The People's Constitutional Committee - it's a broad multi-sectoral group that's embarking on an 18-month consultation process with stakeholders from every sphere of society. Its mission? To re-shape the constitution to the needs and aspirations of an evolving 21st century society.
And as of today, we can confirm that it will also include the media. This, after an outcry from this station about a pattern of exclusion.
Today we learnt that well-known UB lecturer Cesar Ross, is the Director of the Good Governance Unit.
And more interestingly The People's Constitutional Commission chairman will be former Belmopan Mayor Anthony Chanona. While he enjoys a sterling reputation as a public figure, we must note that he is the father-in-law of the Minister of Public Service, Constitutional Reform, and religious affairs Henry Charles Usher - presumably the minister to which the Commission will report. And that's why the relation may, perhaps justifiably, raise criticisms of nepotism.
KREM news reports that "the process is at the stage where the Prime Minister is consulting the Leader of the Opposition. Once a response is received, then the appointment can be finalized."
This evening opposition leader Shyne Barrow told us there has been no official consultation and that the PM only mentioned it in passing in a discussion on other matters.
