The Constitutional Reform Commission, which was established in November 2005, has completed its preliminary internal work and is preparing to launch its outreach activities.
In pursuing its terms of reference the Commission is mandated, inter alia, to "consult widely with the citizens and organizations of Saint Lucia, whether in Saint Lucia or abroad, by such manner and procedure as the Commission determines;"
The terms of reference and other conditions of the appointment of the Commission, as well as its membership, and other important documentation relating to the exercise may be found below.
As part of the activities referred to above, the Commission, in collaboration with the 1st National Bank St. Lucia Ltd invites Saint Lucian nationals and residents to submit an essay for consideration on the subject: "Has the current Constitution of Saint Lucia served its people well? What changes, if any, are desirable if that instrument is to continue to do so given the current national, regional and international environment?"
ELIGIBILITY
Nationals and citizens of Saint Lucia living both in Saint Lucia and in the Diaspora are eligible to enter, as well as those individuals living in Saint Lucia who are neither citizens nor nationals but who enjoy resident status. It is proposed that entries for the Competition be judged in two categories, one catering for children below the age of sixteen, and the other for all eligible participants who are aged sixteen and over. (Members of the Commission and their immediate families, as well as Staff of the Bank and their families are not eligible to participate.)
PRESENTATION OF THE WORK.
The finished essay must be supplied both in electronic format and in "hard copy". The copyright of the winning essays in each prize-winning category will reside with the Government of Saint Lucia.
LENGTH OF ESSAY
The essays in the under sixteen category should be between 750- 1000 words, while those in the adult category should be between 3000 and 5000 words. Both categories should be appropriately referenced.
COMPENSATION
The winning entry for essays in the adult category will be awarded a prize of EC$ 5,000, while that for the junior category will be awarded a prize of a voucher to the value of EC$1,250 to the individual, with a similar amount going to the winner’s school if applicable. Consolation prizes may be awarded at the discretion of the Commission.
Submission of an entry indicates that entrant accepts the terms and conditions of the competition.
Entrants warrant that the essay is their original work, and that no part thereof has been previously published either in print or electronically, is defamatory to others, or is in violation of any law or injurious to the rights of others.
Entrants accept responsibility for the use of copyrighted material and that they have met all the acceptable conditions for citation and obtaining permission for the use of such material.
Upon submission, the Government of Saint Lucia receives all rights for publication and distribution of the contents of the essay. The entrant may only make further use of the essay for non-commercial personal use.
DEADLINE DATE
The deadline date for submission of the essay is January 31,2008. Additional information can be obtained from:
The office of the Constitutional Reform Commission
Poinsettia Drive
Vigie
P O Box CP - 6446
Castries
St. Lucia
Telephone: (758) 453 - 2662 Fax: (758) 452 - 7450 Email: conreform@candw.lc
SUBMISSIONS
Submit entries directly either to the office of the:
Constitutional Reform Commission
Poinsettia Drive, Vigie
P O Box CP - 6446
Castries
St. Lucia
or to the Branches
of the 1st National Bank St. Lucia Ltd. at the addresses below, where
a mail drop will be conveniently placed at each location.
MAIN BRANCH
21 Bridge Street
Castries
J Q's Mall
Rodney Bay
Gros Islet
Commercial Street
Vieux Fort Branch