By Robert Andre Emmanuel
Attorney-at-law Leon “Chaku” Symister was sworn in yesterday as the fourth and final member of the Constituencies Boundaries Commission during a ceremony at Government House, completing the composition of the body tasked with reviewing constituency boundaries.
Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, who presided over the ceremony, emphasized the Commission’s role in ensuring equitable representation within the parliamentary system.
The Commission, established under constitutional provisions and guided by the 2012 Constituency Boundaries Commission Guidance Act, will review constituency numbers and boundaries.
“The Commission’s composition reflects a commitment to bipartisan collaboration,” Sir Rodney said, noting that members include appointees from both government and opposition to ensure decisions are informed by a broad spectrum of perspectives.
Appointed by Hon Jamale Pringle, Political Leader of the opposition United Progressive Party and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Symister — who was described as an experienced attorney, former educator, and political elder — joins the Commission as it prepares to undertake its mandate.
The body will focus on achieving voter parity while considering factors such as population density, changing demographics, and geographical features.
“I am ready to work as of today and to do the best with the best of my ability for us to have at the end of the day, a report that is fair, that is reasonable and that provides equity in all constituencies,” Symister said following his swearing-in.
The Commission’s work will include public consultations and data gathering to inform its recommendations.
According to Sir Rodney, its final report will shape the electoral process for years to come.
