This statement was made by the Attorney General, Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Mr. Rama Valayden, this morning (Sept 02), in Port Louis, at the opening of a two-day training programme on legislative drafting meant for officers of the administrative cadre of the Civil Service. He stressed the need for adequate communication so that policy makers are made fully aware of the implications of proposed legislative changes.

The Attorney General also added that officers of the administrative cadre are more exposed to the day-to-day business of a Ministry and are also better placed to assess a shortfall in the law. So, the instructing officer should be provided with the essential tools to give the drafter a clear and comprehensive picture of the legislation which needs to be reviewed.

For his part, the Secretary to Cabinet and Head of the Civil Service, Mr. S.C.Seeballuck, highlighted that high quality legislation is not only one which can stand the test of time, but also one which can be effectively implemented and enforced. He emphasised that training and staff development is instrumental in enhancing professionalism in the public sector.

An initiative of the Ministry of Civil Service and Administrative Reforms in collaboration with the Attorney General's Office, this two-day training programme aims at helping the participants to formulate legislative drafting instructions as well as guiding them on how to peruse draft legislation effectively. It will also sensitize the participants on the role of the instructing officer and the drafter.

This training programme is being conducted by Sir Victor Glover, former Chief Justice.