Govt blanks opposition MPs from flag raising ceremony–Cathy Hughes

Tonight, a national flag raising ceremony would be held at the Public Buildings, the home of the Parliament of Guyana, to mark the country’s 52nd Anniversary as a Republic, but in the absence of a number of Opposition Members of Parliament.

According to A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Member of Parliament, Catherine Hughes, a number of the 65 Members of Parliament was not invited.

“My heart bleeds,” MP Hughes wrote on her Facebook page ahead of the night’s flag raising ceremony as she registered her dissatisfaction at perceived attempts to desecrate the grounds of Parliament.

“Imagine the Parliament of Guyana which must independently represent all Guyanese has a national event on its grounds to which all of its Members of Parliament have not been invited,” the former Telecommunications Minister wrote.

Singling out the Speaker of the National Assembly, MP Hughes said he from all indication did not object to the exclusion of Members of Parliament. The Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs was reportedly not invited as well

“Why desecrate the grounds of our Parliament like this? If this is now a government or PPP affair and not a national celebration of 52 years as a Republic, then I suggest any other location be used including Babu John or the grounds of freedom House,” she said.

Guyana, MP Hughes emphasised, must do better.

“Surely we are better than this. Another sad day that highlights our descent into the abyss. God help poor Guyana. What a state she finds herself in!” she wrote.

When contacted by the Village Voice Newspaper, the Speaker said the flag raising ceremony is being organised by the Executive. However, he was keen on noting that this is not the first time it is being held on the grounds of the Parliament of Guyana.

“It is not the first time [a] flag raising ceremony is being held at Parliament,” he repeatedly said.