Category: non- government organisations

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. ( )

.................................
"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. {Read more}

 

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 !)