Dear Editor,
The Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, a few days ago told the nation that Opposition Leader David Granger refused to agree to the appointment of Justice Ian Chang and Justice Carl Singh to fill the posts of Chief Justice and Chancellor, respectively. This statement was strongly denied by Mr Granger, who called it a “blatant lie.” The Opposition Leader told Guyanese that what he advised the government is that a transparent process should be established to make appointments to the two offices, in order that the local judicial system is blessed with the most suitably qualified and competent appointees. Mr Granger’s rejection of Mr Nandlall’s statement and his explanation has certainly reflected poorly on the AG, particularly since he has not refuted Mr Granger’s comment in the media.
The Attorney General has taken an oath to uphold our constitution and to carry out the functions of his office in a lawful, truthful and ethical manner; he is presumed to be under this oath for the duration of his office. What we saw a few days ago is the AG’s bold flouting of his responsibility and duty to reveal the truth to the Guyanese people.
I commend Mr Granger for quickly exposing Mr Nandlall and urge people to be vigilant lest we are used as scapegoats by the PPP/C government. A call for transparency in the system used to appoint the Chief Justice and the Chancellor of the Judiciary is referred to by the PPP/C government as a refusal to agree to the appointment of two justices the government has already identified for the posts. I also view the Attorney General’s misrepresentation as an affront to the Guyanese people, whom the government continues to disrespect. Mr Nandlall should not get away with this; he must offer an apology to the nation.
Yours faithfully,
Lurlene Nestor
