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Former Member

By indulging Opposition… HPS charges Speaker with inviting discord, division - Accuses him of ignoring ‘sound advice’ from more experienced parliamentarians

Written by Telesha Ramnarine

Thursday, 18 October 2012 22:02

THE combined Opposition, comprising A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC), is inviting discord, division

and confrontation in seeking to enact bills with its one seat majority when it knows “very well” that President Donald Ramotar will not assent to them.
That observation was made by Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon, at his usual post-Cabinet media briefing, in Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown.

“This is an invitation to discord, an invitation to confrontation. What the hell difference does it make that you have the bill enacted with your one seat majority and you know very well on the basis of the objections that you ain’t going anywhere? Am I not right in saying you are inviting discord and division?” – Dr. Roger Luncheon

The first sitting of the National Assembly, following the recess that ended October 9, is scheduled for Monday, October 22.

President Donald Ramotar

Dr. Roger Luncheon

Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman

“The occasion presented an opportunity for the prevailing Opposition rhetoric to be constructively addressed but the Order Paper that was issued has clearly dashed all such thoughts and hopes,” the HPS remarked.
Luncheon said Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Raphael Trotman is aware of government’s position on two motions by the Opposition for tabling of bills, motions which he allowed on the Order Paper, namely, the President’s Pension and the Financial Management and Accountability Act Amendment Bills.
“It is not unknown to the Speaker why this piece of legislation is obnoxious. The Administration has signaled its objection to these bills. The lack of attention thereof to parliamentary norms and procedures remains an area for great controversy,” Luncheon stated.
He said the President did not hide and say when the Opposition comes with the bills then he will decide, but made it clear what policies the government is comfortable in implementing.

OBJECTIONABLE
Therefore, if the governing party sitting in parliament advises the Speaker and the Opposition, at length, that they are wasting their time and that the road they are going down is objectionable, are they going to give us another ultimatum on the day the one seat majority passes a piece of legislation for which the President and the governing party has objected to, when he refuses to assent as he throws the ultimatum out? Luncheon asked.
“If we are going to be constructive and you have seasoned politicians who are interested in the development of Guyana, these matters need to be resolved. I can’t imagine it will be resolved by going and pass the bill,” the HPS said.
He continued: “This is an invitation to discord, an invitation to confrontation. What the hell difference does it make that you have the bill enacted with your one seat majority and you know very well on the basis of the objections that you ain’t going anywhere? Am I not right in saying you are inviting discord and division?”
Luncheon said Trotman continues to ignore “sound advice” from more experienced parliamentarians and recognised authoritative sources, and items on the Order Paper for the sitting of the National Assembly on October 22, further attest to his indulgence of the Opposition’s tactics and strategies.
The Opposition’s resolve to impose their one seat majority on Parliament has and, because of their uncompromising stance, will continue to present room for much discord, he maintained.
Luncheon disclosed:“The Speaker has been written regarding their intentions on the membership and the chairmanship of parliamentary select committees and has been pointedly asked: Will an opposition MP chair on the basis of their one seat majority all special select committees even when a government bill is referred to those select committees?”
“The speaker should recall the President’s most recent admonition about the provision of Presidential Assent to approve pieces of legislation from Parliament,” he said.

."If we are going to be constructive and you have seasoned politicians who are interested in the development of Guyana, these matters need to be resolved. I can’t imagine it will be resolved by going and pass the bill,” the HPS said.
He continued: “This is an invitation to discord, an invitation to confrontation. What the hell difference does it make that you have the bill enacted with your one seat majority and you know very well on the basis of the objections that you ain’t going anywhere? Am I not right in saying you are inviting discord and division?...”

Is this Luncheon's definition of "constructive" dialog and building " consensus"? Can someone inform the good doctor that the Government share equal responsibilities in upholding and maintaining the integrity & functionality of Parliament? . When are these fools going to realize that a minority government can only be effective by honest and sincere negotiation, consensus building and genuine cooperation with the opposition majority?

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Former Member

This govermnent is out of control and needs to be replaced. Ministers are incompetent and the President is not too bright either. No sense of partnership and inclusiveness. Absolute power corrupts.

10/19/129:24 AM

Former Member

This PPP is quick to speak of lack of initiative to use Parliament than the streets in dispute now they lament and take the autocratic road and question the propriety of initiation bills.

Who cares if the government is not going to sign them? At least the opportunity is available for the government to clarify the necessity for the pension in its present configuration. Then there is the idea of accountability. Why the resistance to something that would make government more transparent?

And what of this "one seat majority? Is not the rule in the constitution that a simple majority carries the day? Is it also not the reason why they as a minority takes up autocratic power when the majority is actual the combined opposition?

