T&T Draft constitution document take away rights and freedoms: Maharaj

Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj wants the government to withdraw the draft Constitution discussion document and is threatening to symbolically burn it in public. It's a public relations stunt he used many years ago long before he was in politics when he and activist Hulsie Bhaggan were fighting on behalf of residents on Guaymare in central Trinidad.

In a letter to Prime Minister Patrick Manning the Opposition Chief Whip severely criticized the document suggesting that its major provisions can lead to a presidential dictatorship.

Maharaj said the draft Constitution restricts freedom of the press by stating that the media cannot advocate hatred, ridicule or contempt in the exercise of its freedom. He said there is no definition for any of these terms, which means any government or court could determine a definition.

He suggested that media personnel could face the wrath of the president if they criticize the head of state, adding that the radio announcer who was recently suspended for criticizing Manning could become a victim and "face the full consequences of the President".

Maharaj said there is a similar danger with respect to existing freedom of religious beliefs and freedom of speech and expression. Maharaj explained that because there are no clear definitions any religious message from a priest, imam or pundit might be interpreted as "bringing ridicule, hatred or contempt" to the President.

He said the same applies to any individual because the constitution document takes away the full protection of the fundamental right of freedom of expression.

The former attorney general said the Constitution document presents clear signs that Manning wishes to institutionalise a dictatorship by denying and restricting human and fundamental rights of the citizens and taking control of the judiciary, the police service and the state's prosecuting authority.

In laying the constitution document in Parliament last Friday Manning stated that it was a working document and urged the widest possible scrutiny and comment. He appealed to all political parties to get involved in the exercise and gave the assurance that it has changed dramatically since he first gave details of of it at a convention of his governing People's National Movement (PNM) last year.

He said the draft he presented to the PNM was the work of a rountable of experts. Former President Sir Ellis Clarke, who is the principal author of the present constitution and who worked on a draft for Manning immediately disowned it.

Sir Ellis said, "I don’t know whose draft it is, it certainly is not mine and I don’t think anybody on the round table will claim it. It’s nobody’s baby."

Prof. Selwyn Ryan, who subsequently resigned from the constitution roundtable, also distanced himself from the document Manning presented to this party. And former Chief Justice Sat Maharaj called it "frightening".

Read the story and newspaper editorial: Strong reaction to constitution reform