Dear Editor,
The opposition is commended for unanimously supporting the government on the border issue in which Venezuela is (wrongfully) claiming some two-thirds of Guyana’s territory and planning a referendum to ratchet up the claim. Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, shadow minister Amanza Walton-Desir, and shadow Attorney General Roysdale Forde, among others, gave excellent speeches backing the national position on the territorial integrity of Guyana. Norton’s long speech stood out in parliament, perhaps it was the longest during the rare show of unity by government and opposition. It was a Diwali gift – a festival of change, peace, and good conquering evil. The public likes the show of unity on Venezuela and hopes it can be transplanted on other (socio-economic) issues impacting on the population like the high cost of living, crime, health, among others.
All of the presentations were very good and Norton’s stood out as it was decades, if at any time, in which an opposition leader supports the government on an issue. He gave a very good history of the border dispute and how it was settled in Guyana’s favour, and he saluted both towering independence freedom fighters (Jagan and Burnham)’s handling of the issue. No doubt it was his finest hour (performance) in parliament so far. It was a focused speech on the border issue with rare display of unity by the opposition and the government. There was no “cuss out” and no “picong” from opposing figures mashing up PNC/AFC MPs as in the “budget debates”. Also, Norton did not show constancy of a lack of a clear message as in previous contributions in parliament and at various media encounters. He obviously showed that he has IR and foreign affairs background. He was very articulate.
Sincerely,
Dr. Vishnu Bisram
