The Nassau Guardian
FNM deputy: PLP has no referendum plan
Deputy Leader of the Free National Movement (FNM) Loretta Butler-Turner has criticized the Christie administration for not yet releasing the questions and date for its proposed constitutional referendum.
In an interview with The Nassau Guardian, Butler-Turner questioned if the government is taking the issue seriously or if it will handle the vote as it did the January gambling referendum.
“If you look at what they have done already with the previous referendum, they really don’t care about what the people think,” she said.
“This is the impression I get. It doesn’t seem like it’s of great importance to them. They are just going through the motions to say they’re doing something. It’s like the Perry Christie shuffle, lots of movement but nothing happening.”
The Constitutional Commission presented its report to the government in early July. The document, which contained 73 recommendations, was released after nine months of meetings across the country.
A referendum based on some of the commission’s recommendations is expected in November.
“November is in fact right around the corner,” the Long Island MP said.
“We have not heard anything and we don’t go back to the House of Assembly until October 2. You’re looking at a window perhaps between October and the end of November, probably about 60 days.
“I don’t think they have a plan. I don’t think they are serious about any of this and it’s probably going to be another rushed event similar to what they’ve been doing since they returned to office.”
Butler-Turner said one main issue she wants to see addressed in the constitutional referendum is the removal of gender discrimination against women. She said she would not support any delay in presenting the question of gender equality to the public.
“I think the question of gender equality for women is definitely non-controversial. I think they [the government] have already been a part of that process that has denied Bahamian women their full rights.”
A referendum held in 2002 asked voters, among other things, if they wanted to remove constitutional discrimination against women. The majority of the electorate voted against this.
The Progressive Liberal Party supported the 2002 referendum in the House of Assembly but later sided with those who opposed the process.
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