Opposition reshuffle

Jan 15, 2024 Editorial

Kaieteur News- Cabinet and shadow cabinet reshuffles occur when circumstances necessitate, and usually after some back and forth. However, it is the leader’s prerogative to do what is felt is best for the group and its visions. But when such reshuffles occur in close proximity to certain public developments, then the questions abound.

Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton, moved around some people, and the response has been less than upbeat. Reports are about intense emotions and reactions within the group, in the wake of Mr. Norton’s decision(s). These surprising personnel moves of Mr. Norton could turn out to be a double-edged sword. That is, there is the benefit of aligning some of the Opposition’s members with what they know well from past experience. There is also the risk, however, of some heavy damage done to the group, both internally and externally, as a result of these moves. Candidly, the Opposition has been struggling, and one has to ask if these changes are not going to split the group wide open, to the detriment of the Guyanese people.

A good Opposition is gold at any time. In this time of oil, amid chronic secrets and serious leadership lapses in government quarters, a platinum Opposition is the best thing that could happen to Guyana. A cohesive group of men and women that is committed to battling for the best for all Guyanese, and impressing observers with their skills and strengths, and applying consistent pressures on a stubborn, often contemptuous PPP/C Government. Little of this has been seen, which has led to an increasingly arrogant and abusive government. It is our position that the weak Opposition contributed to the cavalier manner in which governance has occurred, and the blatant ways in which the PPP/C Government has run amok. There has been virtually no accountability, and with the nation’s oil patrimony standing as Exhibit 1.

Given how the shadow cabinet changes came out, it appears as though the road ahead will be even rougher. Hard feelings, bruised egos, and bad blood within Guyana’s main Opposition is not in the best interests of Guyanese. Some reports have seeped into the public domain about the Opposition Leader’s unilateral approach, allegations of discourtesy, and lots of venom coming from him to complete the picture. Without getting into the internal dynamics and decision-making practices of the Opposition in general, or Mr. Norton specifically, he is going to have to work overtime to hold this group together.

One of the more surprising moves has been that of David Patterson, the Opposition’s Shadow Oil and Gas man. Almost three and a half years of knowledge have been accumulated on this most sensitive of local sectors, and to be rid of that overnight is something that this country can ill-afford. It is heartening that Mr. Patterson stays with the oil and gas portfolio. Observers have noted that the Opposition has been grappling with the demands of this sector, and falling behind. The Opposition Leader stands out for the mystery of his positions, and his shying away in a crunch. Oil and gas arrival in Guyana has converted men whose eyes used to blaze with energy on the issues that concerned Guyanese into limp rags provoking anxieties.

With the return of Patterson, the Opposition gets a much-needed lift with oil and gas. The energy is there, and so is the passion that has been missing from many in the Opposition. The change involving Jermaine Figueira has to have an impact on the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC), where he was a conspicuous and relentless presence. In these two areas alone (natural resources and the PAC), the challenge is to pick up the pieces and go on with some level of renewed vigor. The PAC is about how the money is spent, after the fanfare has died down on big projects announced. Oil and gas is about the money that has to be fought for, but isn’t by anybody, government or opposition.

Amid all this, the government is watching closely, and senses opportunities. One is a clearer path to barrel ahead, the other is for any hint or opening that allows it to pickoff disgruntled Opposition members upset about the changes made by the Opposition Leader.

Aubrey Norton, David Patterson, Editorial, Jermaine Figueira, PPP/C Government

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Opposition reshuffle

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Opposition reshuffle

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