Dear Editor,
The public call by the Parliamen-tary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for nominees to the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) must be seen within the context of activating the ‘Objective of the Political System’ outlined in Article 13 of the constitution.
This article expressly states, “The principal objective of the system of the State is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens, and their organizations in the management and decision-making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well-being.”
This posture augurs well for Guyana and the PAC must be commended for taking such a bold and progressive step. Having reached to this point the parliamentary political parties are urged to understand that Article 212X (2) requiring approval of not less than two-thirds of the members of the National Assembly for the nominees is not an opportunity to prevent competent Guyanese from serving because of political association, real or perceived, or a personal dislike. A person should be denied approval having not met the required expertise and experience outlined in Article 212X. (1).
Let it be clear, our Members of Parliament, and the President, have sworn to uphold the constitution, which has within it the right to freedom of association. Every citizen is a voter or potential voter and to cast a vote means this will be cast for a party of choice, which is a protected right. The enjoyment of this right also includes protection from discrimination on said ground. Refer to Article 147 (1) and 149 (2). Similarly those enjoying these rights have a civic duty to ensure respect for the constitution, their fellow citizens, and the responsibility of government so outlined therein.
We need to return to the days of political/public service when those assigned public responsibility discharge same consistent with universal principles and the rule of law. Let me cite a case to make the point.
The Ministry of Labour under the leadership of the late Kenneth Denny as Minister of Labour invited the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) to discuss his proposals to address what he considered areas for amendments in the labour laws. In his team was Assistant Chief Labour Officer Majid. In this engagement as the minister outlined the amendments he was desirous of making Majid highlighted the instances where some of these proposals conflicted with ILO conventions. The minister paid heed and withdrew.
The lesson from this is that Majid as the professional member of staff was unafraid to draw to the policymaker’s attention to the fact his intention was in conflict with international acceptable standards. And the policymaker demonstrated that he didn’t know it all and was prepared to accept sound technical advice and act in accordance therewith.
Further, it may be perceived that based on the way many think, Majid was PPP, or even if he was PNC, he was a professional. In like manner it could be said the PNC minister was not intimidated by having competent staff around. In fact, it demonstrated recognition for reliance on competency. The GTUC and Ministry of Labour left the meeting with the understanding the proposed amendments that conflicted with ILO conventions would not be pursued. The then government honoured the commitment.
This type of atmosphere towards governance needs to return. Unfortunately, today when an error is drawn to the political directorate’s attention, rather than see it for what it is worth, the official considers it a challenge to his/her authority. And instead of correcting same the society is bullied, laws are violated and citizens’ rights transgressed in order to demonstrate s/he correct even when s/he knows it’s wrong. It needs to be said this attitude to governance is not strength, it is weakness; it is not maturity, it is immaturity.
Thus, to those who are saying this or that person must not be appointed to the PPC because of political association, perceived or real, or personal dislike, it is time this society creates more Denny and Majid scenarios in the interest of moving forward and ensuring the proper management of our resources.
Yours faithfully,
Lincoln Lewis
General Secretary
GTUC