Democracy ‘health check’ needed
A report published yesterday says that many Commonwealth countries have failed to encourage open political competition.
The document also said it is time for new impetus in the Commonwealth’s commitment to promoting democracy.
The report, which was commissioned by the Commonwealth Policy Studies Unit, and a democracy assistance organisation – Electoral Reform International Services – was released ahead of the Heads of Government meeting in Trinidad this week.
One of the recommendations is for a ‘health check’ on the state of democracy in each Commonwealth country at least every two years.
Planned protest critictised
The government and business community in Trinidad have condemned calls by a pressure group to stage protest action this week ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit.
The group, People’s Democracy, is made up of several trade unions, civil society groups and an environmental lobby.
They are protesting a range of issues, including the hiring of Chinese labour, what they consider to be extravagant and wasteful spending by the government on massive buildings, and a new house and land tax.
They have been urging workers to stay away from their jobs yesterday and today to send the message to the government. However, the business community says the planned protest will not assist workers.
OECS to sign new treaty
OECS leaders have pledged to sign a new treaty before year-end. The new accord, to be initialled by 29 December, is aimed at facilitating the creation of a single economic space within the nine-member grouping.
The leaders took the decision at their recent summit in Anguilla. Grenada’s Prime Minister Tillman Thomas, said the signing of the new treaty will be preceded by a special meeting of the authority, to consider the treatment of recommendations from public consultations in member states.
