FROM THE ARCHIVES, 2007: Constitution celebrated

On June 7, The BVI Beacon turned 40. To celebrate, it is re-publishing some of the biggest stories from its archives over the past four decades. The article below was written by Luis Andres Henao and originally ran July 7, 2007.

They represented all of the territory’s primary schools and were here even on their summer vacation.

“I have a right to the protection of law,” one said. “I have a right to marry and form a family,” said another. “To an environment that is not hazardous,” said a third student.

Together, they said, “As a child, I have a right to protection from abuse and degradation.”

But before the Virgin Islands’ new Constitution took effect on June 15, these articles — now part of the Human Rights Chapter of the Constitution — were not on paper.

On Tuesday, Virgin Islanders and residents celebrated their new Constitution with speeches, stage performances and musical acts at the Central Administration Building grounds.

Drafting process

A constitutional negotiating team, headed by Chief Minister Dr. Orlando Smith, was elected in 2004. The members included Gerard Farara, QC, chairman, Joanne Williams Roberts, Edison O’Neal, Vance Lewis, Persia Stoutt, Elihu Rhymer, Audley Maduro, Carvin Malone and Stuart Donovan.

After three years of negotiations, the Privy Council in London ratified a new Constitution on June 13, 2007; it took effect following the dissolution of the Legislative Council June 15.

Among its clauses, the document defines a Virgin Islander, provides a first bill of rights and sets up a cabinet system of government.

“We are gathered as witnesses to history and the formal celebration of a new Constitution, some 31 years since the previous Constitution Order was adopted,” Dr. Smith said at the ceremony.

Public holiday?

To mark the importance of this day, July 3 could become a public holiday.

“I am announcing my intention to bring forward a resolution in the first sitting of the new House of Assembly to proclaim July 3 Constitution Day in the BVI,” Dr. Smith said.

The House of Assembly replaces the Legislative Council, and will come into session after the August 20 general elections.

The constitution increases the powers government. But the topic of independence was not part of the constitutional negotiations, according to the chief minister.

“Seven years ago, there was even a committee assess the cost of independence. But we know and you know that we are not yet ready for independence.”

O’Neal: Residents should read

Opposition Leader Ralph O’Neal congratulated Mr. Farara and the rest of the constitutional commission. He then advised every resident to read the Constitution. Many copies were handed out at the ceremony, but teachers said that they would like to see more of them distributed in the territory’s schools.

“I got one,” said Cathy Ronan, a grade six teacher at the Isabella Morris Primary School sitting with students’ crowd. “I’m hoping that everyone will get one and educate themselves about it.”

There were disagreements during the constitutional process, Governor David Pearey said. But regardless of how much had been completed — 100 percent, 90 percent, 80 percent,” he said referring to claims exchanged between the government and opposition members the — the constitution stands as a unifying symbol for all Virgin Islanders.