Envoys from the American, British and European missions in Guyana are urging the country’s political heads to adhere to the Caribbean Court of Justice’s (CCJ) ruling regarding the no-confidence motion, and the provisions of the Constitution.
In a joint statement, the diplomats observed, “the Caribbean Court of Justice – Guyana’s Supreme Court – has spoken. It is important for the rule of law that all invoked actors abide by its ruling and the relevant provisions of the Constitution. We urge everyone to do so expeditiously.”
The call comes mere days after the regional court delivered consequential orders involving the no-confidence motion.
The Parliamentary Opposition had asked the court to make coercive orders against the government to have President David Granger dissolve Parliament and for elections to be held by September 18, 2019.
President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Justice Adrian Saunders held firm that it is not the role of the regional court to issue a date on or by which general and regional elections in Guyana must be held. In fact, Justice Saunders emphasised that the Coalition Government is in caretaker mode.
In the court’s ruling on consequential orders in relation to the no-confidence motion case, Justice Saunders said, “It is not, for example, the role of the court to establish a date on, or by which the election must be held or to lay down timelines or deadlines that in principle are the preserve of political actors guided by constitutional imperatives. The court must assume that these bodies and personages will exercise their responsibilities with integrity and in keeping with the unambiguous provisions of the Constitution bearing in mind that the no-confidence motion was validly passed as long ago as December 21, 2018.”
Justice Saunders reiterated that the government, as it stands, is expected to behave during this interim period as a caretaker and so refrain from the exercise of its legal authority. According to him, this “caretaker or interim role” is spelt out in Article 106 (7) of the Constitution of Guyana for the holding of fresh election.
The Government of Guyana has since committed to refrain from its legal authority.
A statement issued by the government over the weekend stated, “The Government will comply with the orders issued by the CCJ that, during this ‘interim’ period, it will restrain the exercise of its legal authority.
This means that, while the government will continue its routine management of the country, it will also address urgent issues that are in the public interest. It is also prepared to consult with the Opposition on matters which require the agreement of both sides.”
