TNAG-2156-FCO40-3076-International-Covenant-on-Civil-and-Political-Rights-(ICCPR)-1990 — Page 133

Article 19

29. Everyone is entitled to the right to hold opinions without interference. There is freedom of expression. The newspaper of Montserrat has exercised this freedom without any fetter and to the extent that, in recent times, the Chief Justice has had occasion to pass strictures on the newspaper in respect of its articles.

Article 20

30. The provisions in the law of Montserrat (statute and common law) are adequate to deal with anyone who incites to hostility or violence (the Public Order Act 1987 is adequate to deal with such cases).

Article 21

31. At the meeting to discuss the United Kingdom's second report on its dependent territories, a question was asked about the discretionary powers of commissioners of police in the dependent territories in respect of conduct of public meetings (CCPR/C/SR.857, para. 64). The Public Order Act of 1987 provides for appeal to the Governor against refusal of the police to allow public meetings and processions.

Article 22

32. There are trade unions in Montserrat and they are very active. Industrial legislation is frequently amended to give effect to the recommendations of ILO.

Article 23

33. A new Divorce and Matrimonial Causes Ordinance is under consideration by the Bar Association. Provisions adequate to ensure equality of rights are included.

Article 24

34. Minors are protected by law.

Births are required to be registered by law, and there is ample provision to ensure that a child does not remain stateless.

Article 25

35.

Provision to ensure that there is a general election every five years is found in section 23 (3) of the Constitution and in the Elections Ordinance (chap. 153). Every person over the age of 18 is eligible to vote at an election. Access to public service is on equal terms.