Two separate efforts taking a number of years to successfully amend and modernise the Anguilla Constitution have gone to naught, with the latest one being rejected with a call for full internal self-government and the postponement of a visit on Monday this week by a British delegation in relation to constitutional reform.

Merlin Duncan reads letter to Governor George

The call was made as a Government-appointed Negotiating Committee was considering various amendments to the constitution on Tuesday, July 17. The Government asked the British officials to postpone their visit in light of the new approach and to give time for the Committee to explain the implications of the proposed status. Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming told a press briefing this week Tuesday there would now be a need to start over again - possibly with a new Constitutional Reform Commission.

Demonstrators outside Governor’s Office

But a demonstration by the Concerned Citizens on Thursday, July 19, has put another angle to the Constitutional Reform process. They are calling for a referendum prior to the commencement of formal negotiations on the Anguilla Constitution. They are saying that they want to make certain that any draft constitution reflects the true aspirations of the island’s people.
The Concerned Citizens also called for an Independent Judicial Inquiry to investigate a number other matters. They marched from the parking lot at the Webster Park to the Governor’s Office where a letter was read to Governor Andrew George by Merlin Duncan and was then presented to him by Percy Thomas on behalf of the Concerned Citizens.
The full text of that letter follows:

20th July 2007

His Excellency Mr Andrew George
The Governor
Old Ta
Anguilla

Your Excellency,

Constitutional Reform

Various Scenes of the March to the Governor’s Office

Following the visit of the Committee of Twenty-Four of the United Nations the people of Anguilla were advised that they were entitled to at least four (4) options with regard to our status within the international community as opposed [to] two options put forward by the British Government.

Further, the Constitutional Committee chaired by Mr. David Carty, recommended a referendum to enable the people of Anguilla to determine their future status and the option which they wish to pursue in order for a draft constitution to be prepared consistent with their chosen option.
Notwithstanding the expressions of concern from members of the community with respect to the need for a referendum, The Mitchell Commission set about canvassing the opinion of the Anguilla public based upon the existing constitution with amendments being made to the same thereby denying the Anguilla public the opportunity of determining their future status.

Quincy Gumbs and George Kentish bearing the banner

On the 23rd of July 2007, negotiations are expected to commence with a delegation from the British Government for constitutional reform. It is imperative that in accordance with Britain’s international obligations, the people of Anguilla are given the opportunity to be properly sensitized and educated as to the full array of options available to them and a referendum held to determine which of the options have been selected by the Anguillian public.
Thereafter a draft constitution, reflecting the true aspirations of the People of Anguilla can be drafted and negotiated with the British Government. It is felt by the Anguillian public that this course of action is the most democratic and in accordance with good governance we hereby request that the British Government ensure that a referendum be conducted prior to the commencement of formal negotiations on the Constitution of Anguilla.

Judicial Inquiry
In the last few weeks, it has come to the attention of the Anguillian public that grave human rights abuses have been taking place on Anguilla soil with respect to the Viceroy Project in West End, much to the outrage of the Anguilla public. It has also come to light that the Anguilla Government knew of the terms and conditions of these migrant workers and failed to ensure that the Contractors acted in accordance with our laws and best labour practices. The Government has also failed to ensure that the Anguillian People will be able to actively participate in a meaningful way in the economic development of the Viceroy and Temenos projects in Anguilla, being the two projects on the island which currently import mass migrant labour. The present influx of labour and particularly cheap migrant slave labour, will have the effect of negatively impacting on the standard of living of Anguillians.

Reverend and Mrs. John Gumbs

Anguilla’s reputation has been tarnished as a result of these reprehensible events and coupled with the fact that the Anguilla Government has on numerous occasions sought to bring into effect legislation which is harmful to the wellbeing and security of the Anguilla public. The People of Anguilla have lost confidence in the Anguilla Government’s representation of their interests and in the interest of good governance, transparency and accountability we hereby request an independent Judicial Inquiry comprising of an impartial body to investigate these and other matters of ethical conduct between Government, Foreign Investors and the extent to which it impacts on individuals and entities in this country.
We look forward to your earnest response to these crucial issues.

Yours sincerely,
Percy Thomas
for Concerned Citizens of Anguilla

Mass Crowd outside the Governor’s Office

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Fleming said at the press briefing that a referendum on a constitution could be a complex matter, but the Government was prepared to look at the situation to see how best the wishes of the people could be met. He added that the Government did not hear directly from the British officials with regards to the request from Anguilla to postpone their visit to discuss the constitution but the Governor had informed him that they were disappointed.

| Printer-friendly page | Send this article to a friend |

World News