Constitution, systems, checks and balances have all been abused under the Ali regime

Dear Editor,

Is Guyana a real place? The Constitution, structures, systems, checks, and balances have all been abused under the Ali regime. Citizens may recall that the Coalition Government was careful to respect the rule of law and we allowed systems to work without political interference. This new low in our nation has impacted all of Guyana negatively as can be seen from the issues raised below.

1. 1.The Guyana Police Force and the DPP

Justice is yet to be served regarding the recent allegations levelled against a former sitting Minister, now resigned, Mr. Nigel Dharamlall. The system failed a 16-year-old Indigenous, vulnerable female student, who suffered excruciating physical and psychological pain allegedly at the hands of Mr. Dharamlall. Mr. Dharamlall’s accuser was made to feel like a criminal in this matter which “has taken a toll on Dharamlall and his family”. She was denied access to an attorney and no serious consideration was given to the healing of the deep trauma she is experiencing. God and history will judge every state and other official for this grave injustice.

Editor, the system was viciously manipulated against colleagues of mine, who served as Ministers in the Coalition Government, Mr. Paul Slowe, Tacuma Ogunseye et al. Some of whom were arrested and charged even before the files were completed by the DPP. It also now appears that the “system was not allowed to work” to bring the murderers of the Henry boys to justice. Ironically, Mr. Nigel Hughes did not get the co-operation from the Guyana Police Force to facilitate the investigation of the murders of the Henry boys by international specialists.  Editor, are the Guyana Police Force and the DPP’s office guilty of perverting justice?

Meanwhile, I publicly applaud every right-thinking person who stood in defence of this student. We must continue to stand, until justice is served. Every single citizen is at risk of having their basic rights abused because the rule of law is no longer in effect in our beleaguered Republic. NO ONE IS EXEMPT. May God help our Nation.

2. Cost of Living

The PPP/C regime during its 2020 Elections campaign, promised Guyanese improved living conditions. At the time of me penning this letter (July 12, 2023) prices are as follows: one tray of eggs $1,700.00-$2,000.00; plantains $260.00 per pound; cabbage $380.00 per pound; bora (3 parcels) $300.00; tomatoes $600.00 per pound. Editor, in February 2022, a motion to address the Cost of Living was tabled by me on behalf of the Opposition. The uncaring Ali Regime ensured the motion was never debated, despite it being approved by the Speaker with amendments and placed on the order paper.

It is necessary for me to remind readers that Dr. Ashni Singh’s request for $500M to assist in addressing, “cost of living measures.” was approved in Budget 2023. To date, as a Member of Parliament with Constituents, I am oblivious as to how this sum is being disbursed and which communities or regions are benefiting. I have since tabled several questions in the National Assembly regarding this allocation.

The Ali Regime continues to ignore the cries of the people and have abused the systems put in place to protect us. They have FAILED the people of this nation so the entire government. must follow Dharamlall and step-down!

Yours truly,

Annette Ferguson, MP