Final Consultations on 13th Amendment Held in Dangriga

The third and final round of consultations on the 13^th Constitutional Amendment took place today in Dangriga Town.  An estimated thirty residents filed in at the Russel Chiste Auditorium this morning.  They were given an overview of what the amendment entails and to answer questions and concerns over the proposed changes.  Minister of Public Service and Governance, Henry Usher, noted that the amendments and feedback from the consultations will be compiled by the house committee next week.  That report will then be taken to the house of Representatives.

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service: “We had three presentations from the AG’s ministry, from the Ministry of Home Affairs and from the LIU department which also falls under the Ministry of Home Affairs. They made their presentations and of course we opened up the floor for members of the public to ask their questions. The 13th amendment is looking at the areas of the constitution dealing with the state of emergency and creating what is called a special designated area. As explained by the AG’s representative it has a number of different areas that the drafters are looking at so that we can improve the legislative framework, improve the safeguards when it comes to these designations of the special designated areas. It also includes a section dealing with a gun and a gun court and a gang court and certainly is looking at improving the regulations to put in place more safeguards when it comes to these designations.”

Acting Commissioner of Police, Bart Jones, attended today’s consultation, reiterating the support of the amendments by his department.  Commissioner Jones gave assurances that under his watch, there would not be an abuse of the laws.

Bart Jones, Acting Commissioner of Police: “We support the amendment but caution the public that it will not be used as a draconian measure on our part, a drag net on our part in terms of detention of citizens but on intelligence basis if the area is to be declared it would be based on intelligence that we would have to satisfy the National Security Council that there is a need for this special area for a particular area of the country. So it will not be something for us to use willy nilly but in extreme circumstances. Our other initiatives, community policing, our work with the LIU and our enforcement will continue as it has been.”

The Area Representative for Dangriga, Dr. Louis Zabaneh was also present at today’s consultation.  According to Minister Usher, the House Committee is still accepting feedback and suggestions via email and written documents to the National Assembly.