-by Celestine Chacon

The Ethnic Relations Commission is engaging Guyanese on proposed changes to the country’s Constitution through a constituency consultation on constitutional reforms.

ERC Chairman Shaik Moeenul Hack urged participants to share their views openly, respect differing opinions and propose practical recommendations to strengthen Guyana’s constitutional framework.

“This national constitutional reform process comes at a time of significant growth and transformation for Guyana. As our economy expands and our society evolves, it is right that we ask whether our constitutional framework continues to serve every Guyanese fairly and effectively,” he said.

Moeenul Hack also called for a review of the legal framework governing the ERC’s investigative powers, noting that the Commission faces limitations in securing the attendance of persons who decline invitations to assist with investigations into complaints involving discrimination and ethnic relations.

Meanwhile, Former Speaker of the National Assembly Ralph Ramkarran is calling for Guyana’s Constitution Reform Commission to consider a referendum on the country’s system of government.

Ramkarran contends that the 1980 Constitution, which introduced the current presidential system, was never subjected to a referendum allowing Guyanese to express their preference on the structure of government.

“My view is unless the people of Guyana have an opportunity have a say in that constitution which still exist today, it will remain illegitimate,” he said.
Ramkarran is proposing that Guyana consider returning to a Westminster-style system, with a prime minister as head of government and a non-executive president as head of state.

He stressed, however, that his proposal does not necessarily mean the Westminster model must be adopted. Instead, he believes both systems should be open to public consideration, with citizens given the opportunity to decide which arrangement they prefer.

The consultation forms part of the wider national process aimed at gathering views and recommendations which will be documented, analysed and consolidated into a report for submission to the Constitutional Reform Commission ahead of its December 31, 2026 deadline.