The Editor, Sir:

Re: Citizens' Committee for Constitutional Reform

I read the thoughts of David Coore in his article in The Sunday Gleaner of May 31. If I wasn't impressed by his fair analysis, I would not be responding. There is no doubt that there are many Jamaican scholars, as well as ordinary citizens who can point to the myriad changes that should take place in our Constitution. Equally, there is a similar number who can recommend the 'solutions'.

I would not recommend that only lawyers be involved because their training does not involve critiquing of the Constitution as to what is appropriate. (Please believe me, I am not missing the point of their education or the concept of a body of laws to establish the predictability of established society.) Having said that, who should help with the design of such a constitution which would reflect our mores and values, our civil liberties and give life to such a living document?

Over the years, I have known of the efforts made for constitutional revision - the late James Kerr, Carl Rattray, to name a few. Quite frankly, I think the thought of revision usually begins with some immediate requirement like replacing England's monarchy as head of Jamaica and the oath of allegiance.

I have never heard of nor read of any critique of the Constitution. I am unaware that it is taught in schools and, quite frankly, it would be useless to begin now. If we are to tackle this significant undertaking, let us do so sincerely. Let us see how best we can operationalise it.

My own thought is that it must come from the people - not the Government. Governments are too divisive and too short term in their thinking. The role of the Government, however, must be to create the template for organisation and dissemination of information.

Significant contribution

Through the custodes, as chairmen of a committee, the work could begin in each parish. The custodes would be making a significant contribution towards elimination of their own jobs. Included on that committee should be elected people's representatives (past and present), senior government employees (especially retirees), representatives of the schools and churches and other members of civil society who should be able to make a contribution.

Eventually, when the referendum is called, it would be purely non-partisan; the issues should be understood and no party could claim paternity. It is only achievable if we mount a serious campaign to distribute and disseminate the information, involve the people in an evangelistic kind of way.

I am, etc.,

HORACE A. CLARKE

Kingston