The role and functions of a proper ‘shadow cabinet’

A SHADOW Cabinet, derived from an Opposition political party leader, is a body that matches, though unofficially, the portfolios of its counterparts in government. Its frequent pronouncements convey the perception that it is monitoring the policies of the government, apart from pointing out areas of perceived shortcomings, and neglect. 

This function is derived from the role that an official opposition is expected to perform as part of its schedule of responsibilities. Though an opposition party, it is expected to play a responsible role in the affairs and governance of the nation.
Can we truly say that APNU’S ‘shadow cabinet’ has been responsible, serving in a manner that is in consonance with its role, to the extent that its leader, Mr. David Granger, has declared his satisfaction with its performance?
OBSERVER is admittedly puzzled by such a bold declaration, given this particular opposition party’s anti-national contribution to the nation’s business, as portrayed in the 10th Parliament.
Two examples will suffice. CASE 1: Mr Carl Greenidge, Minister of Finance in the former PNC government, was reported to have been absent from several budget meetings in the run-up to the presentation of Budget 2013. Yet, he was the chief architect of $31B in cuts effected to the national estimates! Can this be labelled as a satisfactory performance by a Shadow Cabinet finance spokesperson?
CASE 2: On the same issue of consultation with the Minister of Finance with regard to the estimates, this time for 2014, Greenidge declared that it was a waste of time attending such meetings, since it his opinion that the Budget for 2014 had already been in an advanced state of preparation. In other words, he, in collaboration with his party, refused the minister’s invitation.
One can even offer another instance: that of this Opposition party’s refusal to give support to the crucial Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill (AML/CFT). It is unimaginable that some members of the Shadow Cabinet were absent from sessions of the Special Select Committee that has been tasked with finalising this Bill for legislation.
All three instances have been critical to the national economic sustenance, more so the current battle to legislate the AML/CFT, the refusal to do which, because of the Opposition’s inexplicable tactics, has resulted in Guyana being blacklisted.
It is always held that despite political differences, opposition parties and governments will always find common ground for the good of the particular State. With regard to any parliamentary opposition party, this means its shadow cabinet being pivotal to its final decisions.
Therefore, given the Opposition’s mainly irresponsible and unconstitutional actions, what justification does Granger have for such a positive grading of his ‘shadow cabinet’?

excerpts from Guyanachronicle