If they want a super majority to carry the day then I am sure the opposition would accede to that since the PPP will never be able to muster that many seats. No, these asses want the Goldilocks political zone that would keep them in office in perpetuity.

10/19/1210:00 AM

MitwahSenior Member

The people have spoken and taken away the PPP/C rubber stamp. After 20 years they are so set in their autocratic ways that is hard for them to get along with the opposition.

10/19/1210:06 AM

Former Member

Mitwah:

Political theory (I emphasize -theory), tell me that the longer a Government is in office the stronger it is.

I am of the opinion that the Ramotar Government of October 2012 is stronger than the Ramotar Government of January 2012?

What do you think?

Thus Luncheon's comments and others in the PPP will become bolder as we move forward and their financial actions will become bolder as they use the contingency funds as if it is their granny puzzling cup.

That said, the PPP is totally in order to exploit the political vacuum where the political opposition is struggling to get their act together to give life to the one seat majority?

Somebody got to be BOSS and today it is the trioka of Luncheon/Jagdeo/Ramotar.

DAVINDRA

10/19/1210:13 AM

Former Member

Originally Posted by Devindra:

Mitwah:

Political theory (I emphasize -theory), tell me that the longer a Government is in office the stronger it is.

I am of the opinion that the Ramotar Government of October 2012 is stronger than the Ramotar Government of January 2012?

What do you think?

That said, the PPP is totally in order to exploit the political vacuum where the political opposition is struggling to get their act together to give life to the one seat majority?

Somebody got to be BOSS and today it is the trioka of Luncheon/Jagdeo/Ramotar.

DAVINDRA

Most long term tenure in office indeed end in rampant corruption and oppressive government.

I never heard of a "granny puzzling cup"

Ramotar is a neo communist and a Stalinist at heart. He does not inspire confidence in anything and speaks as though a wasp bit his tongue. Further, he has a history of fiddling while Rome burn and he lines his pocket. He is as creative politically as a cow. He already began his office as if clubbed footed and is clearly on his way to be the worse government ever.

10/19/1210:21 AM

NehruBig Mouth Member

Originally Posted by FC:

This govermnent is out of control and needs to be replaced. Ministers are incompetent and the President is not too bright either. No sense of partnership and inclusiveness. Absolute power corrupts.

JACKASS, WHY DONT YOU REPLACE IT WITH YOUR IGNORANCE AND ILLITERACY. DAT IS ALL YOU HAVE.

10/19/1210:21 AM

Former Member

Originally Posted by Nehru:

Originally Posted by FC:

This govermnent is out of control and needs to be replaced. Ministers are incompetent and the President is not too bright either. No sense of partnership and inclusiveness. Absolute power corrupts.

JACKASS, WHY DONT YOU REPLACE IT WITH YOUR IGNORANCE AND ILLITERACY. DAT IS ALL YOU HAVE.

Another day and the same post as it was 10 years ago. I bet you have a keyboard macro that auto generates this bilge in an instant. If you don't then you should.

10/19/1210:26 AM

NehruBig Mouth Member

Originally Posted by Stormborn:

Originally Posted by Nehru:

Originally Posted by FC:

This govermnent is out of control and needs to be replaced. Ministers are incompetent and the President is not too bright either. No sense of partnership and inclusiveness. Absolute power corrupts.

JACKASS, WHY DONT YOU REPLACE IT WITH YOUR IGNORANCE AND ILLITERACY. DAT IS ALL YOU HAVE.

Another day and the same post as it was 10 years ago. I bet you have a keyboard macro that auto generates this bilge in an instant. If you don't then you should.

I HAVE IT ON AUTO ONLY BECAUSE YOU ON THE SITE. IT IS VERY APPROPRIATE FOR YOU.

10/19/1210:29 AM

Former Member

Make sure your brain is engaged before you post. That way you won't expose your idocy. Now run along and play with Wendy in the sand box. Big men a tak here.

10/19/1210:31 AM

NehruBig Mouth Member

Originally Posted by FC:

Make sure your brain is engaged before you post. That way you won't expose your idocy. Now run along and play with Wendy in the sand box. Big men a tak here.

YOu are more of a SISSY.

10/19/1210:34 AM

Former Member

Originally Posted by Nehru:

Originally Posted by Stormborn:

Originally Posted by Nehru:

Originally Posted by FC:

This govermnent is out of control and needs to be replaced. Ministers are incompetent and the President is not too bright either. No sense of partnership and inclusiveness. Absolute power corrupts.

JACKASS, WHY DONT YOU REPLACE IT WITH YOUR IGNORANCE AND ILLITERACY. DAT IS ALL YOU HAVE.

