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Week 7 Lesson 1 Subject: Social Studies Grade: Nine (9) Topic: A

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Week 7 Lesson 1 Subject: Social Studies Grade: Nine (9) Topic: A Week 7 Lesson 1 Subject: Social Studies Grade: Nine (9) Topic: A Glimpse of Our History Sub – Topic: Constitutional changes before Independence Objectives: Students will: State the important Constitutional changes before Independence. State the recommendations of the Waddington Commission and the Moyne Commission. Concept: The Constitution is generally referred to as the supreme law of Guyana. It must be obeyed by all, even the highest institution, as well as by the individual with the greatest authority in the state. Content: The Constitution Our constitution is a set of documented laws that indicates how Guyana must be governed. The laws pertain to every area of life-social, economic and political. Social concerns include: 1. Human rights and benefits (pensions, etc.) of the individual, the rights of children, of women and of workers. 2. The quality of education to be given to children and the management of schools. 3. Sanitation and the delivery of health services. Economic laws pertain to revenue acquisition, industries, and trade. Laws which pertain to defence and internal and external security. From a political point of view, the constitution determines the system of government. The number of members to be in Parliament, the voting age and how often elections should be held are all specified. As development takes place, people become aware of their rights and responsibilities and they demand that the constitution be changed to give them greater participation in the decision making process of the government. The Dutch System of Government 1621 - The Dutch West India Company had taken over the colonies in Guyana. These colonies changed hands as the French and English attacked and captured them during the 17th and 18th centuries. The Dutch were responsible for instituting the Court of Policy, the Combined Court and the College of Kiezers. The planters dominated this system of government but the merchants and free Negroes were not represented. 1831 - The colonies of Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice were united under the British and was named British Guiana. Succeeding planters who intended to defend their political and economic interests found the Dutch model expedient and resisted major constitutional changes until 1891 1891 – 1935 Constitutional Reforms The College of Kiezers was abolished. Three additional official members and four elected members enlarged the Court of Policy. The qualification for membership included immovable property to the value of $7,500. Voter qualification was reduced to an income of $40 per month. 1896 - The secret ballot replaced open voting. 1896 – 1921 Many local professionals and businessmen were elected to the Combined Court. Local government reform brought the establishment of village councils with powers to levy taxes, vote funds and appoint officials to undertake construction works. 1928 - Women were given the franchise on equal terms with men. 1935 - The Reforms of 1935 continued to disqualify many of the workers from voting because of the property and literacy requirements. 1938 - The Moyne Commission. The recommendations of the Moyne Commission included Adult Suffrage. This was not granted but the qualification for voting was further reduced to an income of $10 per month. The composition of the Legislative Council changed, showing an increase in the number of elected members. This was so because the property qualification was gradually reduced. However, the governor retained his veto power. Social reforms were also recommended in the areas of health, housing and education. 1943 - The New Constitution further increased the number of elected members in the Legislative Council. 1947 - Elections revealed the beginning of the political parties. Dr. Cheddi B. Jagan was elected to the Legislative Council and formed the Political Affairs Committee. Dr. J. B. Singh formed the British Guiana Labour Party and in 1950 its president, Mr. L. F. S. Burnham, joined Dr. Jagan as chairman of the People’s Progressive Party. 1953 - The Waddington Commission Did not hold the same opinion as the political party leaders, who felt that Guyana was ready for internal self- government. Its recommendations were: . Universal Adult Suffrage at the age of twenty-one years. The abolition of income and property qualifications for voters but they had to be literate in English. Elected members were to be given greater responsibility in government. The retention of extensive power by the governor who was advised by the Executive Council and possessed a veto power. Provision was made for the establishment of an Upper House or State Council and a Lower House of Assembly. The literacy recommendation still excluded a large number of workers from the franchise. The veto power was the governor’s constitutional right to reject legislative enactment. 1953 - General Elections The People’s Progressive Party, under the leadership of Dr. Cheddi Jagan and Mr. L. F. S. Burnham as chairman won nineteen of the twenty-four seats that were contested. In spite of the overwhelming success of the People’s Progressive Party, the British Government suspended the constitution in October 1953. Some reasons for the suspension of the constitution: The P. P. P was not in favour of the governor and nominated officials. The United States Government was concerned about the prospect of Guyana becoming a communist state. The British Government was pressured by the U. S. Government for fear of a communist subversion by the P.P.P. Government. 1953-1957 Ruled by an appointed Interim Government. 1957 - Disagreement between the leader and the chairman of the People’s Progressive Party caused the party to split. Dr. Cheddi Jagan remained the leader of one faction of the P. P. P. and Mr. L. F. S. Burnham became the leader of the other. The latter was renamed the People’s National Congress. The People’s Progressive Party won the elections but the real power was still in the hands of the governor. Activity: List three (3) recommendations of the Waddington Commission. List three (3) recommendations of the Moyne Commission. Reference: Grade 9 Social Studies Teacher’s Guide .
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