A newly established constitutional reform committee has begun its work, with broad representation from political parties and civil society, Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said Thursday during the post-Cabinet press briefing.

Merchant said the committee held its first meeting during the past week and is expected to outline its approach and priorities in the coming months.

“The committee had its first meeting during the week,” Merchant said, adding that there was “wide cross-representation” at the initial session.

He said representatives from all political parties attended the meeting, along with members of civil society, including the church.

“All political parties had representation, and the church was also represented,” Merchant said.

Merchant said one of the issues already identified for consideration is the constitutional restriction that bars members of the clergy from participating in elective politics.

“As you know, one of the issues that is being looked at is the issue of clergy being involved in elective politics, as currently they are barred under the Constitution from doing so,” he said.

He said the committee is expected to meet again in March, when it will begin to outline its plan of action and how it intends to communicate its work to the public.

“The next meeting will be held next month in March, and there will be a time when there will be a plan of action,” Merchant said, including how the committee will operate and present its recommendations.