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A possible distraction on Jagdeo’s record

Sep 08, 2008 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
I believe that decades from now when future historians review President Bharrat Jagdeo’s presidency in an objective manner, they are likely to credit him with many achievements that are now being dismissed by his critics.

As well, he is likely to be considered as being far more astute and savy politically than many are now prepared to admit.

However, when Peeping Tom writes in the Kaieteur News of September 6, 2008, in relation to Bills that have not been assented to by the President, the position postulated is not tenable. Peeping Tom writes “No one should however fall under the illusion that the reason for the Bills not gaining assent was because they were vetoed. There are no such powers under the Constitution of Guyana”.

While it may be true that the President has no veto powers under the constitution, the question must be asked – Is he achieving the same result as if he had veto powers? Peeping Tom states that the framers of revisions of the constitution “came up with a formula that if there is reason for the President not to give assent to a Bill, he has to send these Bills back to the National Assembly…”

 I am wondering if the constitution stipulates any time period within which a Bill should be sent back by the President to the National Assembly and, if so, is the President complying.

With all the Bills that have been held up in the Office of the President, to a non-legal mind, it appears that the constitution allows a President to have the best of both worlds.

He/she can avoid exercising veto powers thereby avoid criticism and sit on a Bill without having to give the National Assembly the opportunity to reconsider. 

Even if President Jagdeo is acting in accordance with the constitution, one cannot help but wonder if the “will of the people”, as expressed through the National Assembly, is being served. This will be a distraction on his record.

Harry Hergash

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