Manzoor Nadir’s outburst vs Guyana Government’s deafening silence

Jan 23, 2026 Letters

Dear Editor,

The recent public statements by House Speaker Mr. Manzoor Nadir, in which he denounced members of the diplomatic community for affirming the necessity of electing a Leader of the Opposition, represent a profound and alarming breach of political decorum and democratic tradition.

The core function of the diplomatic community is to observe, engage, and occasionally comment on the political processes of their host nations, particularly when fundamental democratic norms are at stake. Their unified position—that a legitimate Leader of the Opposition is not a political luxury but a foundational pillar of a functioning parliamentary democracy—is a statement of objective, internationally recognised principle. To vilify them for upholding this standard is to befoul the very concept of democratic accountability.

This leads to the critical and urgent question for the Government of Guyana: Why has there been no official, unambiguous distancing from the Speaker’s inflammatory remarks?

Editor, silence in this matter is not neutral. In the eyes of the nation and the international community, silence signifies tacit endorsement. By failing to repudiate the Speaker’s attack, the government implicitly aligns itself with a narrative that is hostile to constructive diplomatic engagement and dismissive of a core parliamentary convention.

The absence of a recognised Leader of the Opposition undermines the checks and balances essential to our democracy. It cripples the work of key constitutional bodies, stifles scrutiny of public expenditure, and denies the electorate a coherent alternative voice in Parliament. The diplomats have merely highlighted this constitutional and democratic deficit.

At a time when Guyana’s global stature is rising, we must demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the institutions that guarantee sustainable and legitimate governance. We therefore call upon the Government to immediately clarify its position, affirm its respect for diplomatic partners, and unequivocally commit to the full and proper functioning of all democratic institutions, including the official Opposition.

Editor, our nation’s democratic integrity and international reputation demand nothing less. I call upon the government of Guyana to publicly distance itself from the intemperance of Mr. Nadir’s protocol breach and undertake administrative reorientation.

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