The conference, “Resisting the emerging apartheid state of Guyana,” scheduled for last Sunday, was postponed. Many Guyanese were thereby deprived of the evidence on which Cuffy 250, the organisers of the conference, intended to rely to prove the existence of emerging apartheid in Guyana, whether it began to surface in 1992, or only from 2020. If proved, this crime against humanity, perpetrated by the Government in favour of Indian Guyanese, rich and poor, would somehow have been lurking behind an elaborate façade of constitutional rights and civil liberties for all Guyanese.
Continue reading “‘RESISTING THE EMERGING APARTHEID STATE IN GUYANA’”THERE IS NO OBSTACLE TO APPOINTING A CHANCELLOR AND CHIEF JUSTICE
The judiciary, along with the executive and legislature, is one of the three constitutional pillars of the state. But the two most important positions in the judiciary, the Chancellor and Chief Justice, have been held under acting appointments for approximately two decades. The last confirmed Chief Justice was Desiree Bernard from 1996 to 2001 and last confirmed Chancellor was the said Desiree Bernard from 2001 to 2005.
Continue reading “THERE IS NO OBSTACLE TO APPOINTING A CHANCELLOR AND CHIEF JUSTICE”INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE IS DEAD
It is now over twenty years that inclusive governance, referred to previously by other slogans such as ‘participatory democracy,’ was enshrined in the Guyana constitution. The principle was set out in article 13 which was enacted as part of widespread constitutional changes in 2001 following the Report of the Constitution Reform Commission (“the Commission”) of 2000 which was unanimously adopted by the National Assembly. Article 13 states: “The principal objective of the political system of the State is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens, and their organisations in the management and decision-making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that affect their well-being.” While Article 13 stands alone as an objective, no mechanism was established by way of legislation, such as a constitutional commission, to give effect to its purpose. The absence of a framework for implementation has caused article 13 to languish in desuetude.
Continue reading “INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE IS DEAD”I NEVER DECLINED
The month of August marks 25years since the PPP’s selection of Mrs. Janet Jagan in 1997 as its presidential candidate for the elections due later that year. I was the only other person seriously nominated. Why I was not selected is now only an asterisk in history, if so much. However, a few still consider it a matter of interest. In a social media programme a few weeks ago, “Gildarie and Freddie,” at which Mr. Clement Rohee was a guest, he was asked about the event. Mr. Rohee said that after attacks by Moses Nagamootoo at the meeting to select the candidate, I declined the nomination. This is not so. I now seek to set the record straight. I will write in the future in more detail about these events.
Continue reading “I NEVER DECLINED”AMERICA SPEAKS
In his tweet after the meeting with the President Irfan Ali and his team, the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken said: “Guyana remains a key partner as we work to bolster food and energy security, promote shared prosperity and inclusive growth, strengthen transparency, and safeguard the environment.” The White House readout of Vice President Kamala Harris telephone discussion with President Ali stated: “The Vice President noted that she looked forward to the continuing collaboration with President Ali in promoting inclusive democracy, economic development and security for all Guyanese…”
Continue reading “AMERICA SPEAKS”