Georgetown: The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) notes with interest, the most recent public disclosure of the David Granger-led Administration’s appointment of a Constitutional Reform Steering Committee. The PPP’s interest was aroused by both the occasion and composition of the body. According to the PPP in a press statement, “ Constitutional Reform is an emotive subject among politicians in Guyana. Users of the constitution highlighted the efforts of the colonial British Government in its design against the anti-colonial forces. The Jagan earlier government used the constitution to enshrine Adult Suffrage. Burnham constitution of 1980, extended Presidential Immunity and the erosion of fundamental rights. Consequently, the 1992 Jagan Government responded to the public opinion in embarking on Constitutional Reform.” “The resulting reformed constitution placed Guyana in the forefront of Parliamentary Democracy. That reformed constitution, 2001/2002 provided for The Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reform. Ironically, that constitutional body never even received opposition interest, so much so, that in the 10th Parliament, the Granger-led APNU entrusted with the chairmanship of that constitutional body, never, never ever convened a meeting.”
“So, the occasion seized by the Granger-led administration to establish a government committee on constitutional reform, must be seen as the “Johnny come lately” approach.
Immediately after the elections in May 2015, the Granger-led Administration has suddenly seen the light of constitutional reform. Constitutional reform has merit. The composition of the non-parliamentary body, established by the Granger Administration is disturbing. The Granger-led Administration exhibited its fast-evolving mindset of autocratic authoritative decision making in this, another area of life in Guyana. The members, individually and collectively of this body, are mostly known party political hacks. They served and continue to serve the pure partisan positions of their party. Those who are not, are distinguished by their public hostility to the last PPP/C government and/or the PPP.
Essentially, this move smacks of political opportunism/expediency. It reveals the resolve of the Granger-led Administration to inject its priorities into the Constitution of Guyana, without consultation and/or prior consent."
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