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Sigma explores Bahamas constitutional amendment bills
By Derek W. Smith II
Dec 19, 2014 - 12:16:50 PM

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Members of the Delta Epsilon Sigma Chapter of Phi Bea Sigma Fraternity with representatives of the Constitutional Reform educational committee after a public forum hosted by the fraternity.

NASSAU, Bahamas – Phi Beta Sigma joined with the Constitutional Commission to learn more about the proposed amendments that are schedule to be voted on next year.

Retired Supreme Court Justice Rubie Nottage is leading the public awareness campaign of the commission said that the audience that included members of the fraternity and the wider community should now be able to speak fluently about the bills.

“Not to be told about them by somebody else,” said Justice Nottage, “but to have their own ideas crystallized, to have their questions answered and then to be able to go out boldly and say ‘This is how I understand the bills.’”

She adds that it was important for young men to understand the bills. “That ability to speak well is something that gives everyone confidence,” Justice Nottage added, “and I think that’s most important particularly in our young men, because when they feel they don’t understand something they get confused and sometimes we withdraw and not say anything.”

The bills seeks to achieve gender equality in terms of gaining citizenship and passing of Bahamian citizenship along with ending discrimination based on biological sex. The country is expected to vote on the proposed amendments early next year.

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Sigma graduate chapter president Derek W. Smith Jr (left) and director of bigger and better business Esmond Johnson receive a copy of the report on the constitutional commission’s review of the Bahamas’ Constitution from Retired Justice Rubie Nottage.

Delta Epsilon Sigma chapter president Derek Smith said it was an informative presentation that helped to clarify the upcoming referendum.

“It is very important to be informed voters during this upcoming referendum,” said Smith. “This effort is a part of the fraternity’s Project Vote initiative that encourages our communities to continuously register and educate themselves in the democratic process.”

Justice Nottage agrees that an informed electorate is important for the country.

“It’s not for me to tell you how to vote” she said, “but it is important that we raise everyone awareness of their importance in the process and this process is mandatory. You need to know the power of your vote as a citizen and I think that these young men have realize that tonight, that they will go out and really intelligently address this issue.”

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc is a worldwide organization of college-educated men built on the principles of “Brotherhood, Scholarship and Service” and the motto: Culture for Service, Service to Humanity.

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