ABSTRACT
The new state René developed after 1977 was a personalised one in all significant respects. René dominated both the state and his own adherents. René the barrister nonetheless was concerned to colour a violent seizure of power with constitutional decoration. He found a willing draftsman in the Dominican-born Justice Telford Georges. René was careful to refer to Georges as ‘West Indian’ despite his strong Tanzanian background. René announced a constitutional commission headed by Georges in early June 1978 with the intention that the commission would draft a constitution for the new state René envisioned. Georges delivered the goods. René was able to introduce on 27 March 1979 a one-party state constitution. René in conversation with Ferrari affected to take the view that a so-called public consultation process that formed part of Georges’ constitutional ruminations obviated the need for a referendum.
