By Josiah Williams
Guyana’s constitution is poised for an update by 2026 as the constitutional reform consultation process commences this year.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, revealed this during an interview on Guyana Dialogue, affirming that the process has already begun and is likely to conclude within the next two years.
Teixeira emphasized the complexity of the process, noting the importance of considering the concerns and suggestions raised by citizens from all regions of the country.
She stressed the necessity of engaging with the people across the nation to ensure that the resulting constitution reflects their involvement and aspirations.
The Constitutional Reform Committee consists of 10 members from various political parties and 10 members from civil society.
Teixeira acknowledged that while there are areas of the Constitution that the government may seek to change, private citizens also have their own perspectives and recommendations.
One of the driving forces behind the decision to pursue constitutional reform is the recognition that it has been over two decades since the last review.
Teixeira highlighted the importance of reassessing what works, identifying areas of concern, and incorporating new developments into the constitutional framework.
The government’s representatives on the Commission include Attorney General Anil Nandlall, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, and Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy.
On the opposition side, representatives include GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander, economist Sherwood Lowe, opposition MP Ganesh Mahipaul, and Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes.
Guyana’s constitution is widely regarded as one of the most progressive in the English-speaking Caribbean.
However, with over two decades having passed since the last reform in 2001, the time is ripe for a comprehensive review and update to address evolving needs and challenges.
As the constitutional reform process unfolds, it signifies a significant step towards enhancing democratic governance and ensuring that Guyana’s legal framework remains responsive to the needs and aspirations of its citizens.