Guyana’s future and prosperity must not be jeopardized by unreasonableness

Jun 24, 2019 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
“If the people cannot trust their Government to do their job for which it exists- to protect them and to promote their common welfare – all else is lost” – President Barrack Obama
Confidence building mechanisms and photo opportunities are sometimes useful tools in a society where there is political restlessness. However, when there is open violation of the constitution and a final determination by the highest court, in this case, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), accompanied by a refusal to accept and to act in the spirit that promotes conflict resolution, there is need for a pause and to consider one’s actions.
President Granger’s public statements since the historic June 18, 2019 rulings from the CCJ that clearly stated that his unilateral appointment of the GECOM Chairman was both unconstitutional and flawed and that the No Confidence Motion of December 21, 2018 was validly passed, followed by the unhelpful statements of his Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs and the sprinkling of mobilized protestors at various GECOM offices on Friday, June 21, 2019 must be seen for what it is, another failed attempt to continue to illegally hold on to power, it is an act of desperation.
Compare the aforementioned with the comments of the Leader of the Opposition at his two press conferences, on Tuesday June 18, 2019 and Thursday, June 20, 2019 where he displayed qualities of a true statesman by taking a conciliatory posture and encouraging his supporters to do likewise. In unambiguous language, he clearly stated that he is prepared to meet with the President, day and night, for the resolution of these issues.
Isn’t it a shame that after this Government being in denial and defiance mode for the last six (6) months will seek to inflict further injury to the peace and political stability of our nation with its red herring calls: “No House to House Registration, No Elections”? The constitution is clear what needs to happen now as stated in Article 106 (6) and (7): (a) the President and the Cabinet shall resign, (b) Elections must be held within three (3) months, (c) the caretaker status of the Government for the holding of Elections is operationalized, (d) Any extension beyond 3 months requires a 2/3 majority vote in the National Assembly.
The publicized letter of invitation from the Ministry of the Presidency to the Leader of the Opposition for a meeting at a convenient time after Monday, June 24, 2019 must not be a publicity stunt. I agree that our leaders must meet but the language of the street protests of ‘mo fire, slow fire’ and ‘war break’ etc., should cease immediately. Mr. Granger and his APNU/AFC band should not be seen as speaking with ‘forked tongues’. This meeting whenever it happens must be with a definitive agenda guided by compliance with our constitution and adherence to the rulings of the CCJ allowing for reasonable political compromises, nothing less.
As the man in the street would say, ‘President Granger, man up and face reality’. Guyana’s future and prosperity must not be jeopardized by unreasonableness.
Bishop Juan A. Edghill
PPP/C MP

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