Latest update March 28th, 2024 12:59 AM
Nov 12, 2014 News
– APNU, AFC still in shock, caught unaware
By Kiana Wilburg
Even after an almost week’s notice of President Donald Ramotar’s threat to either dissolve or prorogue Parliament,
with the latter being the ultimate decision, the joint political opposition – A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) – still seems too shaken to meet and decide on the way forward.
Some observers have opined that the Opposition allowed itself this time around “to be caught with its pants down” as it on Monday afternoon, could not even appease worried and frustrated protestors with the blueprint for its strategy after the President’s decision was announced.
And from all indications this remains the case.
Leader of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan, was asked yesterday about his party’s proposed way forward and if it has met with APNU on their strategy. Ramjattan answered in the negative.
Ramjattan said that the way forward has not been decided as it has not met with its counterpart, APNU, as yet, but the AFC is on its own, currently “strategizing.”
APNU Leader David Granger also confirmed that a meeting with the AFC on the next step has not been decided as yet but he expects that they would meet soon. The Opposition Leader however, noted that APNU will be hosting a rally at the Square of the Revolution on Friday. He said that the rally is being held to register disdain for the oppressive denial of parliamentary democracy.
There were also concerns from observers as to why Granger was not advised on the possible implications of Ramotar making good on his threat and the strategy that should be taken in such an event.
Asked yesterday why this was not done, APNU parliamentarian Basil Williams told this newspaper that the question should be posed to the Opposition Leader.
Pressed further on the basis that he is the legal advisor for the coalition and the shadow Attorney General, Williams said, “Listen man, I don’t know. I already told you who to ask.” He then ended the telephone call.
In an invited comment, political activist, Aubrey Norton said that the Parliament being prorogued is but a dictatorial move. He said that the citizenry must admit that the provision in the Constitution to prorogue, however archaic, is a clear oversight, but he maintained that it was a misuse of powers by the government.
“It is a bad move by an illegitimate government,” Norton stated.
He asserted that the government’s decision can only be seen as “taking things to the extreme and it is undemocratic.”
Norton said that he believes the government has essentially removed one of the pillars of democracy. He nonetheless expressed hope that while the reaction of the people may be in the form of peaceful protests, he hopes that the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force act on the side of the people and do not allow themselves to be used against them.
THIS IDIOT TELLING GUYANA WE HAVE NO SAY IN THE 50% PROFIT SHARING AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH EXXON.
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