Prominent attorneys Stephen Fraser and Roysdale Forde have been nominated for the post of the Speaker of the National Assembly, according to sources in the Alliance for Change (AFC) party who say that a definitive decision has to be reached before the end of this week.
Fraser is a managing partner in the Fraser, Housty & Yearwood law firm who is said to have a wealth of knowledge and experience. The source, who described Fraser as a learned attorney said that he ought to be appointed as senior counsel.
Stabroek News was told that Fraser has been a practicing attorney for several years. At one time he worked out of the Hughes, Fields and Stoby law firm, and several years ago opened his own law practice on Middle Street obliquely opposite the Guyana Power and Light (GPL). Based on what this newspaper was told, he began his practice in Guyana sometime during the 1980s.
This newspaper understands that Fraser specializes in civil and commercial law and is well respected in the legal fraternity, given his seniority and legal skills.
Forde who operates his practice from Hadfield Street has also gained popularity over the years. He has represented persons both in civil and criminal proceedings with much success. Sources close to him say that if chosen he would gladly accept the position. Stabroek News was told that while this will be a new experience for him, he would welcome it with open arms.
Stabroek News was told that the AFC has nominated Forde but efforts to ascertain who nominated Fraser were futile. An AFC source however expressed confidence that Fraser will be chosen stating that the two attorneys are the only two persons in the running.
Previously this newspaper was told that former Justice of Appeal Claudette Singh was the APNU’s choice but based on what it being said that is not the case. This newspaper was unable to make contacted with party officials to ascertain who they had nominated.
President David Granger had previously said that there were several nominations adding that he was not aware that there was a short list. ”If she (Singh) has been nominated by one of the parties, don’t forget we (APNU) are six parties, if one of the parties nominated her she must be given an opportunity to say if she is willing to serve and to my mind that hasn’t happen as yet”, he had told reporters about a week ago.
The APNU+AFC coalition had agreed prior to the May 11 elections that Raphael Trotman’s re-placement would come from civil society. Both parties it was agreed would name their nominees and a final decision would be made subsequently.
