Latest update January 20th, 2025 3:00 AM
Parliament’s suspension…US lawmakers ask Kerry to reassess relations to Guyana
Two US Members of Congress have written Secretary of State, John Kerry, asking that that country reassesses its policy to Guyana following the controversial prorogation of Parliament back in November.
US representative, Yvette Clarke
The suspension in Guyana, sparked by an impending no-confidence vote against the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic over unauthorized spending and other issues, failed to see expected negotiations with the Opposition materializing.
In January, in the face of increasing local and international pressure, President Donald Ramotar announced May 11 as the day for early general elections. He held off on dissolving Parliament, only announcing on Tuesday that the 10th Parliament will end on Saturday.
The political standoff had seen the diplomatic missions crossing swords with Government with the British government warning that funding could be withheld until the situation is regularized.
“We write to request that the United States reassess its policy towards the Republic of Guyana and assist in resolving the current political crisis within the Guyanese government,” according to a letter dated February 24, from Hakeem Jeffries and Yvette Clarke, Members of Congress of New York, to Kerry. The letter was released by a US-based Guyanese advocacy body, Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy.
The representatives explained that on November 10, 2014, President Ramotar “abruptly” dissolved the National Assembly as members assembled to debate the motion of “no confidence” which was introduced for consideration by the opposition party, Alliance for Change (AFC). It was pointed out that under Article 106 (6)
US representative, Hakeem Jeffries
of the Guyana Constitution, “the Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.”
“Passage of the motion appeared likely after all thirty-three Members of the combined opposition, who constitute the majority and who exercise control of the sixty-five seat House, publicly signaled their support for the motion to unseat the President and members of his party, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).”
The US Congress members said that enforceable provisions exist in the Constitution of Guyana to safeguard and guarantee a functioning legislature so as to ensure adequate checks and balances on the executive.
“It is extremely important to preserve the democratic rights of the Guyanese people. Therefore, we ask the United States government to lead the international community in an examination of the alleged violations by President Ramotar. America must encourage President Ramotar to respect the Guyana Constitution and the will of the people.”
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