Dear Editor,
The selection of a speaker is taking longer than we would have thought which is due to a combination of factors that are a characteristic feature of Guyanese politics. An otherwise simple exercise whereby the two opposition benches should have come together and made a consensus choice for Speaker, is becoming inordinately time-consuming. There should have long since been a meeting of minds on this subject, but this is not to be since it has turned out to be a political dogfight between rival forces each one believing they are entitled to the speakership. The bigger opposition party, APNU, has indicated that it is unwilling to allow a candidate from the AFC to hold that chair, citing as a reason that candidate‘s close association with the ruling PPP/C. This is a very suspect decision which smacks of bullyism, I would say, because whoever is chosen must work with the PPP/C which for the record is the ruling party in the house. What APNU has undoubtedly said is that things have to be done their way or the highway, which in essence tells the populace that they are prepared to make this parliament a pappyshow, something we can ill afford at this time. For this very same reason I would not entertain a Speaker from their midst. What the PPP/C needs to do is use its casting vote and rally behind the AFC candidate Moses Nagamootoo. Here again it is not as easy as it seems, because the PPP/C has a candidate of its own which adds more confusion to the debate. They are not helping the situation any bit with this nonsense.
My advice to the President is to put away any misconceptions he might have about the AFC candidate, dump foolish pride and rise above partisan politics. Let us show some maturity for Guyana’s sake and move on with the people’s business.
Yours faithfully,
Neil Adams
