Vishnu Bisram defends brilliant Attorney General, PPP

Aug 11, 2021 Letters

Dear Editor,

Reference is made to Jamil Changlee (KN Aug. 10) and on the narrow victory of APNU+AFC and to Sharmila Ally’s (KN Aug. 9) alleged let down of those who were/are close to him in political battle.
Yes, the PPP won a narrow victory of one seat and just under 51 percent popular vote. But since its inauguration August 2020, the party has several things going for it: a crumbling opposition and several opportunities to spend money to combat COVID-19 and flood to build support. The stimulus, COVID-19 grant to state employees, and educational grants, as well as the planned flood relief have all worked for the benefit of the government.
I beg to differ with Ms. Ally’s castigation of Mr. Nandlall. I agree that Nandlall is a political giant and a most brilliant speaker. This was amply illustrated in his presentation in parliament on August 9 where he blazed the opposition with witty and sarcastic remarks on their governance and behaviour since a year ago.
Ms. Ally criticised the AG for not enforcing laws on the oil contract and alleged corruption. The oil contract was entered into by PNC. Then Minister Raphael Trotman said he was instructed to sign the contract. Nandlall excoriated him in parliament on Aug. 9. Government’s hands are tied vis-à-vis the oil contract. Trotman was negotiating with skilled negotiators. Apparently, he and or the government did not seek expert advice on the contract. Exxon outwitted Guyanese negotiators by inserting a stability and sanctity clause that precludes unilateral renegotiation – inviolability of renegotiation. The country Chad has the same stability clause. Chad and Guyana have been caught with pants down by bad, inexperienced negotiators. Nandlall and PPP can’t be held accountable for the blunders of the preceding government. In fact, Nandlall did say it was the most lopsided contract ever signed by Guyana. Guyana is caught in an awkward situation. Unilateral renegotiation would land the government in trouble with powerful nations and multi-nationals. Guyana’s international relations would be seriously affected.
On local content enforcement, Vice President Jagdeo has been making a strong case for increased local content’s use by the oil companies. A local content committee was set up by the President. It collected data and drafted recommendation. These are being reviewed. Nandlall says Guyana lacks expertise on local content. The government has hired consultants to review the recommendations and guide on legislation. My readings as an economist on local content informed me that it is an involved process. It will take some time before legislation is brought to parliament. But it is a fair question for the administration and the AG. I agree government should expedite legislation on local content and enforce it.
Ms. Ally says that the AG has not been cracking down on alleged or perceived corruption. The writer should refer cases of corruption to the President or Vice President or the police for action. I support punitive actions against corrupt officials. But evidence is needed for prosecution. I note that similar complaints were made against PPP pre-2015. When APNU was installed in office, forensic audits were done but did not find credible cases to convict anyone. It is callous to make statements based on speculations without evidence. I can’t vouch for the integrity of politicians, but the Vice President and President said they have zero tolerance for improprieties. If there is evidence, please go to the police. Fighting corruption is the responsibility of the police (SOCU) and Director of Public Prosecution.
Finally, I wish to point out to Ms. Ally that in addition to those mentioned or identified as contributing to the restoration of democracy, several other figures combated the rigging in their own way. A party was infiltrated by intelligence gatherers who provided information about its plan to rig and advising precautionary measures that helped to deter undemocratic moves. Several unsung heroes, whose names would never be revealed to protect their identity, contributed to the declaration of the PPP as the winner of the elections.

Yours truly,
Vishnu Bisram

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Vishnu Bisram defends brilliant Attorney General, PPP

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