Dear Editor,
It is coming up to two weeks since the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) made its definitive rulings – James Patterson was an illegal Chairman of GECOM, the No-Confidence Motion of December 21, 2018 was valid, the government was resigned by the parliament as of that date (it was not an option), the elections were supposed to be held by March 21st, 2019 and, therefore, the government stands illegal today. The CCJ made it clear it will issue consequential orders, based on the constitution, but gave the political stakeholders a week for dialogue before it issued those consequential orders. The Granger-led APNU+AFC failed to initiate any dialogue. The CCJ, after one week, met with the stakeholders and gave another almost three weeks for dialogue and hopefully avoid consequential orders from the CCJ. No such dialogue has occurred, even five days after the CCJ extended the dialogue period, and now more than two weeks since the rulings. It is open, brazen contempt for the CCJ.
The onus is on David Granger, the caretaker President, to initiate the dialogue. The CCJ last Monday (June 24th) heard Granger’s legal representative blatantly lie that the Leader of the Opposition, Bharat Jagdeo, failed to respond to Granger’s invitation for dialogue. The CCJ is in receipt of Granger’s letter which simply informed Jagdeo that Granger would meet him after the consequential orders were issued on June 24. Thus, Granger, in writing, “dissed” the CCJ which offered the week between its ruling and June 24th for dialogue and, hopefully, agreement. But Granger arrogantly ignored the CCJ, only offering a meeting after the CCJ’s consequential orders.
On June 24, the CCJ, expressing its disappointment that no dialogue occurred, gave another almost three weeks for constructive dialogue before it issues consequential orders. Based on the CCJ’s extended time, and not wanting to wait on Granger, the Leader of the Opposition immediately issued a letter informing Granger of his willingness and availability any time, even to meet every single day, anywhere, to seek a consensus way forward, avoiding CCJ’s consequential orders. It is now more than five days since the Leader of the Opposition wrote David Granger as the caretaker President. No response yet, nada, no word. Granger and APNU+AFC have gone silent, totally silent. Their silence speaks loudly, signifying their defiance of the CCJ.
Some of their sycophants have argued that Granger and APNU+AFC have initiated consequential actions, citing the demitting of office of Patterson, as GECOM’s Chair. But Patterson was fired by the CCJ and Guyana’s constitution. It was not up to him to remain at GECOM and it was not up to Granger to fire him. He was fired from the moment the CCJ issued its ruling. Had he stayed, he would have ignored the law and he would have been an imposter.
Patterson was not comfortable in personally “dissing” the CCJ. That Patterson walked has nothing to do with Granger and APNU+AFC complying with the CCJ’s rulings.
Local stakeholders have urged the political parties to dialogue and give effect to the constitution and to the CCJ’s rulings. Local stakeholders want the political parties to come up with consequential remedies and not be forced by CCJ’s consequential orders. Even partners in the coalition have urged timely action for the appointment of a new GECOM Chair and for elections within three months, in accordance with the constitution. The trade unions have called on the political parties, the private sector has similarly done so. But the government remains silent, unmoved.
The ABCE countries have been forceful and quick in urging compliance with the CCJ. Disappointingly, CARICOM remains totally silent. Anytime Guyana is in need of support from CARICOM, CARICOM chooses to be missing in action.
The time has come for all those who stand for true democracy to speak up, stand up for right. As of this time and per the problem we face, the Leader of the Opposition and the PPP have shown patience and their readiness to engage Granger and APNU+AFC. The time is now for all stakeholders to demand Granger meet with the Leader of the Opposition to select a GECOM Chair, even if an interim Chair, and to decide on an election date sooner than later, keeping in mind the constitutional requirement of three months, which expired since March 21st.
Granger and APNU+AFC “dissed” the parliament and the constitution, “dissed” the Chief Justice and the High Court and now is “dissing” the CCJ.
Yours faithfully,
Dr. Leslie Ramsammy
