Members of the Chamber of Commerce will get the chance to discuss a planned new constitution and governing bill next Friday.

A special general meeting of the Chamber will be convened at the Chamber boardroom to consider a draft bill which includes a revised constitution.

If it is passed, the Chamber of Commerce Bill 1999 will replace the Chamber of Commerce Act of 1976.

The old constitution is of similar vintage.

Executive vice president Sharon Jacobs said the Chamber wanted to consolidate the Act and constitution to "bring them up to date with 1999 and working forward from there''.

"This is to ensure that our operations reflect the actual workings of the Chamber,'' she said.

"Basically we are going to have a meeting with the members and give them an opportunity to read the bill and meet the board members.'' She added: "We're taking steps to update everything and make the constitution part of the Act. At this point any sort of change is put to the membership.'' The meeting will be held next Friday at 4 p.m. in the boardroom above the ferry terminal.

A draft of the bill is available via the Internet at bermudacommerce.com/c o nst.h tml or as printed copies available from the office.