The implementation of the process of consultation required of the President under Guyana’s Constitution has been one of the most controversial constitutional issues since Independence. During the later years of President Burnham’s rule, consultation had degenerated into a perfunctory telephone call to the then Leader of the Minority. After 1985 when President Hoyte assumed office, […]
Tag Archives: lawyer
TOUTING AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION
It was disclosed during last week (“Bar Association writes Registrar of Court, Commissioner of Police on touting” SN 2/12/15) that the Guyana Bar Association had written to the Registrar of the Supreme Court and the Commissioner of Police seeking action against the use of touts to procure legal business for lawyers. Touting has long been […]
IMPENDING CHANGES IN THE JUDICIARY
During last week the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, the Honourable Basil Williams, reminded us that the current Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang is due to retire shortly. According to the Constitution, the acting Chief Justice is required to retire next February but with pre-retirement leave, if taken (he has reportedly never taken […]
THE PRIME MINISTER IS ENTITLED TO SIT IN PARLIAMENT WHILE PERFORMING THE FUNCTIONS OF PRESIDENT
Mr. Anil Nandlall, former Attorney General and PPP/C Member of the Parliament, and now the guardian of our rights under the Constitution, pronounced ominously on the dire consequences that would befall the nation if the Prime Minister sets foot in the Parliament Chamber, after he is sworn in to perform the duties of the President. […]
THE COURT CANNOT ORDER A RECOUNT OF THE VOTES
The Representation of the People Act, which can be found in volume 1 of the Laws of Guyana, contains the laws relating to elections, including the counting and recounting of votes. After the close of the poll the Presiding Officer is required to count the votes in the presence assistant election agents and election agents. […]