By Mark DaCosta- In his column, Eye on Guyana, published on July 12, veteran trade unionist Lincoln Lewis encapsulates a vital issue facing our nation: the potential reform of our Constitution without a solid grasp of its principles and aspirations. He warns that such reform is not merely imprudent but could inadvertently harm the very fabric of our society.
Lewis’ argument hinges on the logically correct notion that without a clear understanding of the Constitution – as it stands – and the rights it guarantees, any attempts at constitutional change will falter and fail to serve the people it is meant to protect. His views resonate against the backdrop of ongoing discussions about constitutional reform, highlighting the desperate need for accountability and respect for the rule of law.
Lewis’ main thesis centres around the belief that before we consider modifying our fundamental laws, there must first be a comprehensive appreciation of those laws and their implications. He asserts that proceeding with reforms without delving into the essential components of the Constitution and ignoring the collective aspirations of our citizenry is akin to “flailing in the dark.” The trade unionist presents a compelling argument that any amendments made hastily could lead to contradictions within existing constitutional provisions, creating confusion and institutional dysfunction that ultimately undermines justice and governance.
At the heart of Lewis’ analysis is a deep-seated concern about the current government’s approach to constitutional reform. He firmly believes that the present administration is treating the Constitution with a casual disregard that could prove dangerous.
The activist criticises the absence of a Standing Parliamentary Committee for Constitutional Reform, a critical body that should be continually reviewing our Constitution’s effectiveness and suggesting necessary changes. Lewis states, “Here we are with no Standing Parliamentary Committee functioning as prescribed; no serious attempt to follow the law.” This absence not only highlights governmental negligence but reveals a deliberate tactic of avoiding accountability for constitutional adherence.
Moreover, Lewis points to the lack of prioritisation of constitutional education within our national curriculum as a glaring oversight. He argues that not including foundational knowledge of the Constitution from an early age is a deliberate ploy to keep citizens in ignorance, making them easier to manipulate. The trade unionist states, “When people are ignorant of their rights and the supreme law of the land, they are easier to manipulate,” highlighting the ongoing struggle for empowerment and awareness in our society.
Tensions run high as the government appears more interested in leveraging constitutional reform as a political tool rather than a genuine effort for national improvement. Lewis notes that the loud calls for reform are often cloaked in partisanship and are driven more by a disdain for historical political figures and parties, such as the People’s National Congress and Forbes Burnham, than by a sincere desire to uplift our nation. He refers to this phenomenon as a “sexy political topic,” emphasising the opportunistic nature of the current discourse.
Further complicating the situation is the apparent complicity of those who serve on the Constitutional Reform Commission, including individuals with judicial backgrounds who, according to Lewis, are failing to “speak truth to power.” He challenges these members to reflect on their actions, questioning whether they have genuinely engaged with the Constitution and its implications for our society. In this context, he asserts that every member must revisit their obligation to uphold not only the Constitution but also the principles of accountability that it embodies.
Lewis’s perspective calls for a fundamental transformation in how our nation understands and approaches constitutional change. He argues that attempting to modify the Constitution without a thorough comprehension of its workings is both reckless and detrimental. Emphasising the need for legislation that reinforces inclusionary democracy, the General Secretary contends that the ongoing manipulation of constitutional provisions, such as the bloated voters’ list, can lead directly to rigged elections and disenfranchised citizens. He states, “The bloated voters’ list is one such example and allows elections to be rigged before a single vote is cast,” illustrating the dire consequences of neglecting constitutional integrity.
Moreover, he advocates for a united approach to reform grounded in respect for the rule of law, whereby all citizens are held equally accountable. He warns that until “we confront this hard truth,” our efforts to build a society shaped by the ideals of our Constitution will remain futile.
Lewis underscores that understanding the Constitution is not only vital for the legitimacy of reform but critical for the survival of our democracy. He calls upon all stakeholders to examine their commitment to constitutional adherence, insisting that true change can only flourish when grounded in knowledge and accountability. The words of Lewis serve as a rallying cry for all Guyanese, urging us to push for a future where constitutional compliance is not merely an obligation but a shared commitment to the betterment of our nation. Without this foundational understanding, we risk generating a cycle of lawlessness and disillusionment that history has shown can lead to suffering for ordinary citizens. Our Constitution is not just a document; it is a living framework that represents the tenets of democracy and the will of the people.
