"Many a false step was made by standing still" — Fortune cookie

JOHN Barritt Opposition MP isn't just making this stuff up, Mr. Editor. The need for parliamentary reform is not unique to Bermuda. These are new winds of change sweeping their way through the Commonwealth. I kid you not.

The most recent evidence of this was the 35th annual conference of the Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic region of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association held in late July in Trinidad and Tobago. Bermuda is a member and we sent a delegation of Government and Opposition parliamentarians.

There's no need for me to dress up what was discussed. Let me just share with you excerpts from a published summary of suggestions and recommendations.

1. Parliament as an autonomous body

? The need for checks and balances within the Westminster system since the 'separation of powers' may not be a reality.

? Autonomy is needed for Parliaments to function freely.

? Modernisation in the Caribbean cannot be complete without the autonomy of Caribbean Governments.

? Parliaments should therefore seek: administrative autonomy; institutional and political autonomy; and financial autonomy.

? A weak, feeble and subservient Parliament is a threat to democracy.

Sound familiar? It should. It was a theme I took up in my last column.

2. Advancing our democracies through constitutional reform

? As Parliaments evolve there is a definite need for constitutional reform.

? Constitutional reform should involve calling governments to account, and this should promote good governance.

? The issues of fixed terms and referenda were also seen as critical issues in the reform agenda.

? The conduct of elections was a matter that should be addressed bearing in mind the number of matters before the courts.

? Electoral systems must also address the region's uniqueness.

There is also a lot that can be done and should be done in Bermuda that does not require constitutional reform. Or Independence for that matter. The recent overhaul of the House rules showed the way. We can go further in the way that we ourselves manage the Legislature and the business we undertake up and down The Hill.

The Boundaries Commission is a classic, good example of what's required and what can be done. The repositioning of boundaries is given over to a committee comprised of two members of Government, two from the Opposition and two independents. There ought to be a similar commission charged with the oversight of the Parliamentary Election Act.

How can we possibly regard as fair a system that allows for as many as 2,000 incorrectly registered voters (the Parliamentary Registrar's last count, not mine: I think the number could be even higher) where constituencies average around 1100 voters each and elections are won and lost by as few as seven votes? The system, the legislation, is in desperate need of an overhaul.

In any event, if constitutional change is required, let's press the Brits to get on with it. They have shown a willingness to do so in the Turks and Caicos Islands which is also a British Overseas Territory.

There's also been a change in Government in the UK and with it a change in approach which may extend to the FCO and what they may or may not be willing to do should we require amendments to the Bermuda Constitution Order.

3. Making the Legislature more accessible

? Enabling citizens to interact with members via technology: websites; television and radio; youth forums such as Youth Parliament.

? Educating the population — via schools; competitions; media.

A website is a must; television less so. But that's a question of costs and priorities.

4. Providing a platform for innovative leadership

? Innovation is necessary since it is the engine of any experiment and brings about change.

? Innovation is required in [the following areas] — quality of debates; role of political parties, use of technology; upholding the principles of democracy; and the role of the citizen.

? The need for dedicated research personnel for MPs.

? Need for changes in the Standing Orders to eliminate some of the challenges faced by Presiding Officers.

I cannot disagree on the need for innovation: who can? We will however, have to cut our cloth to what we can afford.

5. Effective measures of ensuring accountability

? Need for built in control systems to prevent corruption and promote integrity.

? There is a need for laws to strengthen the Integrity Commission.

? Deficiencies in the Westminster model must be addressed to address integrity, accountability and transparency.

These are standard features of modern and good governance. Integrity in Public Office legislation is a must which will not only strengthen our disclosure of interests laws but provide clear guidelines for all to see and follow. Bermuda has fallen behind. We do not necessarily need constitutional reform.

What we need is the political will to put in place what is required. That will has been missing around here for far too long. I was surprised too, that campaign finance did not make the conference's list: it too, requires reform.

6. Is there a role for regional parliaments in solving our common problem of crime and you violence?

? Reviewing the education system.

? Develop programmes through legislation which are relevant to youth.

? Parliamentarians must lead by example in terms of behaviour.

? Parliamentarians should be directly involved in youth affairs.

? The role of the family in crime and violence must also be addressed.

? Labour laws also need to be reviewed.

? Anti-gang legislation is also possible.

Our challenges outside the Legislature are not so unique either. We have already two joint select committees on education and crime, but progress has been slow- which leads on nicely the next and last subject of discussion…

7. The most effective use of the committee system

? Democratic legislatures depend on committees and therefore modernisation of the system is necessary to meet the region's needs.

? Attendance should be mandatory.

? Research facilities need to be addressed.

I told you, Mr. Editor, John Barritt isn't just making this up. It's becoming common place everywhere but here.

On Wednesday: What it is going to take to bring about change.

Got your own views? Write jbarritt@ibl.bm