Dear Editor
Reportedly the Clerk of the National Assembly, on the advice of the Speaker, has written the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs for his office’s legal counsel on the no-confidence motions brought against Leader of the Opposition and two government ministers. On the surface this may appear to be all well and good, though it should not be ignored in the case of the motion against the Leader of the Opposition the Attorney General is a party of interest, and in the motions against the ministers he is a comrade.
It therefore would be instructive to see in his advice whether the motion against the Leader of the Opposition is proper or not. The Attorney General is the Legal Counsel of the Government of Guyana, and ought to be the principal custodian of the Constitution and Laws of Guyana. The group that happens to be in government presently is the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C).
The Attorney General is also a member in the leadership of the PPP/C, where the philosophical position is unlocked and implemented, and also shapes the policy positions of the government. Further, he has been the most vocal proponent in the attacks against the opposition. It would be a stretch to believe he did not play an important role in crafting and giving the stamp of approval to the motion against the Leader of the Opposition. On the motions against the ministers brought by the Main Opposition, the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change, the nation awaits his pronouncement.
This nation continues to be held hostage by those not desirous of pursuing the welfare of the masses and working poor, respecting basic rights and common decency, and allowing for the realisation of the political directive of “inclusionary democracy” as stipulated in Article 13 of the Constitution of Guyana. Presently Guyanese are facing a clear and present threat to the environment as a result of flaring and refusal by the Irfaan Ali regime to decisively address this problem.
The clarion call from many quarters in society, including the main opposition, to review the existing oil contracts continues to be ignored as foreign capital plunders our resources because many find it more lucrative to create and sustain internal strife and division. This country has so much to offer its citizens if greed and self-interest could be set aside for the common good. People are hurting, economically and socially, and good sense must prevail. This foolishness that is passing for governance must come to an end.
Quality time is not being spent attending to the people’s business. More time is spent looking for ways for one-upmanship rather than working towards making resources available in creating a better life for all Guyanese. Too much effort is being expended to avoid accountability consistent with the Rule of Law. And whereas some feel ignoring the politicians is best or less stressful, unfortunately they cannot be ignored. Their decisions, including inactions, affect all of us from the cradle to the grave, and ours is a duty to ensure they manage the affairs of state in our collective interest. We must not shirk from this duty, regardless of who is in office.
Regards
Lincoln Lewis
