Minister Usher Responds to PCC Critics: They Should Have Attended Consultations  

The People’s Constitution Commission (PCC) has concluded its public consultations for Belize’s constitutional reform. This marks a significant step toward making recommendations for change. Early in the process, political scientists Doctor Harold Young and Doctor Dylan Vernon were brought in as consultants, but both eventually distanced themselves from the project. Doctor Young later voiced public concerns, questioning the PCC’s ability to truly represent the people’s views in their recommendations. When asked about this, Minister of Constitutional Reform, Henry Charles Usher, responded, suggesting that critics like Doctor Young should have participated in the consultations instead of criticising from the sidelines.

 

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Constitutional & Political Reform

 “I understand that Dr. Young was making some criticisms and that’s, that’s fine for him to make what he should have done if he felt that he had input or he had points to make was go to some of the consultations and raise those points at that, at those consultations. Mr. Dylan Vernon, who was also part of the commission, he was not let go by the way. He stepped out, he has written articles. He has written opinions that have been sent to the PCC. He has attended some of the consultation processes. So, I’m not sure if Dr. Young did the same. But any criticism that is now coming, my answer to them is, they should have gone to the consultation. It happened for over a year in different parts of the country.”