Message from the Leader of the Opposition
On the momentous occasion of commemorating the 70th anniversary of our elected assembly, let us reflect upon the remarkable journey that began on the 27th of April, 1953. It was during this time that General Elections were held, marking the advent of the universal adult suffrage and use of the first-past-the-post system.
Our founding leaders, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham and Cheddi Jagan, joined forces as the pre-1955 united People’s Progressive Party, garnering an impressive 77,695 votes, or 51% of the valid votes, securing 18 out of the 24 seats in the House of Assembly. Forbes Burnham, representing Georgetown North-East District, served as both a member and the first Minister of Education under the esteemed Speakership of Sir Eustace Gordon Woolford, OBE, Q C.
Over the past seven decades, our National Assembly has evolved into a body comprising 65 elected members, including 25 Geographic Members of Parliament. However, despite the passage of time, one would have anticipated a mature and civil Parliament. Regrettably, we find ourselves unable to offer such affirmation today. Our parliamentary institution, intended to be the epitome of democracy, where strong representation is collectively championed for the benefit of all our people, is marred by many challenges.
Under the current administration, the Opposition is compelled to battle daily to uphold the essential safeguards of our democracy and consistently expose the biased and unbecoming conduct of the Speaker. The Speaker’s foremost responsibility is to uphold order and decorum, acting in the best interests of the entire House rather than a particular political party. He fails to honour this obligation.
As we celebrate the 70-year milestone of our elected Assembly, we take this opportunity to implore the Speaker of the National Assembly to embrace neutrality and unbiased behavior. It is only by doing so that all of our people will be represented, allowing us to develop a democratic society. This 70th anniversary affords us the opportunity to take stock and to place our Parliament on a democratic trajectory and serve all the people of Guyana.
Let us use this significant occasion to make the change and promote the rule of law, democracy and good governance. The practice of these principles will place us on the path to restoring democracy in Guyana.
