A group of clergymen has called for limited tenure of the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, as they presented their case before the Constitutional Commission, which is presiding over public hearings towards Constitutional reform.
Bishop Franklin Ferguson, on behalf of the Church of God Of Prophecy, who made his presentation on Friday, March 22, 2013, said the time has come to remove certain constitutional powers vested in the Prime Minister.
“We recommend the Constitution reflects a set time for Parliamentary elections which would eliminate the guess work on the part of the electorate, prevent a political play on the emotions of the general public and give the Parliamentary Commissioner and his officers adequate time to prepare for the elections,” Bishop Ferguson said.
This recommendation accompanied by the caveat that provision should also be made for exceptional changes in the date of election, which may be as a result of a state of emergency, national catastrophe or any similar event, he said.
“This approach to the exercise of our franchise in our view will be consistent in encouraging an even greater participation in the electoral process and create a degree of fairness similar to that of our closet democratic neighbour.
The Reverend Patrick Paul who represented The Assemblies of God in The Bahamas including the Turks & Caicos Islands addressed the country’s spiritual heritage, referenced the point of democracy, the Preamble of the Constitution, the recognition of marriage between a man and a woman, immigration, sovereign fund and also the powers of the Prime Minister.
He emphasized that it must be recognized that in keeping with the spirit and reference point of the country’s democracy, marriage is a sacred act between a man and a woman.
“It is a sacred institution ordained of God for the health and wealth of both natural and civil society,” Reverend Paul said. He quoted Matthew 19:6 which states, “Wherefore they are no more twain but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.”
He further argued that marriage between a man and a woman is for the health and welfare of the family and society.
“Family is the cradle and foundation for the success of all civil society. As a nation we must support family and seek to strengthen the family unit, in spite of its challenges.”
Dr Antoine St Louis, President of the United Association of Haitian and Bahamians in The Bahamas called for the establishment of a nonpartisan ‘Commission on Citizenship and Immigration’ to conduct research and make recommendations to the Parliament on ways to define and change the nation’s policy on citizenship and immigration matters.
This group should comprise members from various backgrounds including reputable Bahamians of Haitian descent, amongst others, he said.
“We believe that the most humane policy with respect to the treatment of children born to non-Bahamian parents whether the parents are documented or not is to grant them documentation from birth.
“We therefore recommend that all children born within The Bahamas should have automatic entitlement to citizenship in The Bahamas irrespective of their parents,” he said.
The Government appointed the Constitutional Commission to conduct a comprehensive review of the Constitution of the Bahamas and to recommend changes to that effect, prior to the country’s 40th Independence anniversary.
By: Lindsay Thompson
Bahamas Information Services
