Civil Society supports proroguing of 10th Parliament
MEMBERS of civil society yesterday supported the action taken by President Donald Ramotar to Prorogue the 10th Parliament of Guyana. Among those who publicly made their views known are Captain Gerald Gouveia and Trade Union Leader, Carvil Duncan who both expressed confidence that the President acted within the ambit of the Constitution of Guyana.
Capt. Gerry Gouveia
Speaking on a television programme titled, ‘The Way forward for the 10th Parliament’, which was aired yesterday, Gouveia observed that because of this “…there should be no calls for the disruption of the peace of Guyana.”
However, if this happens, he explained, it will have very serious consequences on job creation. Gouveia noted too, that the Constitution was created through consultations with the people, and any disruption to the peace would be very wrong.
This use of the Constitution should have no negative effects on Guyana, the civil society member pointed out, stating that Guyanese who disrupt the peace would create more trouble than the country could afford.
Carvil Duncan
Meanwhile, Carvil Duncan who is President of the largest bloc of trade unions, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), noted that from a labour perspective, the Constitution has been used for the national good as it should be. Duncan said the 10th Parliament has created unnecessary pressure on workers through the political Opposition.
Pointing to the projects which were voted down, Duncan stated that they could have created numerous jobs for Guyanese, notwithstanding, the President still tried to get the Opposition to put Guyana first.
Even in the proroguing of Parliament, the President has created the opportunity for talks with the Opposition on the way forward.
This, he pointed out, should be supported by those who understand, especially workers who could have benefits accrued to them. Anyone who attempts to use this to gain political mileage would actually be aiding in sullying Guyana’s image.
The 10th Parliament, Duncan noted, has seen many attempts to stall progress despite the fact that the Opposition has a one-seat majority to do otherwise, but instead has consistently done this. The budget cuts which were opposed by the private sector and trade unions among others were continued over a three-year period, he pointed out, despite talks with the Opposition.
Gouveia insisted that job creation was essential for Government to accommodate through investors. Observing that all political leaders need to understand this, he said this could be accommodated through the fostering of investor confidence, and this should be recognised by all political leaders, in the interest of the future of the young people of the country.
The actions of the Opposition affect the economy, he stated, and these bring about feelings of disappointment, created by the Opposition by not approving projects.
Gouveia also pointed out that moving the economy ahead calls for continued support and stability of the country, which if not done would affect job creation which would be a serious disservice.
He reiterated that the proroguing of Parliament is legal and those who object and react to it because they did not get their way are being illegal.
Pointing to the recent graduation at the University of Guyana, Gouveia reiterated the need to create jobs for the young people, observing that Guyana will continue losing them if the economy is continuously being disrupted.
He said the president has created a space for dialogue for which the door should never be closed.
