CRITICIZING PUBLIC OFFICIALS


For many years the stringency of the libel laws in Guyana has been the subject of debate. The victims of libel actions have always complained that the inflexibility of the libel laws reduce their capacity to expose wrongdoing of public figures who have duties to the citizens. Our situation was always contrasted with that of the United States where it appeared that politicians could be lawfully criticized with a defamatory vehemence which was impossible in Guyana. The PPP, other opposition forces and sections of the press were victims of libel actions and complained bitterly when in opposition. But the PPP/C government did not follow up the PPP’s criticisms by reforming the law after it came to office. Prime Minister Bruce Golding of Jamaica initiated a study of the issue as promised when he was in opposition.

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RESTORING THE OVERSEAS VOTE


This is an exceptionally emotive issue. It was infamously abused in elections of 1968 and 1973, restricted in 1980 and finally abolished for the 1985 elections. It was a major device for the rigging of elections with the objective of establishing one party, authoritarian rule. It helped to destroy Guyana’s economy and its good name. We sank into international shame and disrepute.

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