As the David Granger-led administration continues to operate in “caretaker-mode”, there are limitations to what it can do. These limitations do not auger well for the future of the country, and can lead to a constitutional crisis.
This is according to the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) which, via a statement to the media, noted that it is “pellucid and unambiguous”, following the decision of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)’s validation of the No-Confidence motion tabled against the government, that the regime is now occupying office until a new election is held. The government has thus far acknowledged it’s status and has further relinquished its legal authority and recently announced that it will not be delivering the 2019 budget.
The GCCI is contending that the government, bearing such limitations, cannot carry on for longer than 3 months lest a constitutional crisis arises, resulting in a slower economy.
“There is a need for consistent engagements like the one between the President and the Opposition Leader to ensure that a Chairperson [for the Guyana Elections Commission] can be elected soon. The Chamber wishes to reiterate and reemphasize its call for constitutional compliance, good faith and integrity from actors in the political arena. This is pivotal in ensuring that Guyana continues to thrive as a stable and well-functioning democracy. The Chamber also wishes to remind all political actors that they are ultimately bounded by the Constitution as well as the directive from the Court.” The Chamber said.
The GCCI statement comes after the Private Sector Commission (PSC) raised concerns over the meeting of Cabinet. It noted that Cabinet continuing to note the award of contracts — despite the government being in “caretaker mode” — has led to several private sector businesses to seek legal advice on the way forward.
The PSC, in a recent statement, referenced the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) which validated the no-confidence motion that was cast in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018. The Court, in its declaration and orders, has stated that “upon the passage of the motion of no-confidence in the government” on December 21, 2018, “that clear provisions of Article 106 immediately become engaged”; that is, that “the Cabinet, including the President, shall resign if the government is defeated.”
The PSC is contending that cabinet meeting flies in the face of the constitution and the ruling.
