The opposition PPP will not attend any sitting of the National Assembly before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) pronounces on its appeal against Fri-day’s Guyana Court of Appeal ruling invalidating the passage of the December 21 no-confidence motion against the government.
This is according to Opposition Leader and the party’s General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo. “The General Secretary of the PPP wishes to place on record that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) will not attend any sitting of the National Assembly while the appeal in the no-confidence motion is pending at the Caribbean Court of Justice,” Jagdeo told Stabroek News yesterday.
His attorney Anil Nandlall had also told Stabroek News yesterday that within two days, he will file the appeal at the CCJ and they are seeking to get the earliest possible hearing.
Meantime, Government’s Chief Whip Amna Ally told Stabroek News that she was “not yet” able to state when the National Assembly, which has been on hiatus since January 3rd, will be reconvened. However, she said that there will not be a sitting this week or anytime soon.
Following Friday’s Appeal Court ruling that the December 21st no-confidence motion was invalid, Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, who was at the time performing the duties of President, had said that the National Assembly will soon be reconvened.
“Government is pleased with the decision as it settles matters which have been discussed ad nauseam for several months and which had led to some level of uncertainty,” Greenidge said in an address to the nation, that was broadcast on the National Communications Network.
During his address, Greenidge stressed that government is legal and remains in office without hindrance. Specifically, he noted that there are no barriers to the President and Cabinet moving forward as they see fit. “Its powers remain unmodified. As an executive it has full powers,” he stressed.
Additionally, Greenidge noted that the position of Parliament is restored to that of December 21st prior to the vote and arrangements will be made for Parliament to meet and conduct its business unhindered.
“Parliament has power. Parliament acting on the decisions of the court can meet as soon as it likes to address whatever it likes and to deal with bills brought before it and motions brought before it however it likes,” Greenidge elaborated.
He went on to appeal to all Guyanese to respect the ruling of the court and remain calm while they await the decision in relation to any appeals which may be filed at the CCJ.
