By Caribbean News Global contributor
CASTRIES, St Lucia – Amnesty International has been notified of abnormalities and a request for assistance in challenging Constitutional violations in Saint Lucia.
According to a communication seen by Caribbean News Global (CNG) on Tuesday, February 4, 2025:
“The government of Saint Lucia has taken steps to alter the country’s highest court of appeal from the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). While judicial reform is an important matter, the method by which this transition is being undertaken raises serious concerns about the rule of law and democratic governance.
“The Constitution of Saint Lucia explicitly states that such a fundamental change requires the consent of the people through a national referendum. However, the government has chosen to bypass this constitutional requirement by unilaterally amending the Constitution without a public vote. This action not only undermines democratic principles but also sets a dangerous precedent of governmental overreach and constitutional disregard.”
Amnesty International is a global movement of more than ten million people who are committed to creating a future where human rights are enjoyed by everyone. United by our shared humanity, we know that the power to create positive change is within all of us.
Amnesty International is independent of any political ideology, economic interest or religion. “We stand with victims of human rights violations whoever they are, wherever they are. No government is beyond scrutiny. We uncover the truth. We hold human rights violators to account,” the organization’s website said.
The Saint Lucian complaints urge Amnesty International to investigate and to advocate for the government of Saint Lucia to respect its constitutional obligations.
“The right of the people to participate in decisions that directly impact their judicial system must be upheld,” the document noted: “In Saint Lucia, the process for amending the constitution is outlined in Section 41 of the Constitution. It involves a combination of parliamentary procedures and, in some cases, a referendum.”
Parliamentary process:
* Amendments must be passed by a three-quarters supermajority in the House of Assembly.
* The Senate must also approve the amendment, with a two-thirds majority required for certain types of amendments.
Referendum:
* A referendum is mandatory for certain types of amendments, specifically those that alter:
* The fundamental rights and freedoms
* The Governor-General’s powers
* The composition of parliament
* The Supreme Court Order.
“In these cases,” the Saint Lucian complaints urge “the amendment must be approved by a majority of voters in the referendum. Therefore, while Saint Lucia’s constitution can be amended, a referendum is required for certain key changes. This ensures that significant alterations to the country’s governing framework have the direct support of the people.”
Saint Lucia has been undergoing a process of constitutional review, “with the aim of modernizing the constitution and making it more relevant to the needs of the country. This process may lead to further amendments in the future.”
Amnesty International has an “unwavering belief in the power of people united has brought about real change, stretching across every corner of the world.”
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