Dear Editor,
Most social scientists are convinced that there is a strong link between politics and economics. Indeed, one philosopher once said that politics is concentrated economics. It means, therefore, that there is an interconnection between the two developments in that one is bound to affect the other.
Our country’s experience has proven that concept, if it was ever needed to be demonstrated. Cheddi Jagan was never tired of pointing out that without political democracy there can be no sustained economic development.
This issue has become very important at this time when the APNU+AFC government suffered a massive defeat in its loss at the No Confidence vote taken in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018.
Having been defeated by 33-32 votes, the initial reaction of the officials of the government was correct. The President himself, recognizing the situation, said that elections would be held early. The Department of Public Information, the government’s official information arm, on December 22, 2018, reported that; “…President David Granger this morning said the Government of Guyana, following the passing of the no-confidence motion last night in the National Assembly, will abide by the stipulations which have been imposed by it…”
The Prime Minister and others expressed the same sentiment.
In fact, even before the vote was taken the Prime Minister was confident that the motion would fail because the PPP/C only had thirty-two seats but needed thirty-three. He said; “…their (PPP/C) members in the Parliament didn’t change, they still have thirty-two seats and for a no confidence motion to succeed you need at least thirty-three seats…”
To allow this country to flourish we need to adhere to the rule of law. Upholding the Constitution becomes paramount.
Unfortunately, we are witnessing a backsliding taking place. We are hearing that 33 out of 65 is not a majority! Attempts are being made to delay the Assembly’s decision by going to Court. On what grounds, it is not clear.
What is obvious is that the two ruling parties (APNU+AFC) are trying to frustrate the Constitution and the masses of this country.
They must resign now. Carl Greenidge in a comment, when in 2014 the AFC tabled a No Confidence Motion, put it over strongly. He said that when such a motion of no confidence is passed the government should resign immediately and prepare for elections! This is what the APNU+AFC government must do now! This is the law!
I wish to recall that in 2014 when the No Confidence Motion was put against the government that I led, I had prorogued the Parliament. I explained that I did this to allow some discussions between the government and the Opposition in the interest of Guyana. The APNU+AFC refused to talk.
Having failed to get them to the table, I decided to call the elections and not to extend the prorogation and the life of my government, something I could legally have done.
I did that because I was aware that with the best of intention that my administration had, such an act could have led to political instability. Political instability would have negatively affected the economic progress of Guyana. For me that was unacceptable!
To me nothing should be done to affect the welfare of our people. The protection and promotion of democracy is indispensable to social and economic advancement.
It is the patriotic duty of all Guyanese to abide by the Constitution and defend the rule of law.
If the leaders of the APNU+AFC have an iota of concern for our people, they must demonstrate this by resigning immediately and allow for the mandated general elections within the ninety days’ period as stipulated by the Constitution.
If this is not done now, the confidence in the economy will decline even further. Investors will not put their money in a situation where the regime has lost its legal standing,
Unemployment will continue to soar as people hold back on their investments and job creation.
The government must be pressured to do the constitutionally required lawful and decent thing and save our democracy before it is too late!
I hold strongly to the view expressed that politics and economics are indeed inseparable!
Donald Ramotar
Former President
