Commission’s work paused until secretary is appointed, says AG

THE Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC) has elected Gail Teixeira, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, to serve as its vice-chairman.
This announcement was made by Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs during his weekly programme, ‘Issues in the News’ as he provided an update on the first meeting of the CRC, which was held on Tuesday at the commission’s Middle Street, Georgetown office.

The CRC is chaired by former Chancellor Justice Carl Singh. Members of the Commission are Nandlall, Teixeira; Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony; Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai; and Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy.
Representing the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Opposition on the Commission are Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Commissioner Vincent Alexander; economist Sherwood Lowe; Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Ganesh Mahipaul; and Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes.

Nandlall provided an explanation that, in the initial meeting held on Tuesday, Teixeira was chosen as the vice chairman. Subsequently, the commission proceeded to deliberate on the selection of a secretary for the Commission, who will assume the position of the Secretariat’s head.

“The Commission has not concluded on that appointment as yet,” Nandlall said while explaining the remuneration package and the terms and conditions of employment for the post are yet to be decided.
According to him, at the next meeting, the Commission will determine how the appointment will be made, which will pave the way for everything else.

“All other business of the commission was suspended until a secretary is appointed, because there is no one currently to administer the affairs of the commission other than the chairman. The commissioners are all part-time commissioners. The only person who is a full-time member of the commission is the chairman, and the Chairman has no staff. The commission has no secretary… That is why it is a matter of urgency that a secretary to the commission be appointed,” Nandlall said.

The Commission also includes representatives from various sectors, including Aslim Iqubal Singh from the Labour Movement; Derrick Rowan John from The National Toshao’s Council; Ramesh Anand Persaud from the Private Sector; Joycelin Kim Kyte-Thomas from Women Organizations; Daniel Josh Kanhai from Youth Organizations; Imran Ally from Muslim Organizations; Radha Krishna Sharma from Hindu Organizations; and Adrian V. Anamayah from among farmers.

ANUG’s General Secretary, Timothy Jonas, S.C. from the Joinder Parties; Kamal Ramkarran, representing the Guyana Bar Association; and Keoma Griffith from Christian Organizations are all commissioners.
The appointment of the Constitutional Reform Commission comes at a critical juncture for Guyana, where the need for responsive governance and inclusive decision-making has never been greater.

President Dr Irfaan Ali’s leadership in initiating this reform process reflects a commitment to advancing democracy, strengthening institutions, and ensuring the Constitution remains relevant in the face of evolving societal challenges.
Numerous commissions have been established during his tenure, such as the Public Service Commission, the Police Service Commission, the Integrity Commission, and the Judicial Service Commission, among others.
These commissions play crucial roles in various aspects of governance, such as making appointments, exercising disciplinary control, and ensuring compliance with human rights and anti-discrimination legislation.