SVG Constitution – St.Vincent and the Grenadines Constitution

Posts Tagged ‘Vincentians’

Referenfum Day in SVG

The day has finally arrived.  Today Vincentians in St.Vincent and the Grenadines will be voting on the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Constitution Bill 2009.  In order for this new Constitution to become effective, 67% of persons casting their votes must vote YES, if just 34% of persons successfully cast their ballots  and vote NO to the new referendum, Vincentians will have to do good with the old 1979 SVG Constitution and wait until a few years from now to pursue this task again.

From all reports, up to midday today, the various polling stations have had no serious incidents.  The voters are orderly and patient.   Even though rain has been pouring continuosly around the island, the turnout appears to be in the big numbers.

History is in the making, no matter how the results will eventually be.  It is now a fact that more than 70% of  persons living in St.Vincent and the Grenadines are now even more aware of the Constitution and that it exists to protect their rights and govern them.

I must say that the sad part of the process was that it was tarnised by politics, especially in the past month.  There were accusations between both parties, threats on raliegh podiums to ordinary citizens, lies, deception, deceit, irrelavant debates and rants and scare mongering tactis and I can go on and on on some of the negatives, which mostly came from the opponents of the bill.

In the end, it will be the Vincentians who go to the polls that decides if the 1979 Constitution is kept or if the 2009 Constitution passes the test.  Sixty Seven percent (67%) is a tall order to achieve and if that is accomplised fairly, it will be the grudge of the modern civilisation and history.

Will the St Vincent and the Grenadines Constitution Bill 2009 be successful?  Lets wait and see.

SVG Referendum- 25 Days to go

Vincentians are marking off their calender days as November 25th draws closer.  On this day Vincentians will vote to accept or reject the new constitution.  It almost feels like a general election here in SVG.  If this is prelude of what is to come in the general elections , which are dued next year(2010), then we are in for a political treat.

I was listening the news on a radio station and I understand that there is a vote no committe comprising of members like Frank DaSilva and some concerned citizens.  From what I have heard I believe their argument is that they are challenging the $4 Million dollars given to the Yes Vote campaign committee and the vote no committee says they some of the money too to fund their camopaign, and they may go all the way to the courts to get this done.

Now, this vote no committee is not associated with the vote no campaign started by the New Democratic Party (NDP) early this year.

The question I am asking is, why are these persons and groups waiting for the last minute to bring their ideas, oppositions and various views to the Vincentian community.  These consultations were taking place throughout SVG since 2001.

It is too late to change anything that is in the constitution, all is left now is for Vincentians educate themselves on the changes in the constitution and vote their conscience.