Opposition says it will consider changes to the oath of allegiance
THE MAIN opposition New National Party (NNP) Monday said it would consider supporting legislation that would result in a change of the island’s oath of allegiance as Grenada moves towards celebrating its 50th anniversary of political independence from Britain.
Currently, the oath, which is part of the constitution Grenada received when it gained Independence in 1974, is made to the King, but prominent constitutional lawyer and former attorney general, Dr Francis Alexis, is of the view that the oath of allegiance can be adjusted to reflect an “oath to the state of Grenada”.
Grenada observed its 50th anniversary of independence on Wednesday and Alexis is recommending that the changes be made as part of activities to celebrate the occasion.
Speaking at an NNP news conference, opposition legislator, Peter David, told reporters that if the Dickon Mitchell government lays the appropriate legislation before the Parliament, it would be considered by the opposition.
“We agreed with constitution reform and the evidence of that is having brought it before the people on two occasions. We think it is something important, we think Dr Alexis needs to be listened to because he is one of those in the Caribbean who has taught most of the lawyers throughout the Caribbean.
“We believe that issues like that must be addressed if the process of independence is to get better and better. So yes, we will consider it,” said David, an attorney.
Alexis said such a change will only require the approval of a twothirds majority of parliamentarians in the Lower House and not a referendum vote that will need two two-thirds majority of the citizens.
“Changing the Oath would not interfere with its purpose, namely, to commit the oath-taker to duties of loyalty. This accords with the ‘purposive’ canon of interpretation, which promotes the purpose of the Oath,” Alexis said in a recent statement.
“This is no difficulty whatever. The only provision which prescribes or sets out the Form of the Oath is Schedule 3, which Schedule One deliberately excludes from being treated as referendum-entrenched,” said the statement.
In 2016, the then-ruling NNP attempted to make constitutional changes by having citizens vote on seven bills, including one to change the Oath of Allegiance. None of the bills received majority support from the people.