The Constitution Must Speak Louder Than Politics — Lincoln Lewis Warns

By Mark DaCosta- Lincoln Lewis, General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and a long-time advocate for workers’ rights, has issued a forceful reminder on the necessity of adhering to the rule of law. In his latest commentary, Lewis underscores the importance of holding all individuals accountable to the same standards, emphasising that true commitment to constitutional integrity cannot be just for political convenience. He firmly believes that a united Guyana, as echoed in our national motto — “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” — can only be realised when the principles of our Constitution are actively respected and upheld.

Lewis’s commentary suggests that despite ongoing discussions surrounding constitutional reform, there remains a disturbing lack of genuine commitment to constitutional adherence. “Unless proven otherwise,” he asserts, “the hard and necessary work required to bring about constitutional compliance, including change or amendment, is simply not being done.” His concern is rooted in the idea that any attempts at reform must be grounded in a sound understanding of constitutional law, a sentiment echoed by the Guyana Human Rights Association in its recent calls for constitutional compliance before any reform efforts can be deemed legitimate.

The distinguished union leader raises pointed questions regarding the current Constitutional Reform Commission. “How can members of the present Constitutional Reform Commission find it acceptable to proceed with an exercise of such grave national import while ignoring the obligations that would give legitimacy to the process?” Lewis questions their commitment to understanding the constitutional framework, suggesting that without a comprehensive understanding of our supreme law, any impending reforms are bound to be ineffective at best, and damaging at worst.

He highlights critical provisions within the Constitution, such as Article 119A, which mandates the establishment of a Standing Parliamentary Committee for Constitutional Reform. Unfortunately, this committee remains non-functional, contributing to a broader trend of negligence in the oversight of constitutional processes. Lewis highlights the troubling reality that among the commission’s members are respected former judicial figures whose apparent silence in the face of constitutional violations raises questions about their integrity and complicity. “Every one of them is now called upon to revisit their actions and the lawlessness they are enabling,” he states urgently.

Another aspect of this constitutional crisis, according to Lewis, is the government’s willful omission of constitutional education from the national curriculum. He argues that this absence is deliberate, intended to maintain a populace that is unaware of their legal rights and the tenets of the Constitution. He asserts that “When people are ignorant of their rights and the supreme law of the land, they are easier to manipulate.” Such ignorance not only undermines democracy but serves to empower both government and opposition, leaving ordinary citizens to suffer the consequences of political manipulation.

Further complicating the matter is the ideological zeal surrounding “constitutional reform,” which in some instances seems less about national interest and more about political vendetta against the People’s National Congress and the legacy of former President Forbes Burnham. Lewis highlights how past attempts at constitutional changes — often executed without a robust legal framework — have led to electoral manipulations, such as an inflated voters’ list that could compromise the integrity of elections before they even occur. He warns that this erosion of lawful democracy, paired with the failure to ensure genuine inclusionary democracy, creates a scenario in which citizens feel compelled to placate those in power for basic rights and entitlements.

The crux of Lewis’s critique lies in the belief that “the problem is not the Constitution. The problem is ignorance of the Constitution, and worse — the exploitation of that ignorance.” He contends that our political leaders are failing to engage critically with the constitutional framework that is meant to guide governance and civic participation. This absence of political will, he argues, is the critical barrier to implementing a functioning democracy that serves its people equitably.

Lewis provides a sobering reminder of the implications if we continue on this path. “Until we confront this hard truth, even the most perfect constitution won’t take us one inch closer to building a society where every citizen is held to the same standards and bound by the same rules.” His impassioned plea resonates with the call for transformative change in our approach to governance, suggesting that we are far from a society where constitutional ideals are actively cultivated and lived.

Lewis’s message urges citizens to reclaim their constitutional rights and demand accountability from those who wield power. Only then can we genuinely work toward a future where unity, respect, and dignity are the cornerstones of our nation.