Deepening democracy - a mas band

The following notice is meant for circulation -  meant to increase understanding, meant to involve ordinary people  in the CHOGM party.  If you are interested in joining a mas band for the CHOGM read on - there will be a second part with details. or call T&T Citizens Can. ( )

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"Traditionally, ‘democracy’ has been built upon the principle of ‘ONE PERSON, ONE VOTE – based on where you LIVE. That process is nowadays entirely controlled by political parties.

 

The late 20th. century and new 21st. century have revealed the need to expand that principle of INDIVIDUAL representation to include formal, constitutional representation of legitimate GROUP INTERESTS which go far beyond physical location. Fortunately, such non-governmental group interests mainly go beyond race and gender and religious interests – although those too remain legitimate group concerns. They include concern for the environment, care for vulnerable groups in society, professional associations of many kinds, the private sector and labour. 

 

The UN has identified about 15 CATEGORIES of Non-Governmental Interest Groups (Civil Society) whose views are to be taken into account in addition to governmental positions. Notably, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGM) always provide for a powerful Civil Society forum and the OAS has begun the same practice. This respect for group concerns has however not yet been translated into NATIONAL CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS in any country in the Caribbean or possibly elsewhere. (The US recognition of Lobbyists for various interests has probably resulted in more harm than good !)

 

Without in any way infringing individual representation in a House of Representatives (based on physical location), it is time to explore mechanisms for giving a permanent and constitutionally-guaranteed voice to broad categories of non-governmental group interests. Transforming the Senate into the home of civil society representation provides an elegantly simple solution to what has long been a complex problem – how to preserve diversity of perspectives within the governance process. Such a Senate should have no right to initiate legislation but it could initiate discussions in the public interest; it could propose amendments. A Civil Society Senate would provide the essential mechanisms for monitoring on an on-going basis the essential foundations of democracy: Equity, Accountability, Transparency – and Respect for Diversity.

 

The majority of citizens make no connection between constitution issues and their day to day experiences, so the acronym/slogan 

E(quity)

A(ccountability

T(ransparency) 

should be popularized and explained.

 

The Senators should be chosen by the groups themselves and be subject to recall by them. The critical issues are:
 

a. How to define the Categories of Group Interests  most relevant to the society and thus entitled to representation in the Senate;
 

b. How to ensure democratic selection processes within those categories.
 

These 2 issues should be resolved through discussion and negotiation within the civil society community, based on Discussion Papers offering options. 
 

For example, the following is a list of potential categories:

1.Sustainable Resource Planning

2.Food Security

3. Lifelong Learning 

4.Health & Wellness

5. Childrens Rights & Parenting

6. Disadvantaged/Elderly Citizens

7.Youth / Sport

8. Justice and Rehabilitation

9. Workers’ Rights and Responsibilities

10. Employers’ Rights and Responsibilities

11. Housing, Utilities and Transport

12. Governance Issues

13. Professional Organizations

14. Creative Artists

15. Cultural Heritages

16. Energy Sector

17. Manufacturing

18. Marine Industries and Livelihoods

19. Social Workers

20. Regional  Representatives

21. Media Associations 

 

Such a list should initiate spontaneous discussion and choices within civil society and categories could be adjusted accordingly.

 

Once a broad consensus has been arrived at, the role and processes for the selection and operation of the Senate and responsibilities of Senators re representing their groups’ interests would have to be negotiated and spelled out in the Constitution as an entrenched provision.

 

Until citizens are satisfied that their legitimate and sometimes competing group interests are thus guaranteed a fair hearing within the governance process, all discussion re further strengthening the Executive should be postponed, The only urgent questions requiring amendments to the Constitution are those relating to increasing the power of citizens, individually and collectively, over their representatives. 

(taken from a notice on the Civil Society Network )