Dear Editor,
The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) is of the opinion that the ruling yesterday by acting Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire on the validity of the Confidence vote, dual citizenship and what constitutes a majority is predicated by the evidence presented since it is not the Justice’s prerogative to weigh in on any side. So as Guyanese continue to look at the merits of her ruling it is imperative, we keep her scope and limitations in focus. For it is a tenet of Lady Justice to be blind as she weighs the evidence before her.
Prior to the court’s ruling yesterday Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had stated the PPP/C will not accept a “judicial coup.” Today, supporters of the Coalition Government in response to the ruling are expressing displeasure and demonstrating willingness to question the Justice’s character. Both responses fly in the face of the judicial system and the independence with which it is held. Both directly and indirectly set out to besmirch the character of the learned and upstanding Judge and undermine.
The very nature of this case with its high tension, emotional and impact potential will cause society to continue discussing and debating this leg of its legal outcome for a long time. It is very important that we as individuals, groups, a country, get this right. It is important that we resist the ease of temptation to not just embrace irrationality but to destroy the very system, the judicial process and those within responsible for government fulfilling its law abiding (judicial) role. Better judgement must prevail.
Both sides must remember that it is the very same Justice who in June 2018 upheld the appointment of the Chairman of GECOM and was ridiculed by some who did not find favour with the decision. Today the other side has an apparent win at this level but is reminded that it is government’s prerogative/right to further pursue a higher court decision in keeping with their constitutional allowance to so do.
GTUC orders that we allow the Courts, that have the responsibility to adjudicate on issues of these nature, to do their work within an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, not one that demonstrates the historical propensity of some in our society to stoke violent and non-violent confrontation when they are either not in control or unable to have their own way.
GTUC lauds so far our ability to be restrained and keep those willing to do otherwise at bay. It says we are demonstrating political maturity and we are allowing our system to work; that our means of settling political disputes and grievances are improving to a level where we can claim more respect in the international world even as we treat each other with dignity.
At this point the Government has indicated its intention to appeal. It is their right to so do as it would have been that of the Opposition if it was in a reverse position. All Guyanese must support the execution of this right as the judicial process allows. This process which may seem frustrating to some is necessary in the pursuit of justice and fair play. It provides us guidelines and options for law and order and for good governance. This is the ultimate definition of our maturity, our selflessness, and our competence as a people to put Guyana first by allowing the Laws to work for all and at all times even or more particularly during times of political struggles.
GTUC reiterates its call for the Government and Opposition to work together to keep us as a nation intact through this phase; keep us mindful of the tension, internal and external, threatening the country’s peace and stability. Citizens are also urged to hold all politicians, civic society and those who set out to engulf this nation in any acts of mayhem or terror accountable for their well-being and safety at this point in time.
So far our society is holding up well in pursuing this legal recourse and we must continue to do so cognisant that at the end of the day, we still have a nation to build, and a destiny to mould. We are still one people, interdependent and connected by a shared history. This is as defining a time as many historical landmarks in our political struggles.
Yours faithfully,
Lincoln Lewis
Guyana Trades Union Congress
