The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has taken note of the decisions of Chief Justice (a.g.) Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire in regard to three (3) matters that were heard regarding some aspects of the No Confidence motion which the National Assembly approved on December 21, 2018. The matters we recognized addressed several weighty issues and undoubtedly the Chief Justice’s rulings brought much needed clarity to the several differing views which emerged in the days post-December 21, 2018.
The FITUG recognizes that the Government, through a statement, has indicated that it will appeal the decisions. Of even greater importance to us, is that the Administration’s statement advised that it will continue to operate as if the situation were normal, when the Chief Justice has clearly indicated that should really not be the case. It seems respect for the Constitution, our nation’s supreme legislation, has gone out the window, so to speak. The Federation recalls, that President David Granger, in his message in the APNU+AFC 2015 manifesto, committed “…to bring an end to …constitutional abuse by the President, Cabinet and executive branch of the government”. Today, the very matter the President vowed to bring an end to is distressingly taking place by a Government he leads.
As it stands, the clock is ticking and the 90-day deadline looms. It is now incumbent on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), which is duty bound to respect to the Constitution, to inform the public of its state of readiness to abide by the Constitutional clock. The seeming hemming and hawing by the elections body needs to be brought to an end and elections machinery needs to be kicked into high gear. Our country can ill-afford the Constitutional stalemate that could very well emerge should the Elections Commission be unable to fulfill its responsibilities.
We believe that the Government rather than procrastinating should abide by will of the National Assembly which has been buttressed now the Chief Justice’s rulings. The charade-playing will not do our nation and people any good. Moreover, it may well undermine our country’s fledging democratic credentials which were won by the struggles of the Guyanese people.
