Dear Editor,
As a young Guyanese politician, it is concerning to witness the biased conduct of the current Speaker of the National Assembly. This individual has consistently shown favouritism towards the government, stifling the opposition’s voice and enabling their self-serving actions. Evidently, the Speaker’s actions will leave an indelible mark on Guyana’s history, forever remembered as the worst and most biased speaker the nation has ever seen.
Lack of Neutrality and Impartiality: The fundamental role of the Speaker of the National Assembly is to uphold the principles of democracy and ensure fair and balanced proceedings. Sadly, our current Speaker has failed to fulfill this duty to the best of their abilities. On countless occasions, we have witnessed the Speaker of the National Assembly intentionally shutting down opposition members, disregarding their rights to express dissenting opinions and effectively silencing their voices. This flagrant disregard for democratic values shakes the very core of our nation’s democratic principles.
Favouritism towards the Government: One cannot ignore the disturbing pattern of favouritism displayed by the Speaker, who seems inclined to support the government’s every action, regardless of its merit or the potential implications for our nation. It is deeply concerning to witness this bias, as it renders the parliamentary discussions lacking in diversity, critical thought, and inclusiveness. Such a divisive approach fosters an environment where legitimate concerns and alternative viewpoints are dismissed, ultimately hindering progress and jeopardizing our democracy.
Implications for Representation and Government Accountability: In a functional democracy, the role of the opposition is crucial, as it provides checks and balances, pushes for accountability, and ensures that the government acts in the best interest of the people. However, with a biased Speaker at the helm, the opposition’s ability to effectively fulfill this role has been significantly compromised. By shutting them down and limiting their participation, the Speaker effectively diminishes the effectiveness of parliamentary debates and reduces government accountability. This undermines the very essence of democracy and deprives the citizens of a fair and transparent governance system.
Historical Ramifications: The legacy of the current Speaker will undoubtedly be tarnished by blatant favouritism and disregard for democratic principles. His term in office will be remembered as a dark chapter in Guyana’s history, where a fair and inclusive democratic process was hindered. Such biased behaviour from the Speaker erodes the public’s trust in democratic institutions. It sets a dangerous precedent for future speakers, giving rise to concerns that impartiality and fair representation may become secondary to personal or party interests.
Conclusion: Guyana deserves a Speak-er of the National Assembly who upholds the values of democracy, neutrality, and fairness. The current biased Speaker has failed to serve as the impartial arbiter that our country needs, opting instead to favour the government and silence the opposition. As we forge ahead, it is crucial that we demand accountability and transparency in our democratic institutions, ensuring that future speakers will uphold the principles that safeguard our democracy. Only then can we hope to restore trust, promote healthy debate, and truly represent the interests of all Guyanese citizens.
Sincerely,
Pt. Ubraj Narine, JP, COA
Former Mayor
City of Georgetown
