Dear Editor,
Constitutional reform is the cause célèbre of new parties; and indeed, given the events since the 21st December 2018 No-confidence vote, I am inclined to agree with them. Where we differ is on how, why, and for the benefit of whom.
The PNC and the ‘new’ parties see reform of the Constitution as the work of a special corps of persons who know what is best for all Guyanese. They would have a small, Government-dominated committee suggest changes, and implement these by way of a majority vote in the Legislature. The PPP, who made 192 changes to the 1980 Constitution, in its newest manifesto, suggests there be a return to the process utilised for previous reforms, with civil society making up 50% of the committee, 25% Government, and 25%…; therefore, ceding the majority position in favour of a twenty-five percent say in the outcome.
I would go a step further and ask that a referendum be held and all the amendments be voted on individually, to determine the will of the people. I have grave doubts about Guyana’s civil society and the voices that supposedly represent it. The people of Guyana have to be consulted, and then involved directly in the approval process, before implementation via amendments.
The voices of ‘Civil Society’, with few exceptions, have been silent on the disdain showed by David Granger for the Constitution of Guyana. It took the issuance of a joint statement by the USA, UK, and the EU on 19th September 2019, to the effect that the Government had become illegal and was occupying office as a usurper, for many of them to acknowledge that Elections were past due, and that there was a constitutional crisis.
Some, such as Lincoln Lewis, still refuse to accept that Granger is heading an illegal administration, and is engaging in unlawful conduct daily. Given a chance, Guyana’s business class may be inclined to make self-serving changes in furtherance of cultural hegemony.
The ‘new party’ people are all concerned about manipulating the electoral process; reforming it to get a seat is an attractive prospect, and is easier than doing the hard work required to win the X of the voters next to their symbols. The new men are all about getting a seat in Parliament, based on perception rather than actual votes. These are visionless parties, whose best attribute is to criticise those who can think, conceive, and execute development plans for the nation. The PNC and its APNU/AFC acolytes couldn’t care less about adherence to the present Constitution. Cabinet meetings continue, it is business as usual; any reform from these folks would be to establish a one-party state, elections and election results be damned. Is this what people want?
The Death Penalty is an example where the will of the people and those who represent us in civil society and political organisations diverge. We, the people, are overwhelmingly in favour of the death penalty, the politicians avoid implementation because it can affect the nation’s relationships with important partners; civil society members avoid it because it offends their elitist sensibilities. Any mention of the ‘Death Penalty’ cues the long-dormant voices of the GHRA, Red Thread, TIGI et al.
They are silent on David Granger’s egregious transgressions, but are vocal on implementation of one of our laws. How dare the people want something that is enshrined in the Constitution? ‘Reform and remove!’ will be the cry.
Politicians need to stand up for the Guyanese right to set our society’s needs first. We are still dealing with barbarians within our walls, and they must be treated harshly. We have in the current Government men who provided succour to bandits like Linden ‘Blackie’ London and Rondell ‘Fineman’ Rawlins. we are not yet as civilised as other nations. To become ‘civilised’, we need to go through that process of enacting harsh laws and penalties until the criminal elements understand they will pay the ultimate price for their actions.
The PPP has stated it would look at serious reform in the area of inclusive governance. This is reflective of the will of the people. Wording will be crucial, as simple language ‘needing no gloss’ will not suffice post-Granger. The framers of amendments to the Constitution would need all the help they can get to eliminate wilful ignorance in interpretation.
Guyana needs leadership from younger people, who understand the concept of ‘Rule of Law ‘and who want a return to parliamentary democracy and respect for the Constitution as our supreme guide. Elections are on the 2nd of March 2020.
Respectfully,
Robin Singh