Dear Editor,
I am extremely supportive of the people’s power to choose a government and a parliament at the same time. I was always of the opinion that there must be separation of the executive and legislative powers of any government. In the case of previous majority rule, the executive branch of government and the ministers should not have been the same ones making laws. Public administration studies teach that the administrators (president and ministers) are the executors and administrators of the law. In the case of the majority rule of both the PPP and PNC, this was not the case. The executive branch made the law and administered it, leaving no accountability and checks and balances.
I would challenge the new parliament to consider the following: Firstly, they should change the constitution to limit the executive powers of the president, a promise that the late President Jagan made to the people. It would be a welcome act to fulfil his desire. This action would make sure that future presidents would be accountable to the people and not their own self interest. Secondly, ministers should be held accountable by holding parliamentary hearings whenever there are scandals, frauds, and bad project outcomes. Thirdly, they should ensure there are timely local government elections; and finally, they should debate the issues and make sure the laws passed are enforced as intended. No one should be above the law.
This new parliament with new leadership has an incredible opportunity to take Guyana to the next level. The recent election is an indication of change for the better. This was long overdue. APNU and AFC should not let the PPP and the executive branch get away with anything. However, they should not hold the country hostage, but firmly negotiate in the interest of all Guyanese and the national interest.
I must digress. I see the recent election not so much as a alternative form of government but as a referendum on Bharrat Jagdeo. Make no mistake, the Internet is a powerful means of communication and with the digital era exposure of everything is easily done. Government is not the government of yesterday. There is a worldwide shift in the dynamics of government oppression and incompetence.
In respect of APNU and the AFC, it is the opportune time for them to make their mark and gain the trust of the Guyanese people. If they do this they will run things in many elections to come.
Yours faithfully,
Steve Hemraj
