Dear Editor,
Reference is made to my friend Chris Ram’s letter ‘Not a nation of laws’ (SN, December 9) in response to my contention that Guyana is a “nation of laws.” It is accurate to say that ours is a nation of laws. The society as we know it today is established on laws, the supreme one being the constitution. What we can discuss – a discussion which has much merit – is the disrespect for the rule of law. Being a nation of laws and practising/upholding the rule of law are two different and distinct positions.
And in relation to the violation of the rule of law in the examples cited by Mr Ram there is a convergence of views that the government has no regard for the rule of law.
It is this disrespect for the rule of law that is a factor in the lawlessness in society. The disrespect for the rule of law in a nation of laws is the premise of my argument for adherence to the constitution and its attendant laws. I trust this would clarify any misconception of my consistent position, which is that in a nation of laws the people must demand respect for the rule of law and hold elected and government officials accountable.
Yours faithfully,
Lincoln Lewis
