Leader of the Opposition David Granger has announced a Shadow Cabinet, which he said was the core of the Office of the Leader of the Opposition and through which he plans to lead a charge against the Government via scrutiny.
Speaking at a press conference at Congress Place on Tuesday, Granger, chairman of the APNU said the Cabinet was part of the APNU parliamentary group which already had its inaugural meeting.
According to Granger, the shadow Cabinet will most likely include APNU Vice Chairman Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, Carl Greenidge, Ronald Bulkan, Amna Ally, Deborah Backer, Volda Lawrence, Joseph Harmon, Winston Felix, Basil Williams and George Norton.
Granger expressed confidence in the competence and commitment of his shadow Cabinet and looked forward to contributing to the deliberations of the National Assembly.
He defined his own role in leading opposition to the executive as continuously examining its actions, exploring its weaknesses, exposing abuse, eliminating corruption and enhancing governance in the interest of all Guyanese.
Meanwhile the Alliance For Change (AFC) said it wished to play no part in the APNU’s shadow Cabinet, since it wanted to maintain its independence and said it will not be appended to either the APNU or the PPP.
AFC Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan said the AFC is interested in whistle-blowing legislation, Freedom of Information and Broadcast legislation. “When we put that to the table we hope that APNU would support it; we are hoping that the PPP/C would support it,” Ramjattan said.
The AFC said it sees itself as the balance of power and the conscience of the nation.
