Retired Justice Rubie Nottage yesterday expressed concern that there may not be enough time to educate the public on the constitutional amendment bills before going to referendum, but said she remains "hopeful".
While she said it is "doable", Nottage admitted the Constitutional Commission's education campaign is not yet in high gear because of the delay in passing the bills.
"I am hopeful because I am so convinced that this is an
important issue," Nottage told The Nassau Guardian.
"Now, I am realistic. I know people don't want to vote on anything that they are not clear about. That is right.
"The November 6 date is coming on us fast and we still have not had the bills move through the House.
"And so that bothers me. It concerns me because it leaves such a short window for us to really try to open up and make clear what the bills say.
"To that extent, I think that it is a very short window, but it is doable."
On Monday, the government delayed the vote in the House of Assembly, which was expected that day.
Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly Dr. Bernard Nottage said the government was advised to wait until consultation with religious leaders wrap up so their input could be taken into consideration.
All the bills address gender equality issues within the constitution.
The four bills must, in each instance, be approved by at least three quarters of the House and Senate.
Following passage by the Senate, the bills must be approved by a majority of voters in a referendum in order for the constitution to be amended.
Yesterday, Rubie Nottage said, "There is still room for the argument; take your time. I have heard that.
"My fear there is that if we take too much time it gets put on a back burner and it may never, ever be brought back.
"We have this opportunity. The momentum is building and I feel energized.
"I am one little person of course, but I feel energized...It is not a job just for one person, you can see that, but I know that we can do it if we become united."
Asked about the referendum failing as the 2002 referendum on gender equality did, Nottage said she hoped all stakeholders, especially the political parties, remain united.
"We remain a bipartisan approach," she said.
"Both the leaders of the government and the opposition still remain constant in their statement that they are supporting the bills.
"...I hope that it does not become a political division or a divisive issue on politics.
"I also hope it does not become a divisive issue on religion. Those are two big hurdles that we have to get over in order to avoid this taking the same track that the 2002 referendum took."
The commission is engaged in consultations with the religious community, civic organizations and other stakeholders, Nottage said.
She said the delay is helpful and it gives the commission more time "in which we can seek out opinions". But she is against any prolonged delay.
When asked when the government will vote on the bills, Nottage said she had not been informed.
"We know that the bills have been allowed to sort of settle for a bit," she said.
"And I know that we are meeting with the Christian Council next week.
"Hopefully after that meeting without allowing anyone to feel pressured or rushed, perhaps after that meeting the House will make a decision as to when they will bring the bills back for the final vote."
However, Nottage said a lot more feedback is needed on the referendum bills.

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