BVI to begin fourth round of constitutional negotiations
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| Published on Saturday, February 24, 2007 |
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ROAD TOWN, BVI: Chief Minister and head of the British Virgin Islands Constitutional Negotiating Team, Dr Orlando Smith, will lead a local delegation to the fourth and possibly final round of constitutional negotiations with the UK government from February 26-28 in London.
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Chief Minister and head of the BVI Constitutional Negotiating Team, Dr
Orlando Smith |
Discussions on the Territory’s new constitution have been ongoing since March 2006 when the negotiators held their first meeting. The second and third rounds were held last June and October.
The Chief Minister and his team will meet with Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State responsible for the Overseas Territories, in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Lord David Triesman during the upcoming round.
“Every step of the way our negotiations with the UK representatives have been pleasant, respectful and dignified,” the Chief Minister said in an update to the Territory before leaving for the fourth round of constitutional negotiations.
The Chief Minister noted that he remains hopeful and confident that the UK Government will understand the Territory’s resolve and the high importance being placed on the changes that are being sought to the Constitution.
“If they do then we anticipate a speedy and successful conclusion to these talks. We would wish nothing more than such an outcome,” the Chief Minister said. “If they do not accept our position then we will continue to negotiate. We will work through these challenges for as long as it takes,” he added.
Changes being sought to the BVI Constitution include the insertion of a bill of rights, provisions for the establishment of an office for public prosecutions, a national security council, cabinet system of government, and provisions for the creation of a sixth government ministry.
The Chief Minister said members of the BVI Constitutional Negotiating Team will approach the fourth round of negotiations as a united group of ambassadors. “There is no room for petty politics when it comes to the constitution,” he said. | | | | Reads : 168 | | | |
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