SEIZE THE TIME!

As if the political controversies were not enough, the rains and inevitable floods brought more woes to the populace. But while the floodwaters and rain will slowly recede, giving way to spring harvesting, our political landscape remains stubbornly arid. The presidential letter has gone out but the opposition political parties remain adamant – no talks […]

CONSULTATION OR CONFRONTATION?

Proroguing parliament is a legitimate constitutional device in Westminster constitutions, whatever its origins and the purpose for which it is used. Much of the time prorogation has been used for partisan purposes, has been unpopular and has incurred much opposition. The Governor prorogued the legislature in 1963 to cause the lapse of the Labour Relations […]

SLIPPING THROUGH THE BACK DOOR?

President Ramotar said in his address to the nation last week that if the Opposition persists with the no confidence motion, he will ‘prorogue or dissolve’ the National Assembly. These are two completely different options. The proroguing of the National Assembly means the termination of this session only and all pending business, which is not […]

NAVIN CHANDARPAL

Navin Chandarpal was one of Guyana’s best known public figures and politicians. His popularity was so extensive that most people who knew him well, even those who did not share his political views or allegiances, felt honoured to be considered by him as a friend. His relationship with people transcended politics. He had time for […]

THE SPEAKER CANNOT FIX A DATE – UNDER THE RULES OR BY PRACTICE

The Clerk to the National Assembly has sought, in a letter to the press, to answer my article last Sunday in which I contended that the Speaker must convene the National Assembly now. My argument was that the National Assembly, when adjourned without a date being fixed, must sit on the next sitting day pursuant […]