Another day and the same post as it was 10 years ago. I bet you have a keyboard macro that auto generates this bilge in an instant. If you don't then you should.

I HAVE IT ON AUTO ONLY BECAUSE YOU ON THE SITE. IT IS VERY APPROPRIATE FOR YOU.

I am honored...you act an ass just because I am here!

10/19/1210:36 AM

Former Member

You must be mentally challenged. Calling me names only exhibits your lack of intellectual capacity to engage in a debate.

10/19/1210:39 AM

NehruBig Mouth Member

Originally Posted by Stormborn:

Originally Posted by Nehru:

Originally Posted by Stormborn:

Originally Posted by Nehru:

Originally Posted by FC:

This govermnent is out of control and needs to be replaced. Ministers are incompetent and the President is not too bright either. No sense of partnership and inclusiveness. Absolute power corrupts.

JACKASS, WHY DONT YOU REPLACE IT WITH YOUR IGNORANCE AND ILLITERACY. DAT IS ALL YOU HAVE.

Another day and the same post as it was 10 years ago. I bet you have a keyboard macro that auto generates this bilge in an instant. If you don't then you should.

I HAVE IT ON AUTO ONLY BECAUSE YOU ON THE SITE. IT IS VERY APPROPRIATE FOR YOU.

I am honored...you act an ass just because I am here!

You are WELCOME.

10/19/1210:40 AM

NehruBig Mouth Member

Originally Posted by FC:

You must be mentally challenged. Calling me names only exhibits your lack of intellectual capacity to engage in a debate.

I am simply stating who you are and reminding you of yourself.

10/19/1210:42 AM

Former Member

Brilliant deduction!!! Now I know who I am. I was lost but now I am found. Banna don't dreail the thread with your nonsense.

10/19/1210:56 AM

Former Member

Originally Posted by Devindra:

Somebody got to be BOSS and today it is the trioka of Luncheon/Jagdeo/Ramotar.

DAVINDRA

So with this in mind expect more Agricola type violence. Over 50% of the population voted AGAINST the PPP. If the PPP fails to understand this and refuses to use parliament as a foiruym for give and take unfortunately there will be some who will use other channels.

Is this what you want? A p[arty which only one 49% of the vote, and only 5% of the votes of the second and third largest voting blocs (African and mixed) cannot unilaterally enforce its vision with threats of violenecw/o soime push back.

The stage is set for some actors to take advantage of the dictatorial behavior of the PPP to further their own agendas. It might not be a pretty sight.

10/19/122:02 PM

Former Member

Originally Posted by FC:

You must be mentally challenged. Calling me names only exhibits your lack of intellectual capacity to engage in a debate.

Forgive Nehru. Years of excess consumption of cheap rum, combined with poor nutritional habits (he thinks that rum is an essential food item), has seriously damaged his brain.

Hence these rants. This is the dirty old man that you often see sleeping on the ground outside of rum shops in the Corentyne early Sunday morning after all night binge drinking.

10/19/122:05 PM

NehruBig Mouth Member

Originally Posted by caribny:

Originally Posted by FC:

You must be mentally challenged. Calling me names only exhibits your lack of intellectual capacity to engage in a debate.

Forgive Nehru. Years of excess consumption of cheap rum, combined with poor nutritional habits (he thinks that rum is an essential food item), has seriously damaged his brain.

Hence these rants. This is the dirty old man that you often see sleeping on the ground outside of rum shops in the Corentyne early Sunday morning after all night binge drinking.

And you are one of dem PIG Burnham used to farm at Hope Estate. Thank God you escaped.

10/19/122:08 PM

Former Member

Is the Doc L on Medication. His words seem very inconsistent? Any thoughts Wendy Holmes?

10/19/125:10 PM

Former Member

Battle lines drawn in Parliament…House Speaker warns Luncheon not to provoke a constitutional crisis

OCTOBER 20, 2012 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

- says President could be failing duties

“The Office of the President is cautioned not to provoke a constitutional crisis as there is no winner in such a scenario, but rather, to respect and recognise the reality, authority and legitimacy of the 10th Parliament.”-Speaker Raphael Trotman

Ahead of Monday’s reconvening of Parliament after a recess, battle lines have been drawn with the House Speaker Raphael Trotman yesterday warning President Donald Ramotar that he could be in gross dereliction of his constitutional duty for not approving Bills that have been passed by the National Assembly.

