The Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC) will move ahead with its work from this week by inviting the public to make written submissions that will be taken into consideration for the proposed amendments to Guyana’s constitution.

Though established almost two years ago, the Commission has made little progress. The Commission is tasked with reshaping and strengthening the country’s constitution through nationwide consultation.  

The Constitution was last amended in August 2000.

Speaking during his weekly, “Issues in the News” programme, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, said while the entire Constitution will be under review, the process itself will be divided into several areas to make submissions easier.

The Commission will be seeking the public’s input on issues such as human rights, the Judiciary functioning of the National Assembly, functioning of Local Government systems, cultural rights of Guyanese, and safeguarding public funds.

However, persons will be free to make other submissions on any other matter that they would like to see reflected in the Constitution.

“The process will largely be driven by the public consultations, it is your views that will inform that will inform the proposed amendments that will emanate from this process,” Mr. Nandlall noted.

Mr. Nandlall said the process will continue until the end of the year as the Commission seeks to move ahead with its work.

The Attorney General said because of the seriousness of the process, no anonymous submission to the Commission will be taken into account.

“While the invitation for written submission is ongoing, the Commission will also begin oral hearings, that is to say, we will begin inviting persons who have made written submissions to make oral presentations as well. The Commission will travel to every administrative region across the country to ensure that it is accessible and it is made accessible to Guyanese in the different regions,” Mr. Nandlall noted.

The Constitutional Reform Act was approved in 2022 and provides for the establishment of the Commission, which is expected to lead nationwide engagements on the process.

The explanatory memorandum states that the Act seeks the establishment of the Constitution Reform Commission which will consist of 20 members.

Details of the Bill state that the Commission will review the constitution to provide for the current and future rights, duties, liabilities, and obligations of the Guyanese people.

It is mandated for that purpose to receive, consider and evaluate submissions for the alteration of the constitution, and report its recommendations to the standing committee for transmission to the National Assembly.

Retired Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh is the Chairman of the Commission.

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