Consultation begins on a new Constitution for Pitcairn

Governor George Fergusson has addressed a Special Council Meeting to present a draft new Constitution for Pitcairn.   This marked the beginning of a consultation period during which all Pitcairners and other interested persons are invited to submit comments to the Governor’s Office by end October 2009.  

Presentation of the new draft coincides with a visit to the island by Human Rights trainers from the Commonwealth Foundation at the request of the community.  The trainers will be well placed to advise on important aspects of the proposed Constitution, including rights and freedoms of the individual.

The aim of the new draft is to modernise Pitcairn’s outdated Constitution to respond to the demands and obligations of the 21st century.   As well as setting out islanders’ rights and responsibilities it also incorporates the Island Council into the Constitution for the first time, introduces an obligation for Council to be consulted on draft legislation in most circumstances, appoints an Attorney General and brings the Court system into the Constitution.