The recent appointments of four dual citizen, former ministers to new roles in the ministries they once headed were done to ensure the smooth functioning of the government and delivery of promises, Vice-Chair of the Alliance for Change (AFC) Catherine Hughes says.
She made the pronouncement at a press conference at the AFC’s headquarters in Kitty yesterday. Both Hughes and AFC Treasurer, former Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin – who was one of those appointed to a new role – were questioned on the matter. The four including Gaskin, former Minister of State Joseph Harmon, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, and former Minister of Public Service Dr Rupert Roopnaraine resigned after the courts ruled that they are ineligible to be Members of Parliament because they hold dual citizenship. President David Granger subsequently appointed them to new roles.
Hughes said that it is a reflection of a high level of maturity when it is accepted that it is necessary to maintain some of the skills that government had access to, prior to the ruling of the High Court.
“I think [former] Minister [Carl] Greenidge is a classic example of ensuring…the smooth functioning of government and delivery in terms of promises we have made,” Hughes said, while referencing the border controversy with Venezuela that is currently before the International Court of Justice.
She said that it would be “stupid” if Guyana has had such excellent service in the management of the case and was not prepared to have Greenidge reengaged in some form “after he has been working with the team preparing our case, and in an international forum.”
Gaskin, on the other hand, related that he could only speak to his own situation and his appointment as Director of Manufacturing and Marketing in the ministry he once headed. It is an area where a lot of work has to be done, he said.
Dedicated
“I can tell you that because of my involvement over the last four years. So I personally believe that a dedicated, a position dedicated to that particular area is certainly one that is not a frivolous appointment and certainly has a focus and area where attention is badly needed,” he said, while adding that in addition to his time spent as Business Minister and learning about the sector, he has over 40 years of experience in the manufacturing and marketing sectors.
According to Gaskin, he understands what needs to be done to iron out some of the challenges that the sector currently faces to make it more competitive and “I think I have a pretty good grasp of the role I need to play in this position.”
He also observed that the resignation of the respective ministers created an opportunity for President David Granger to reassess and identify areas of deficiencies.
He was also questioned on whether the appointments of the former ministers is an effort to circumvent the ruling of the High Court and he responded that he does not see how resigning from the position of minister and being reappointed to another position that comes with less responsibilities is circumventing the ruling of the court.
“I think it is just utilising the tools that you have at your disposal to get the job done and recognising areas of possible deficiencies and ensuring there is either continuity or refocused or renewed efforts in those areas. It’s as simple of that,” he said.
Gaskin also related that he has not had any discussions regarding salary and other benefits but is not expecting the compensation to be the same given that he will have less responsibility.
The two officials were also questioned on whether, if elections are called early, their party has any intention of renegotiating the Cummingsburg Accord – the pact that formalised the APNU+AFC alliance at the 2015 elections.
In response, Gaskin said that if elections are called early, then the pact will still be valid and there will be no reason to renegotiate.
“If elections are to take place after the validity of the accord expires then obviously we will have some discussion with our coalition partners about renewing or extending and maybe strengthening it. That is certainly a definite possibility but so far, we have not had any discussion yet because it’s still a valid agreement,” he said.
He was also questioned on the government’s decision to send six ministers to attend the hearings in the no-confidence case against the government at the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and the concerns that it was a waste of taxpayers’ money.
Gaskin said that they see no problem with the move and for such a matter at the CCJ, especially as it relates to the government, “you don’t just send lawyers.” He said that sort of high-level representation of the party of interest is needed.
The AFC officials were also questioned on the recent allegations against Attorney General Basil Williams regarding misconduct in his office. Hughes responded that their Chairman is in discussion and investigating the situation.
“I can’t say anything else. What I will say is that I do know from personal experience that quite often there are half-truths in what is published in the media in Guyana today,” she said.
At the press conference, it was also related that the AFC will be holding its National Conference on June 15.
