Comments in the wake of the no-confidence vote

Dec 23, 2018 News

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British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn

The democratic process as laid out in the Constitution has been followed. It is important that everyone now respects the results. Members of Parliament must be allowed to undertake their constitutionally mandated roles in the absence of fear or favour.
Maintaining the fundamental tenets of democracy is paramount to us all and whilst everyone has the right to protest this must be peaceful.
We urge calm on all sides and look forward to a free and fair election and a campaign fought on the issues that confront Guyana and it’s future development.
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Private Sector Commission

A Private Sector Commission team, led by Captain Gerry Gouveia, was an active observer in the National Assembly of the debate and the decision of the motion of no confidence by the Opposition against the Government.
The Private Sector Commission is satisfied that democracy prevailed in our National Assembly, a fact of which as a nation and as a people we can all be proud.
The Commission now calls upon our leaders and our people to continue to respect and honour the democratic decision of our Parliament.
We urge our leaders to continue to respect and honour the highest principles of democratic government and the maintenance of law and order which our nation has embraced.
The Private Sector Commission expects that the nation will now properly prepare itself for a peaceful, free and fair election going forward.

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Ethnic Relations Commission

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) wishes to state that the debate on the no-confidence motion in the National Assembly yesterday is indicative that the democratic process of our nation is at work. It also exemplifies that, despite sharp political differences, democracy was made foremost. This is extremely healthy for our nation and its people.
The carried motion is unprecedented in our country and precipitates specific constitutional requirements regarding the holding of General and Regional elections. These surely will be made much clearer to all by the relevant authority shortly.
Our nation’s history is unambiguous in reminding us of the inherent challenges that unfortunately surrounds our electoral process. Clearly, the results of the said motion present another delicate period for our country and which uncompromisingly must be managed with utmost maturity through responsible leadership by all.
The ERC is cognizant of the potential for sensitivities to be heightened during this period and urge that the pronouncements and actions of all are not injurious to the process of fostering harmony and good relations.
The Commission therefore wishes to encourage every Guyanese in all strata of our society to demonstrate an added sense of tolerance and respect for each other and the processes, which will soon unfold. This is vital to the sustenance of our democracy and presents an opportunity for us all to collectively rise to the challenge of placing first the welfare of our nation and its people.
The ERC is heartened over the sentiments expressed by political leaders thus far calling for peace and stability and for the carried motion not to be a reason for disruption in our society. This is the maturity and leadership that are necessary and which must be sustained and holistic in the national interest.
The Commission is also very heartened by the transparent and peaceful conduct of the November 12 Local Government Election and which, barring a few hiccups, was commended by all. It demonstrates that elections, which will always be a fixture in our democracy, must not be a mechanism to divide but one that becomes routine without fear of the process and eventualities as reflected in our history.
As we endeavour through these sensitive moments, all are encouraged to resist being overcome by emotions and to disallow the infusion of hatred. Let us remain mindful that all are sons and daughters of this dear land dependent on each other for the creation of the mutually desired future. It therefore becomes imperative that each play their part responsibly.
The ERC, through its constitutional mandate, remains ready and committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that peace and togetherness prevail during this process.

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Guyana Trades Union Congress

Parliament has concluded, and the No-Confidence motion brought against the APNU+AFC Government by the Opposition PPP/C was passed. In the 65-seat National Assembly, the motion was passed by 32 PPP/C Parliamentarians and one Coalition Parliamentarian. Our democracy is at work and while the decision would not be favourable to all it is lawful and binding.
The GTUC expects that the AFC Member, Charandass Persuad, who voted for the government’s life to come to end will share with his constituency, the Coalition, as well as the nation the rationale for his decision-making. No longer should the public be made to accept, as norm, public officials making critical decisions without providing justification. The Coalition, but most specifically the AFC, needs to explain to the nation.
Leaders must go all out to avoid or minimise triumphalism. All parties and citizens should be watchful of attempt to provoke conflict and create ethnic tension and mayhem. We still have a nation to build and a destiny to mould. We are One People, One Nation, One Destiny, and we cannot allow partisan interest to divide us.
Guyanese must now prepare themselves to go into early General & Regional Elections consistent with the Guyana Constitution and Representation of the People Act. The reality of this experience also means that finances to execute such an exercise, coming immediately after the Local Government Elections, will take precedence over other expenditures.
Both parties, Opposition and Government, have a responsibility now to ensure the national interest is served. GTUC calls on every citizen to be a watchdog. Guyana has an opportunity for growth and maturity.

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Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Chamber of Commerce

In the aftermath of the no confidence motion against the APNU/AFC Coalition Government, the Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Chamber of Commerce acknowledges the strength of Guyana’s democracy and Guyanese should go about their business during this season of joy and goodwill without discomfort.
Guyanese are proud that as a Nation our leaders and citizens continue to respect and honour the democratic decision of Parliament.
As such, the Chamber of Commerce urges leaders to respect and honour the highest principles of democratic governance and the maintenance of law and order which is paramount.
We are One People, One Nation, One Destiny, and we cannot allow partisan interest to divide us and all parties and citizens should be watchful of attempt to provoke conflict and create ethnic tension and mayhem as we have a nation to build and a destiny to mould.
Both parties, Opposition and Government, have a responsibility now to ensure the national interest is served.
The no confidence motion is a reawakening of the power of the electorate and the business community needs a stable political situation for a buoyant economy.
We don’t want only to see politicians during elections but we want to see them all year-round so they can fulfill their promises to citizens during interactive periods.

President of the Region Three Chamber of Commerce
Halim Kahn

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