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Granger still to send formal proposal for discussions with Jagdeo
In August, President David Granger expressed an interest in meeting with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo for bi-lateral talks on issues the two sides determine were of importance.
On Thursday, Jagdeo indicated that he was still awaiting a formal correspondence from the President on what areas would be placed on the table for the talks.
“The President is supposed to write me formally and I have not received that letter as yet,” Jagdeo stated.
Jagdeo has been reluctant to disclose what areas his party wants to be discussed; only pointing out that meetings would be held internally to determine what to place on the agenda.
The President had previously indicated that he would like to discuss crime and security, the oil sector and the environment. However, there was no formal approach since.
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo (left) and President David Granger have met previously on judicial appointments.
The President himself had indicated to reporters that he would be in a better position to address oil and gas issues once he is briefed in October by the newly established Department of Energy.
Both sides have been accused of poorly administering the oil and gas sector with experts who pinpointed lopsided contracts signed with oil major oil companies.
Plans for the intended political discussions appeared to have been stalled because the Opposition was opposed to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo leading the Government’s delegation.
Then in July, it was disclosed that former U.S President, Jimmy Carter, spoke with Granger and Jagdeo after plans stalled. The President has since agreed to lead the talks himself, paving the way for the two sides to resume meetings.
Among the long-term matters for the two sides is the current configuration of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) known as ‘Carter-Price formula’, which was created by Carter and former Prime Minister of Belize, George Price.
The formula allows for the Opposition and Government to essentially field three Commissioners each, with a Chairman appointed by the President, following consultations with the Opposition Leader.
“It’s almost a formula for gridlock. There needs to be a change and like other provisions we need to establish new rules,” said Granger. He noted that no proposal has been made as yet for the reform of GECOM.
The President favours a system where the GECOM Commissioners are appointed via a Parliamentary process, which Jagdeo is opposed to.
Granger had faced criticisms when he appointed Justice James Patterson as Chairman of GECOM in October, last, without consensus from Jagdeo. This has sparked a legal challenge from the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).
Then there is the long-standing matter of campaign financing legislation, which has not been addressed by either side.
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