…after Speaker’s blockade of motions
…addresses matters of Henry boys, handling of pandemic
By Lisa Hamilton
On Thursday afternoon, APNU+AFC Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) were absent from the 17th Sitting of the National Assembly but present at their first sitting of ‘The People’s Parliament’ hosted at the Stabroek Market Square.
Under a tent set up with chairs and tables, the Opposition somewhat simulated the operations of the National Assembly with a Speaker, represented by Elson Lowe and the Clerk as Astell Collins.
According to Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon, who first rose to address the ‘House’, the event was intended to make presentations to the public on a number of matters which have been blocked by the actual Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir.
These matters included the motion to condemn the killing of the Henry boys which Nadir determined was sub judice, meaning that it was before the Court, therefore, it could not be addressed by the House. The media and the public was invited to view the session while observing “all COVID-19 measures, particularly wearing of masks and social distancing”.
“The People’s Parliament is a way of taking our Parliament and parliamentary business to the people where they assemble, where they live and where they work so that our Parliament is actually coming to the people and we will address issues which touch and concern their lives,” Harmon told the gathering.
He was followed by MP, Geeta Chandan-Edmond who had tabled the motion with eight ‘whereas’ clauses seeking to garner support for enhanced investigations into the murders of Joel Henry and Isaiah Henry, and their friend Haresh Singh.
She criticized the decision of the Nadir to disallow the Henry boys’ motion because it was before the Court even as she highlighted that the matter is one of national interest and all the Opposition requests is that assurance is given that all efforts are being made to solve the crimes.
“Why is it you can’t support this clause?” she questioned rhetorically. “Ow. All we’re asking is that you condemn the killing and that the National Assembly calls on the Government to continue its earnest investigation so as to ensure expedient justice to the family.”
Meanwhile, MP Sherod Duncan, who was cautioned earlier that day at the National Assembly for criticizing Nadir and accusing him of being biased, also rose to speak. He said that the Opposition would not allow the matter of the Henry boys to become like the 1993 Monica Reece murder mystery – the 19-year-old security guard who was murdered and body left on Main Street, Georgetown.
He said the question “who are you protecting” must be posed to Nadir and People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government as the motion should be in the interest of all right-thinking Guyanese.”
On the other hand, MP Jermaine Figueira said that the Henry boys’ case should have been an “obsession” of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn and the Government but he said such is not the case.
He questioned: “Can the honourable Minister, Mr. Speaker, provide the people of Guyana with an answer to this question with respect to the Guyana Police Force lacklustre, half-hearted, limp and uninspiring posture to the needs of solving this diabolical crime and its slothfulness in accepting international help?”
He said that people of Guyana were initially confident that the case would quickly be solved giving the police’s possession of evidence but, each day that goes by, their confidence dwindles.
Meanwhile, MP Ganesh Mahipaul became emotional when he recounted the encounter brother and mother of Joel Henry — Colwyn Henry and Gail Johnson – faced when they were stopped by the police for the absence of Colwyn’s valid driver’s license.
“Not even on the grounds of compassion the police could have said ‘let us allow them to go their way’. Shame! Shame! Shame!” he echoed.
When the motion was put by Lowe for a vote of ‘for or against’, there was resounding support from the Opposition MPs, though no Government representative was present to give input. The motion was therefore “carried”.
In closing remarks, MP Christopher Jones said that the People’s Parliament set up was not about grandstanding but about ensuring that the Guyanese public is made aware that the Coalition is working in their interest.
“If you look under this tent you will see 31 of your elected representatives but…it’s not about a show, it’s not about individuals making fancy speeches…this here today is a signal to all and sundry that enough is enough,” he said.
Following the event, parents of the Henry boys spoke, iterating their call for justice. Father of Isaiah Henry, Gladston Henry said that his family is feeling “more hurt and disappointed” that the promises made to them to pursue justice have not been met.
He also thanked the family’s lawyer, Nigel Hughes; the Opposition; Argentine Forensic Expert, Dr. Luis Fondebrider and all others who have assisted in calls for justice.
During the coming weekend, the APNU+AFC stated that the People’s Parliament will be visiting Linden as it eventually makes its way across other towns in Guyana.
