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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Former Governor General to speak on equal rights and the Bahamian constitution
By Citizens for Constitutional Equality (CCE)
Mar 25, 2015 - 9:07:22 PM
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 The public is invited to hear former Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes speak about gender equality and the drafting of the Bahamian constitution at a public forum hosted by Citizens for Constitutional Equality (CCE). The free event, “Who Framed the Constitution and What Were They Thinking?” will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2015, 7pm at the Parish Hall of Holy Cross Anglican Church.
As a participant in the 1972 Bahamas Independence Constitution Conference Sir Arthur has a unique historical perspective on the framing of the citizenship provisions in the Bahamian constitution. At the event, Sir Arthur will share his reflections on the drafting of the constitution and the rationale behind introducing provisions which were not gender neutral, despite the significant global efforts to advance women's rights during that time.
Sir Arthur is the eighth Bahamian governor general. He was a key player in the formation of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP). Known as a great writer and orator, he delivered many impassioned speeches during his time in politics. Later, in 1971 he helped to form the Free National Movement.
The CCE is a non-partisan, non-sectarian, civil society network of NGOs and women’s groups that support the vision of constitutional equality for women and men in The Bahamas. Formed in August 2014 on a strong human rights mandate to ensure that the voice of civil society informs preparations for the constitutional referendum, the CCE conducts public education and advocacy to support the advancement of equal rights in the Bahamas.
“As we prepare for a constitutional referendum to remove the last forms of gender discrimination for this founding document, we feel it is very important for Bahamians to hear from Sir Arthur, who was one of the framers of the constitution. Our country will not be able to reach its fullest potential until and unless women and men have complete freedom to fulfill their destinies without being discriminated against because of their sex,” said Marion Bethel, CCE Steering Committee Member.
“We hope the public will join us to hear Sir Arthur speak, and to work with the CCE to advance our vision of constitutional equality in the Bahamas. There is a simple premise at the core of this effort: Bahamian women and men should have the same rights under the Constitution. Women in the Bahamas are not looking for special rights or different rights, just equal rights,” said Marion Bethel.
The CCE stands unequivocally for gender equality. Its members are committed to public education and advocacy to ensure the affirmative passage of a constitutional referendum in the Bahamas. The group was founded on the shared beliefs that equality should not be a partisan political victory. It should be a victory for the Bahamas. Therefore, civil society had to be mobilized in unity and strength.
© Copyright 2015 by thebahamasweekly.com
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