Chief Minister Reuben Meade said that the new Constitution for Montserrat goes into effect from September 1st this year.
Meade said that the constitutional reform is now completed after over five years of discussion, and that his administration has successfully negotiated with Britain the Montserrat Constitution Order.
“We recognise that many persons would have liked to see more radical changes. However, this Constitution improves upon the 1989 Constitutional Order; and there is a mechanism for change, where appropriate and justifiable,” Meade said.
He told legislators during the budget presentation earlier this week that the new Constitution Order contains significant advances recommended by citizens. He said it introduces a number of improvements to the island’s relationship with the United Kingdom.
“Significant changes to existing legislation will be made, new legislation will be introduced, and standards and procedures will be developed in order to strengthen good governance practices on Montserrat, including making the Auditor General truly independent.”
Meade said that the process has begun to establish the Integrity and Complaints Commission which will set up the office of the Ombudsman to deal with complaints by the general public, especially when they feel aggrieved by public officials or processes.
He said the introduction of the National Advisory Council and the operation of the Electoral Commission will provide the capacity to be better able to handle matters of emergency and electoral reform.
“The new Constitution will provide a focus on transparency and accountability by upholding standards of integrity, public service ethics and conduct,” Meade said, noting however that, “there is a considerable amount of work to be done before we can realize the true benefits; and to this end, the appropriate structure is being developed to ensure that these changes are realized.
“The new Constitution will be in force from 1st September 2011. (CMC)
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