PNM sets up constitutional team

A CONSTITUTIONAL Committee will be set up by the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) to deal with issues of constitutional reform. The ten-member committee will be chaired by PNM vice-chairman John Donaldson. This was announced yesterday by PNM Chairman Franklyn Khan, following a General Council meeting at Balisier House, Port-of-Spain. Khan, who is also Works and Transport Minister, said formation of the committee was in keeping with the party’s commitment to constitutional reform and in keeping with discussions held between Prime Minister Patrick Manning and Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday.

Manning suggested the formation of the committee, Khan revealed. The main terms of reference of the committee is to “make proposals to the PNM for reform of the country’s constitution.” Khan explained the composition of the committee would deliberately not include members of Government, such as MPs, Ministers or Senators. “The team is supposed to be independent of Government,” he said. The Committee is expected to convene with immediate effect and set out its timetable in which to complete its mandate. Other members of the Committee are Dr Cuthbert Joseph, Gideon Maxim, Elizabeth Mannette, Dr Anna May Henry, Leandra Ramcharan, Bridgette Anisette George, Karen Teixeira, and a member each from the Youth League and Tobago Council. Manning and Panday met in February at Whitehall to discuss constitutional reform, including the Police Reform Bills and the Caribbean Court of Justice. The two had planned a follow-up meeting which is yet to come off.