House Speaker, Raphael Trotman

Raphael Trotman’s sharp response came one day after Dr. Roger Luncheon, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, made it clear that Government was not happy with how the National Assembly is being run and that President Ramotar could very well not assent to any Bills passed by the National Assembly that do not find favour with the government.
However, the Speaker, a former leader of the opposition party, Alliance For Change, who is now heading a House that for the first time in 20 years does not have a government majority, hit back saying that he will not be baited.
This latest development would signal a growing divide between Government and the opposition which combined has a one-seat majority in the National Assembly.
According to the Speaker, in a statement from his office, the dignity of the National Assembly will be maintained and it will continue to function as the legislative arm of the State.

Constitutional crisis
“The Office of the President is cautioned not to provoke a constitutional crisis as there is no winner in such a scenario, but rather, to respect and recognise the reality, authority and legitimacy of the 10th Parliament.”
Trotman, a lawyer, believed that there are obvious attempts to hinder the ability of the 10th Parliament to be successful.
“The people expect that both the Office of the President and the National Assembly will put Guyana first and work together for unity and development.
If the President chooses not to assent to Bills duly passed by a majority of the National Assembly of the Parliament of Guyana, without good and substantial reasons for doing so, then he can be considered to be in gross dereliction of his constitutional duty.”
During his weekly press briefing on Thursday, Dr. Luncheon who is government’s chief spokesman complained that the Speaker was ignoring sound advice from experienced current and former parliamentarians, and recognised authoritative sources.
The Cabinet Secretary complained specifically that Trotman seeming to be biased to the Parliamentary opposition…the AFC and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).
He made mention of a number of Bills… the President’s Pension, and the Financial Management and Accountability Act Amendment Bills, and the Clerk of the National Assembly Bill which the government has rejected and has discussed with the Speaker.
“The administration has signalled its objection to these Bills and the adherence or really the lack of an adherence thereof to parliamentary norms and procedures, remains an area of great controversy,” Luncheon said Thursday.
He stressed that the opposition’s resolve to impose its one-seat majority and its uncompromising stance will continue to present room for much discord.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon

According to the Speaker, yesterday, the Guyana Constitution prescribes that Parliament of Guyana shall comprise the President and the National Assembly.
“No one, including, the Head of the Presidential Secretariat, can ignore the constitutional standing of either institution. The HPS’s latest rant about the Speaker not taking advice and inviting “discord, and division” is a sign of ignorance of the basic tenets of the Constitution, and the laws and procedures governing Parliament.”

Contemptuous Luncheon
Additionally, the statements can be considered disrespectful and bordering on being contemptuous, Trotman said.
“The Speaker, himself a parliamentarian of many years standing, is unaware of who these “more experienced” parliamentarians are that the HPS refers to and how discord is being promoted. The Speaker’s office is a constitutional one that is not subject to the direction and control of any person. The Speaker should be allowed to function without interference.”
The Speaker admitted that he did receive on Thursday a Government objection, in written form, to the placing of two private member’s Bills in the name of Carl Greenidge, M.P., on the Order Paper.
“There was no prior objection given to the Speaker to these Bills and so the assertion of the Speaker ignoring anyone is preposterous and grossly inaccurate.
“Secondly, the Speaker of the National Assembly has no authority to decide what goes on an Order Paper and what does not.” The Speaker insisted that the content of the Order Paper is the sole responsibility of the Clerk of the National Assembly, and one that is jealously guarded.
“The Bills that the government finds “offensive” are private members Bills that were deemed to be appropriate in the opinion of the Clerk of the National Assembly; hence his decision to include them.
“Every Member of Parliament is guaranteed the right to introduce bills, motions and questions into the House,” the official said.

No drafting help
The Speaker also accused the Attorney General’s Chambers of refusing to assist especially Opposition Parliamentarians.
“In the face of the refusal to provide the advice and support from the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Members of Parliament, the Speaker and Clerk of the National Assembly have had to resort to being their own counsel.
“Dr. Luncheon must know this, and therefore it is obvious to all, that he is trying to bait the Speaker and National Assembly into another “rumble” so as to provoke confusion. The bait will not be taken.”

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall

The opposition parties have been complaining bitterly that legal draftsmen are deliberately not being made available to the AFC and APNU to help in constructing new laws.
Since the November 28 General Elections which saw the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) losing the majority in the National Assembly, the relationship has been largely strained with the opposition AFC and APNU with disagreements over the composition of seats in key Parliamentary committees.
Inter-party dialogues have also been consistently hitting hurdles. There have also been criticisms of the achievements of the first session of the 10th Parliament.
This coming session, the opposition is hoping to debate among other things the controversial President’s Pension Bill while the government will be targeting the Telecoms liberalization Bill.

Seems like the Lunchman just got himself a neat #@%*hole, expertly carved , compliment of Mr Speaker.

10/20/125:19 AM

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Battle lines drawn in Parliament…House Speaker warns Luncheon not to provoke a constitutional crisis

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