THE NEWS about the upcoming referendum in the Spice Isle of Grenada is a shot in the arm for democracy.
The Grenadian people have made it clear that every citizen of voting age will have a say in the political decision-making of their country.
Unlike the Barbadian scenario with special-interest groups having no wider consensus declaring that republicanism is long overdue and a Barbadian should be the head of state and so on, the Grenadian people have taken a democratically mature position by calling a referendum on October 27 this year.
Among proposed changes to the Grenadian constitution, the electorate will determine:
• Whether or not assent will be given to the bill amending the constitution.
• Whether or not the Caribbean Court of Justice will replace the Privy Council.
• Whether or not there will be term limits for the prime minister.
• Ensure there will always be a leader of the opposition.
• Whether or not there will be fixed dates for general elections.
• Whether or not there will be an Elections and Boundaries Commission.
• Whether or not Grenadians will continue to swear allegiance to the Queen, or to Grenada.
In contrast to the Grenada sitation where citizens will be allowed to register approval or otherwise, a number of Barbadian voices are insisting that such matters are a foregone conclusion without any need for a ballot.
Barbadians may be well advised to follow the lead of their Grenadian neighbours and avoid the politically incorrect thing.
– MICHAEL RAY