SINCE the passing of former prime minister Basdeo Panday, our nation has been echoing a common call for constitutional reform. But what does this mean for everyday folks, young minds and children? Let’s break it down.

Constitutional reform involves making significant changes to the fundamental laws that govern our country, known as the Constitution. This isn’t just legal jargon, it’s about reshaping the rules that guide how our Government operates, how power is distributed and how our rights are protected.

Now, why is this a big deal for everyone? Firstly, it’s about fairness and representation. Imagine a constitution as a set of rules for a game. If those rules are outdated or favour only a few players, it’s time to adjust them. Constitutional reform aims to ensure that people of different backgrounds, ages and walks of life gets a fair say in how our country is run. It’s like updating the rulebook to make the game more inclusive.

Secondly, it’s about adapting to the times. Our world is constantly changing, and so should our laws. Constitutional reform allows us to modernise the way our government functions, incorporating new ideas and addressing issues that may not have been relevant when the original rules were written. Think of it as a system update for the country, ensuring it stays relevant and effective.

Now, you might wonder, why does it take so long?

Constitutional reform isn’t a quick fix; it involves careful thought, discussions and agreement from various stakeholders. It’s like a community deciding on new park rules (like Adam Smith Square and the Woodbrook residents)-everyone needs to have their say, and compromises must be made to find rules that work for everyone. It takes time because the changes made today will shape the future of our country for years to come.

In essence, constitutional reform is about making sure the rules that govern our nation are fair, representative and adaptable to the evolving needs of the people. It’s a combined effort to create a system that benefits not just a select few but every citizen-young, old and every creed or race.

Scarlet Benois-Selman

Woodbrook