Latest constitution draft available to public

(CNS): There will be no need for leaks regarding the latest draft of Cayman’s proposed constitution as the UK has agreed to the document’s public circulation. This draft available at www.constitution.gov.ky will form the basis for the final roundof talks taking place in London during the first week of February chaired by Gillian Merron.  The document contains the changes and compromises agreed at the end of the last round of talks but there are still some ten points at issue which will be discussed in the UK. 

The Leader of Government Business Kurt Tibbetts said the draft was already in the hands of the stakeholders in the constitutional process for their consideration, as preparations were made for the final round of negotiations.  “He said the document was not the final constitution. But the latest draft and subject to further changes during the third and final round of negotiations.

“This crucial round will take place in London during the first week of February,” said LoGB at the weekly media briefing. “The UK minister for overseas territories, Hon. Gillian Merron, will be participating in the process for the first time.  Her input will be crucial as it will contribute to a final determination of some of the outstanding issues.”

He explained that once agreement is reached, a final draft of the proposed new constitution will be produced and Caymanians will then be given an opportunity to study the document and say whether they approve in a referendum planned for 20 May.

“After languishing on the back burner for several years,the process of constitutional modernization has surely made a giant leap forward during the past 12 months. Today, our country stands on the threshold of an exciting new chapter in its constitutional evolution. We have before us the promise of an era with a modern structure of governance relevant to the country’s changing needs, an era in which Caymanians will have a greater say in their affairs,” he said.

He said that the additional progress achieved in the recently-concluded second round was truly remarkable and saluted the spirit of compromise which was so evident among the stakeholders.

“It shows what is possible when we work together in pursuit of a noble cause,” he said. “We have come too far to turn back now.  We must now complete the task in London.”

He did not mention that the Human Rights Committee had rejected outright the move to make the right to non-discrimination only within the confines of the constitution but he said that there were 10 remaining issues to be resolved which were for the most part of a technical nature and related in some cases to choice of language.