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Opposition resolute on stance to cut budget
By Zena Henry
The combined Opposition remains firm in its understanding of the procedures of Parliament and remains unmoved by Chief Justice Ian Chang’s High Court ruling regarding their inability to cut the National Budget.
APNU’s Shadow Legal Affairs Minister and Parliamentarian Basil Williams
Both Opposition parties; the Alliance for Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) have expressed their intent to ignore the Chief Justice’s (CJ’s) ruling, citing the separation of powers between the Legislative and Judicial arms of the Constitution and the rules of Parliament which allows the Opposition more than “approval or disapproval” before the passing of the National Assembly.
The Opposition has also indicated their intent to cut the 2014 Budget if the need arises. Both sides have stated that unless the Caribbean Court of Justice rules on the matter, the Parliamentary Opposition will remain firm in its position of the Budget cut matter.
APNU’s Basil Williams told the media that the party’s position has not changed. “As far as the Opposition is concerned, until the highest court rules on this, the position of APNU is that it could cut the Budget because Parliament is independent and has the authority to act within its domain…”
Williams described the CJ’s ruling as, “a recipe for disaster.” He continued that it is not the Opposition’s belief that the Standing Order of Parliament are just rules, but the lead Counsel for the Opposition’s lawyers, Rex Mc Kay had submitted authorities to speak on that matter. Williams continued that other issues were put before the court, “but before we could argue that, we were struck out, given no opportunity to be heard on whether we can cut the Budget or waiver our immunity.”
“We are in a political assemblage representing the people. How could the National Assembly be considered by the Chief Justice to be bound by his decision when he shut out the leader of the majority?; the leader representing the majority of people in Guyana was not given a hearing.”
Williams added that the matter involving Brigadier David Granger being a party in the Budget cut case will still be pursued. The implication of the CJ’s ruling Williams suggested, is that when APNU wins anything in Parliament and government goes to court when dissatisfied, “we will not be able to give our side of the story.”
Meanwhile, AFC’S Moses Nagamootoo said that the CJ’s ruling was, “sensational, unprecedented and outrageous; and we believe strongly that there should and ought to be an immediate appeal of decision.” He said this matter opens a new political ball game. “If the Opposition in Parliament, being the elected representative of the people cannot disagree or change and vote on allocations we see as unnecessary, unjustified and unreasonable… then the ruling interferes with Parliament’s right to represent their constituents.”
AFC member and Parliamentarian Moses Nagamootoo
Nagamootoo charged that the new engagement in Parliament brought attention like never before to levels and volumes of unprecedented corruption and conflict of interest and malfeasance that has taken place, to the extent that the Opposition has questioned the Finance Minister’s disbursement and spending of unapproved money. “It is thus convenient to conclude that the CJ’s ruling is a cover up malfeasance by the Finance Minister.’ He said money not appropriated by Parliament was spent by the Minister, “who could very well face sanctions” by the Parliamentary Committee of Privileges.
AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan stated also that Parliament is independent and can conduct itself based on the procedures set in the House. He said that the CJ’s ruling will be appealed, but the 2014 budget will be cut if the opposition sees it fit.
He said that the AFC will remain firm in its belief that it can cut the budget until told otherwise by the highest legal body.
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