Reuben Theodore Meade was sworn in as Montserrat’s 1st Premier, Donaldson Romeo the first Constitutional Opposition Leader
Members of Montserrat’s new Legislative Assembly Courtesy: Government Information Unit
On Tuesday, September 27, Reuben Theodore Meade was sworn in as Montserrat first Premier. In a brief ceremony, no doubt in anticipation and of the following day’s first meeting of the new Legislative Assembly (formerly Legislative Council), this marked the commencement of Montserrat’s new Constitution.
During the Commencement Ceremony, the swearing-in of others bearing new titles also took place. Hon. Charles Kirnon, now known as Deputy Premier; Hon. Donaldson Romeo, the new position of Leader of the Opposition; along with the new titles of Parliamentary Secretary conferred on Jermaine Wade and David Osborne.
Hon. Premier Reuben Theodore Meade
One remembers the now Premier awkwardly chiding when he was asked at the swearing in of the new government whether there was an official deputy Chief Minister, while they had named both Wade and Osborne as Parliamentary Secretaries, not yet constitutional or official.
His Excellency The Governor Adrian Davis
Then it was that Montserrat adopted a slightly controversial new Constitution which might have forced the Premier to deemed it “…not a perfect document.”
“We must continue the work of improving the document over time. We must however, not lose sight of the focus on development issues while at the same time honouring the provisions of the Constitution,” Meade said in an address at the ceremony at the Cultural Centre, shortly after he was sworn into the new title.
Deputy Premier Hon. Charles Kirnon
The new Opposition Leader Donaldson Romeo and member of the opposition, former chief minister Dr. Lowell Lewis, had campaigned for more public consultation and approval on the final draft of the revised Constitution. The two opposition members since its passage have declared their plans to seek constitutional amendments, which had repeatedly been touted during the debates by the Premier as a simple possibility.
Leader of the Opposition Hon. Donaldson Romeo
However, His Excellency Governor, Adrian Davis in his remarks cautioned and emphasized that the United Kingdom Government would only consider constitutional amendment in the near future if something was shown to be seriously wrong or not working. “I believe this Constitution represents a great opportunity for the people of Montserrat,” he added.
The Premier meantime said on that score: “…we must give it some time to work before we seek to change it. We must now concentrate our focus on economic issues of growth and development for the people whom we represent.”
First National Legislative Assembly was held the following day.
Parliamentary Secretary Hon David Osborne
Parliamentary Secretary Hon. Jermaine Wade
