United Nations (UN) Resident Mikiko Tanaka says it is hoped that the executive will demonstrate its integrity and respect of Guyana’s constitution and the judiciary in light of the acting Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire’s ruling upholding the passage of the no-confidence motion against the government.
Tanaka was addressing a ceremony to officially launch the United Nations-designated World Inter-faith Harmony Week 2019 at the National Cultural Centre.
“SDG 16 recognises that building peaceful, just and inclusive societies that provide equal access to justice and that are based on respect for human rights including the rights of development requires effective rule of law and good governance on all levels, and are transparent, effective and accountable to institutions,” Tanaka said.
She noted that the recent political developments that were trigged by the no-confidence vote of December 21st are a test for the country’s strength and integrity as it relates to the effectiveness of the rule of law and good governance.
“It is hoped that the third arm of the state, the Executive, will demonstrate its integrity and respect of Guyana’s constitution and the judiciary that constitute the foundations of rule of law and good governance,” Tanaka added after noting the actions of the legislature and the judiciary.
Last Thursday, the acting Chief Justice upheld the validity of the vote on the motion and said that this should have triggered the immediate resignation of the Cabinet, including the President, paving the way for new elections within three months unless an extension is agreed. The motion had been declared carried by the Speaker Dr. Barton Scotland after the vote.
Government, which moved to the court to challenge it, has since said that while it respects the Chief Justice’s judgment, it would be appealing. “Until the matter is concluded at the highest court of appeal the status quo remains and the business of government continues as usual. The government reassures the Guyanese people that it will continue to act in accordance with the constitution of Guyana,” it said in a subsequent statement.
Tanaka also noted that voting citizens, both young and old and male and female, should inform themselves of issues that affect their lives in the wider society as well as what they should expect and demand from political parties as it relates to shaping the future of the country.
“Everyone’s voices and votes must count. An electoral period near the first arrival of oil revenues is at best an opportunity a country can have for positive societal change. The recent development strategy offers a clear vision and abundant information on the development issues and possible solutions for Guyana and its people,” she said, while adding that as it is with many development strategies, the challenges lie in the implementation and delivery of tangible results for the entire citizenry.
Tanaka emphasised citizen-involvement and said that they should have discussions among themselves along with the political parties on what optimum cooperation should look like.
She also stressed that the role of faith-based organisations can be instrumental in fostering the right values and norms for societal change, and as a result, can be fundamental to sustainable development “that leaves no one behind.”
Tanaka also added that religious leaders can play a large role by reaching out to their own communities and relating messages of inclusion and understanding.
“Peace builds bridges across and between communities. Peace helps to reduce polarisation and develop inclusive societies in which diversity and experience is an asset,” she said, while noting that the imminent arrival of oil revenues next year will force every debate and discussions will be more focal if the messages that were shared by the different religious leaders at the ceremony are “taken more to heart” by politicians and ordinary citizens alike.
“Encouraging dialogue, understanding, compassion and compromise will lead to positive results and attitudes across the country. The message of commitment to peace and harmony delivered here today lays a foundation that makes achieving the goals more within our reach,” she added.
