The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), like many Guyanese near and far, waited, with bated breath, to hear President David Granger’s address to the nation last evening (September 25, 2019). The nation collectively was hopeful that President Granger would have brought an end to the Constitutional dark clouds that are hovering over our Land of Many Waters. For us and many Guyanese we are sure, the President’s address did not, in any way, bring us any closer to Constitutional compliance. Rather, we dismayingly saw, a perpetuation of the charades that the Coalition has been engaged in over the last nine months.
The President’s intimation of a tentative electoral date is practically an unheard of phenomenon and is now the latest ploy dispatched by the Administration as it continues its disrespectful attitude towards the Constitution. We recognize too that the President is seeking Parliamentary support regarding extending the life of his Government. The undoubted late acceptance of this reality is definitely a clear admission by the President that his Administration stands on weak legal grounds, if any at all. Even its moral authority to govern is now in question. The President’s sentiments, of course, contradict what the he and other Coalition officials have said previously on the matter.
In his address, President Granger drew attention to the upcoming Golden Jubilee of Republicanism as a rationale for announcing his possible electoral date. While the Jubilee is indeed a proud moment for our nation and all Guyanese, it, undoubtedly, will be overshadowed by the utter and blatant contempt for the rule of law and our fledgling democracy.
As we considered the important anniversary, we are reminded what Dr Cheddi Jagan said on the achievement of Republican status. In an address to the National Assembly on February 23, 1970, Dr Jagan, in the hallowed chamber, said “[w]e should be rejoicing, but unfortunately, there is little to shout about. The real freedom which we fought for has eluded us. Instead of a new liberation, we have a new servitude.” Dr Jagan went on saying “[t]he fact is that our beloved country is retrogressing instead of progressing. All that independence and republicanism stand for are being violated in our country. Conceptually, republicanism was a declaration of independence, an enunciation of the principle that sovereignty derives from the people and not from tyrants…”. He said too “[t]he Constitution is being subverted at every turn. The People’s National Congress has made a mockery of the electoral process…”. Indeed, nearly fifty (50) years to the day, Dr Jagan’s words remain relevant and an apt description of contemporary Guyana.
Indeed, it appears, that the Government, is unfazed by the genuine and germane criticisms that has been levelled at it. It seems, that the Granger-led Coalition Government is prepared, at all costs and consequences, to continue to squat and usurp Executive power though it has legitimately lost its right to govern. The continued denial of the Guyanese people inalienable right of franchise, a struggle that was ignited by the Trade Union movement, is disheartening and a step in the wrong direction. Today, the peace-loving and democratic forces must again retrieve our nation from undemocratic and illegal rule.
