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.
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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.
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.
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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.