APNU needs to replace Mrs. Backer with someone of similar ability

Feb 08, 2014 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
The replacement for Mrs. Deborah Backer, arguably one of APNU’s best Members of Parliament, will be another litmus test of Mr. David Granger’s management style and quality of leadership.
This is Ms. Backer’s stats:
– PNCR representative in APNU;
– Held Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs shadow ministerial portfolios (at the time of resignation she held the latter) and distinguished herself in both;
– Female;
– Deputy Speaker; and
– More than a decade of parliamentary experience and knowledge of its Standing Order, and cut and thrust techniques.
Looking at these stats, names that come readily to mind are:
a) Ms. Clarissa Riehl, who has the identical stats, with the exception of Home Affairs;
b) Mr. Aubrey Norton, who was a senior Foreign Service Officer during the PNC administration, PNC representative on the APNU List, and has years of parliamentary experience, knowledge of its Standing Orders and cut and thrust techniques; and
c) Mr. Cammie Ramsaroop, PNC representative on the APNU list, Leader of the List, decades of parliamentary experience, knowledge of its Standing Orders and cut and thrust techniques, and held many senior cabinet portfolios.
With two years before constitutionally due national elections, and to hold the PPP administration accountable to ensuring good governance in the Legislature and Executive, APNU is expected to find a suitable replacement.
Among the first things Mr. Granger is expected to factor in, in determining a replacement, are: 1) PNC candidate and 2) ability to deliver from day one, or as they say ‘hit the ground running.’ There is no time to await a learning curve when key issues such as the Anti-Money Laundering Bill and National Budget are coming up shortly for debate and passage.
With a slim opposition majority, there is no room for ignorance of parliamentary rudiments, debating skills and a repeat of the Volda Lawrence inexcusable fiasco vote or euphemistically non-vote on the Speciality Hospital.
Some may say Mrs. Backer’s shadow ministerial portfolio can be re-assigned to another. This would be making a serious mistake. This portfolio requires commitment, understanding of diplomatic and global nuances; Guyana’s geopolitical positioning, border controversy and dispute; and acquaintance with international conventions, laws, covenants and agreements, etc. It requires a singular focus and dedication.
It is a tall order to fulfil, and even though there is much to be desired in the current Foreign Affairs Minister, she is likely to dwarf and make a nincompoop of any unsuitable replacement by the Opposition. Guyanese cannot afford to have such level of naïveté on both sides of the Bench.
APNU needs to replace Mrs. Backer with someone of similar ability, and Guyana needs someone of similarly ability to halt the political excesses and bring about the much desired accountable government.
Here’s wishing Mrs. Backer a speedy recovery.
Minette Bacchus

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APNU needs to replace Mrs. Backer with someone of similar ability

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