Dear Editor,
I write with reference to Mr. Frank Narain’s letter in Saturday’s SN. It is nice to hear from this outstanding Guyanese, that he is hale and hearty and for his sharing some important history with all the readers. I have no doubt that his reporting is correct with regard to the precedent which asserts that the authority for the opening of parliament lies solely with the government.
I am disappointed that he did not opt to acknowledge, identify or define the problem facing the country. Do we have a constitutional crisis in the country or not? And, how do we get out of it?
Mr. Frank Narain, given his wealth of knowledge and experience in parliamentary procedures and constitutional principles should be able to offer advice on the way out of this crisis. He seems smug and happy with expressing support and solidarity with current clerk, Isaacs – while the nation has lost its way, twisting like reeds in the wind.
All countries’ parliaments close for summer and winter recesses, and the re-opening dates are always set – just like the reopening of public schools after the recess. Why is Guyana’s left to the whims and fancies of the government? The way the Guyanese parliament is run – like the nation’s affairs in general – puts it in the same category of a banana republic. Is there any pride in this?
The only point Mr. Narain is making is that the precedent is established, it is set in stone and it must be followed no matter what terrible consequences and crises that flow from a precedent more suited to colonial times, certainly not a modern democracy.
I wish to pay tribute to Mr. Narain’s brother who once served as a Headmaster in Leguan. I once sat next to him on the railway from Parika to Vreed-en-Hoop, and he extolled on the virtues of good lesson planning, showed me his type-written work-sheets for students to fill out as they made an educational tour. He was a master at his trade. He was an outstanding teacher and Headmaster.
Yours faithfully,
Mike Persaud
