The recently formed Citizens for Constitution Reform (CCR) in Grenada is making strides toward amending the national ‘Oath of Allegiance’.
The group, which includes prominent attorneys such as Ruggles Ferguson, Anande Trotman, Jerry Edwin, Ewart Layne, and educator Dr. Wendy Grenade, has drafted legislation and presented it to both the government and the primary opposition party.
Their goal is to shift the oath’s allegiance from the King of England to the State of Grenada.
A shift in allegiance
The initiative to modify the Oath of Allegiance is spearheaded by the belief that allegiance should be to Grenada itself, rather than to King Charles III.
This sentiment was strongly articulated by Dr. Francis Alexis, a former attorney general and previous chair of a constitutional reform committee.
Dr. Alexis highlighted that such a change does not necessitate a referendum but can be accomplished through an act passed by both the Lower and Upper Houses of Parliament.
Historical context and current requirements
Historically, Grenada’s attempts at constitutional reform have faced challenges. None of the proposed bills during the 2016 and 2018 referendums achieved the necessary two-thirds majority to enact changes.
Currently, the Oath Act mandates that key figures, including the Governor General, the Prime Minister, and other government officials, pledge allegiance to the British monarch.
The path to true independence
Supporting the call for change, Ferguson pointed out that despite Grenada’s 50 years of independence, the constitution has remained unchanged in reflecting significant political, economic, and social shifts.
He and other reform advocates argue that the constitution should evolve to mirror the ongoing changes within society, embodying its living and breathing nature.
Trotman, who played a critical role in revising Guyana’s constitution, also emphasized the importance of the constitution adapting to reflect societal evolution.
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