The Official Constitution of the COI
On Saturday April 13th. 2024 at the first National Convention of the COI the Constitution was officially ratified by unanimous vote of the delegates. The Constitution was edited to allow for review and amendment of the Constitution at the first National Council Meeting. The constitution is a short 20 minute read.
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Key points of the Constitution
Empowerment and Ownership: The preamble emphasizes a shift from just providing employment to promoting ownership for Bahamians, especially in terms of natural resources and land.
Inclusive Membership: Membership is open to all Bahamian citizens who align with the party's principles, irrespective of their social or economic status. Organizations with consistent aims may also become affiliate members.
Organizational Structure: The party is structured into various branches and committees to ensure wide participation and include specific branches for youth, men, and women.
Leadership Roles: The constitution defines specific roles such as the National Chairman, Secretary General, and National Treasurer, each with clear duties related to governance, administration, and financial oversight.
Code of Conduct: A strict code of conduct is outlined for all members, focusing on unity, loyalty, and confidentiality, with defined disciplinary actions for violations.
Election Processes: Procedures for the election of party officers and the selection of parliamentary candidates are detailed, emphasizing democratic processes and adherence to electoral laws.
Amendment Procedures: Provisions for amending the constitution ensure that the party can adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining core governance structures.
Accountability and Transparency: The document highlights a commitment to transparency, accountability, and a corruption-free governance environment, reflecting principles of fairness and justice.
These key points illustrate the COI Party’s focus on empowering Bahamians through ownership, transparent governance, and inclusive political processes.
Inclusive Membership: Membership is open to all Bahamian citizens who align with the party's principles, irrespective of their social or economic status. Organizations with consistent aims may also become affiliate members.
Organizational Structure: The party is structured into various branches and committees to ensure wide participation and include specific branches for youth, men, and women.
Leadership Roles: The constitution defines specific roles such as the National Chairman, Secretary General, and National Treasurer, each with clear duties related to governance, administration, and financial oversight.
Code of Conduct: A strict code of conduct is outlined for all members, focusing on unity, loyalty, and confidentiality, with defined disciplinary actions for violations.
Election Processes: Procedures for the election of party officers and the selection of parliamentary candidates are detailed, emphasizing democratic processes and adherence to electoral laws.
Amendment Procedures: Provisions for amending the constitution ensure that the party can adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining core governance structures.
Accountability and Transparency: The document highlights a commitment to transparency, accountability, and a corruption-free governance environment, reflecting principles of fairness and justice.
These key points illustrate the COI Party’s focus on empowering Bahamians through ownership, transparent governance, and inclusive political processes.
Summary
Summary of the COI Constitution
Preamble and Philosophical Foundations:
The preamble asserts the commitment of the COI Party to empower Bahamians towards self-governance, prosperity, and ownership over the next fifty years, highlighting a shift from employment to ownership. It emphasizes a future where the wealth from natural resources benefits all Bahamians, including the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund.
Organization and Membership:
The constitution details the organizational structure, membership eligibility, and affiliations. It is inclusive, allowing Bahamians and various organizations that align with COI's principles to join. The structure includes various branches and committees to ensure widespread participation and representation across different demographics and interests.
Governance and Leadership:
The document outlines a hierarchical structure of governance, including the roles and duties of the National Council, National Convention, and National Executive Committee. These bodies are responsible for strategic decision-making, policy implementation, and operational management.
Duties of Executives:
Specific roles such as the National Chairman, Secretary General, and National Treasurer, among others, are defined with their responsibilities towards party governance, administration, and financial management.
Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Code:
The constitution sets a strict code of conduct for members, emphasizing unity, loyalty, and the protection of the party’s integrity. It also outlines disciplinary measures for breaches of conduct, ensuring accountability within the party ranks.
Electoral and Candidate Selection Processes:
Detailed processes for the election of party officers and the selection of candidates for parliamentary positions are provided. These processes emphasize transparency, fairness, and compliance with national electoral laws.
Amendments and Miscellaneous Provisions:
The constitution provides mechanisms for amending the constitution and other provisions for the management of the party, ensuring flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances.
This constitution appears to be a comprehensive framework designed to ensure democratic participation, transparent governance, and strict accountability within the Coalition of Independents Party, aiming to transform and empower the Bahamian society.
Preamble and Philosophical Foundations:
The preamble asserts the commitment of the COI Party to empower Bahamians towards self-governance, prosperity, and ownership over the next fifty years, highlighting a shift from employment to ownership. It emphasizes a future where the wealth from natural resources benefits all Bahamians, including the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund.
Organization and Membership:
The constitution details the organizational structure, membership eligibility, and affiliations. It is inclusive, allowing Bahamians and various organizations that align with COI's principles to join. The structure includes various branches and committees to ensure widespread participation and representation across different demographics and interests.
Governance and Leadership:
The document outlines a hierarchical structure of governance, including the roles and duties of the National Council, National Convention, and National Executive Committee. These bodies are responsible for strategic decision-making, policy implementation, and operational management.
Duties of Executives:
Specific roles such as the National Chairman, Secretary General, and National Treasurer, among others, are defined with their responsibilities towards party governance, administration, and financial management.
Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Code:
The constitution sets a strict code of conduct for members, emphasizing unity, loyalty, and the protection of the party’s integrity. It also outlines disciplinary measures for breaches of conduct, ensuring accountability within the party ranks.
Electoral and Candidate Selection Processes:
Detailed processes for the election of party officers and the selection of candidates for parliamentary positions are provided. These processes emphasize transparency, fairness, and compliance with national electoral laws.
Amendments and Miscellaneous Provisions:
The constitution provides mechanisms for amending the constitution and other provisions for the management of the party, ensuring flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances.
This constitution appears to be a comprehensive framework designed to ensure democratic participation, transparent governance, and strict accountability within the Coalition of Independents Party, aiming to transform and empower the Bahamian society.