is, in fact,
no consensus among them as to whether or not this
country should have an Executive President.
Additionally, not only is there disagreement on
the mechanism by which the proposed Executive President
is to be elected, but further, there is no consensus
on whether or not there should be a unicameral
chamber.
The
members are also nowhere near the production
of a final draft constitution and yesterday asserted
that the so-called “secret constitution” leaked
to the press during last year’s election
campaign was simply a “working document” drawn
up by a draftsman that attends the round table’s
meetings. Yesterday, one member of the round table
distanced themself from the deliberations, saying, “in
the long run it is Government’s view which
will prevail” over whatever recommendations
the round table makes.
Manning is said to attend the meetings of the
round-table to simply listen to the ideas floated
by its members, occasionally articulating his views
on some topics, but never openly engaging in disagreement
of any kind over the many ideas floated.
The round table comprises several government ministers
as well as academics and lawyers and will meet
once more later this month.
But ironically, while the think-tank has come
to no clear consensus, Government and the Opposition
appear to agree on the issue of the executive presidency,
with both sides of the House this week asserting
that they would support such a President being
elected by the people.
However
Basdeo Panday, the Opposition Leader, yesterday
said while his party would “in
principle” support the Government if any
such reform had to be passed in Parliament with
a two- thirds majority, this would have to be “part
of a larger constitutional reform” package.
“Also important is the composition of the
Parliament,” Panday noted, before saying
that Government would also have to introduce a
more “proportionate”, unicameral chamber
alongside the executive presidency.
Story
by Andre Bagoo from Trinidad & Tobago Newsday
Trinidad
Newsday
Friday, February 15 2008
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