Guyanese have to spread the word

Jan 13, 2019 Letters

Dear Editor,
I have been following the political manoeuvrings in Guyana and am very disturbed about the future of the country of my birth. It seems to me that although oil wealth is in the horizon severe hardship lies ahead because of the attitude and maneuverings of politicians from both the PPP and PNC.
The latest fiasco is the no confidence motion passed in the National Assembly — a 33-32 vote triggered because a member of the governing party, Charrandass Persaud, formerly of the small coalition party, AFC jumped ship and supported a PPP no confidence motion against the administration. The government after accepting the Motion at the time is now crying foul on two fronts: (a) that Persaud is a Canadian citizen and therefore his no confidence motion cannot be valid and (b) 33 votes not enough– 34 required. In my view there is little or no merit in the arguments, but the issues are now before the Courts for determination.
There was a meeting between the President and the Opposition along with their advisors but although the confab was cordial the main issues are unresolved and the parties have to wait on the courts which will take several months (maybe a year) because of the importance of the issue it will go to the highest court of the land the Caribbean Court of Justice. First the High Court then the Appellate Court before it reaches the CCJ. Unlike the United Kingdom and most Commonwealth Jurisdictions, Guyana’s issues cannot be leap-frogged. However, if the parties agree the Courts can be approached to expedite the hearings. (This is not likely)
Another worrying issue is the Venezuela claim to 2/3 of Guyana’s territory which has been intensified and it seems as if Russia will support Caracas. Their claim includes the portion where the oil has been discovered. It is not certain if the US will intervene in light of the present political climate in Washington.
Back home the PPP is now in the process of electing a Presidential candidate, and it is rumoured that the General Secretary of the party, Bharrat Jagdeo is backing Irfaan Ali whose track record is not so good, instead of someone who can make a better President and who can command the respect of world leaders. This is an important issue for the future of the country. We will have to wait and see the outcome of the vote from the 35 member Central Executive Committee. Frank Anthony is not a bad choice. His biggest plus is his honesty, but it is said that he is a bit too soft to fight the PNC army stalwarts. My choice is Anil Nandlall. He is extremely bright and articulate. He is a no nonsense man and can stand up to Nagamootoo, Harmon and company. He has already put his successor Basil Williams in a corner.
I want to assist my country in the best way possible. I can do very little since I live in Florida. I do not even have a vote. I can only try to propagate but not have the avenue to do so since the newspapers in Guyana do not publish most of my letters. The next best thing to do is to set up a website where persons can ventilate their issues and share their thoughts with others. I crave your indulgence… Your thoughts please

Oscar Ramjeet

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