ROAD TOWN, BVI: Chief Minister of the British Virgin Islands Dr Orlando Smith says thr government will undertake a major public education programme as soon as the new BVI Constitution is finally agreed.
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Chief Minister of the BVI,
Dr Orlando Smith |
"I plan to instruct the appropriate individuals and organisations in Government to spare no effort in ensuring this education effort reaches every part of our community," said the Chief Minister in his Weekly Update to the Territory.
The Chief Minister said he expects final work on the new Constitution to be complete by mid-April. The public education programme will commence after the final draft has been adopted by the BVI and United Kingdom Governments.
"We are now in the process of working through some of the smaller details and refining the language of the document itself. Once consensus is reached on everything, we shall send a draft back to the U.K for final approval and adoption," the Chief Minister said. "As soon as the final draft of the constitution has been adopted, we will commence the public education campaign."
The public education campaign will include public meetings; radio and television broadcasts; inserts in local newspapers; school-based activities; and the publication of detailed information in print and on the internet.
The Chief Minister said public meetings will be held on Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada by the BVI Constitutional Review Commission.
"The Commission understands better than anyone how we arrived at our new Constitution, what it means for our community, and how best to explain it. They also have the advantage of coming to this task from a non-political position," the Chief Minister said.
He added that copies of the new Constitution, after final approval and adoption by the UK, will be made available on the Government’s website, while portions will be printed for public distribution.
"The Ministry of Education will prepare special materials for distribution in our schools to help educate teachers and students. Government offices shall also be open for all citizens to ask questions. This is a unique and important moment in our history," he said.
The Chief Minister said he hopes every member of the community will take the time and effort to learn about the new BVI Constitution. | 
