Opposition politicians must show capacity for good governance

Feb 15, 2015 Letters

Dear Editor,
According to report in the Demerara Waves 14th February 2015, talks between the APNU and AFC have reached the stage where, “As it stands now, the two sides agreed that APNU’s David Granger would be the presidential candidate, while AFC’s Moses Nagamootoo will be his running mate as the prime minister. But the AFC wants the Prime Minister to be responsible for ministerial appointments and the chairing of cabinet.”
Article 106 (1) expressly states, “There shall be a Cabinet of Guyana, which shall consist of the President, the Prime Minister, the Vice-Presidents, and such other Ministers as may be appointed to it by the President.” Article 106 (3) goes on to say, “Cabinet Meetings shall be presided over by- (a) the President;”
In light of this, the GTUC is concerned about any thought or decision to remove/give up the powers of the president without constitutional reform. Such actions as proposed violate the constitution and are in effect reducing the president to a titular president (ceremonial head). Even if this agreement finds pleasure with the opposition forces, note that such cannot be obtained under this present constitution.
GTUC is further appalled that our political leaders, across the divide (PPP, APNU, AFC) continue to seek to govern this nation according to their own dictate or whims and fancies to serve personal/group interest and not national interest. That such acts and potential violations continue to surface at regular intervals speak to growing disrespect and heightening culture of lawlessness enveloping mainstream decision makers and opinion shapers.
When politicians, particularly those trained in the law, and having ready access to legal advice engage the nation in such acts of subterfuge, it is time the people of Guyana come together and recognise that the acts of these leaders run contrary to the national good.
No politician, regardless of who he is, can arbitrarily change circumstance of governance outside the frame of governance without the requisite constitutional reform. It time that Guyanese from all walks of life, all political parties and persuasions, recognise that the Constitution is what protects them and offers them some immunity from personal/group political greed. It is not by accident that constitutions and constitution functions cannot be changed without referendum, parliamentary/legislative approval or super majority.
What we are witnessing is continued violation or misrepresentation of the capacity of the constitution to embrace and achieve good governance and accountability. The constitution as a holistic document, while there will always be room for improvement as society undergoes changes, provides protection from political forces that would seek to take advantage of the masses.
GTUC recognises the desperation to arrive at a consensus on how to approach a national elections. Such desperation, however, should not lead to any suggestion or hint of the possibility of violating the Guyana Constitution. For such is the travail that persists under the PPP government, and those seeking to be the alternative government must demonstrate a different standard of practice.
Lincoln Lewis,
General Secretary
Guyana Trades Union Congress

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Opposition politicians must show capacity for good governance

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