The Centre for Justice is to host a conference to reflect on the history and future of the Constitution.

A spokeswoman for the centre said democracy, fundamental rights and justice will be up for discussion at the event to mark the Constitution’s 50th anniversary.

The spokeswoman added: “The people of Bermuda may welcome the opportunity to reflect on its creation, its present effectiveness and whether it meets the present needs of Bermudians and society as a whole or should be reviewed in light of today’s realities and provide a sound foundation for Bermuda’s future.”

Topics on the agenda will include:

• Rights, democracy and decolonisation: an argument for “Bermudianising” the Constitution by Professor Nicola Barker

• Beyond Westminster: processes and responsibilities, by Caroline Morris

• A view from the Isle of Man, by lawyer Susie Alegre

• Creating a modern constitutional basis for Bermuda’s judiciary: why judicial independence matters, by Chief Justice Ian Kawaley

• How has the Bermuda Constitution fared with enforcing fundamental rights?, by lawyer Peter Sanderson

• Remedies for administrative justice, by Ombudsman Victoria Pearman

• Poverty and inequality in Bermuda, by Martha Dismont, Family Centre

• Constitutional social and economic rights to address poverty and inequality — thoughts from the South African experience, by Professor Beth Goldblatt.

David Burt, the Premier, will make the opening speech. The conference will be held at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute on June 8 from 9am and 4.30pm.

The Centre will also carry out a public consultation on the Constitution, with the aim of publishing a report before the end of the year.

The spokeswoman said: “Our aim is to raise public awareness and engage the people of Bermuda in necessary discussions so that they can determine what if any constitutional changes are needed.

“As such, other than addressing the inadequacies of fundamental rights and how they may be improved, the Centre for Justice will not be making specific recommendations on governance issues and different models of constitutions.”

Members of the Centre for Justice constitutional sub-committee are Chen Foley, the chairman, Rod Attride-Stirling, John Barritt, Caitlin Conyers and Cordell Riley, as well as Professor Nicola Barker from the University of Liverpool who will assist with academic research.