Constitutional reform is usually a highly contentious and complex subject.  There are often diverse views on critical subjects. Many proposals are put forward without any comprehensive research or analysis as to their potential or record for administrative efficiency or the preservation of democracy. In this situation the necessary consensus is very difficult to achieve.

The Caribbean experience has demonstrated how formidable these challenges are.

Popular governments in Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, St. Lucia and St. Vincent, and the Grenadines have failed to attract the necessary support to carry out important reforms.  However, the experience is not all negative.  Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Dominica and Barbados have made important reforms.  Indeed, even in a fairly contentious atmosphere, Jamaica after many years of trying, in 1999 and 2011 succeeded in effecting important reforms by replacing the Chapters on Citizenship and Fundamental Rights with substantially improved provisions.  However, whereas at present the changes being proposed have to be approved by the electorate in a referendum, the challenges of change become quite formidable