IT IS obvious that Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan is trying to deflect attention from the many accusations of impropriety levelled against him and his Party.

His challenge to the President’s immunity from prosecution provided for by the Constitution of Guyana is clearly his best option to distract the public from the alleged illegal sale of his duty-free concessions and association with narco-traffickers.

Mr. Ramjattan, by this option, has once again exposed his limited interpretational ability on the Constitution by suggesting that the President of Guyana is above the law because the Constitution provides for his immunity from having to personally answer to a court.

The President is head of a government, and while he does not attend court, his Attorney-General is answerable to charges against the government.

Immunity from prosecution by no means suggests or implies that the President is above the law as Mr. Ramjattan and his cohorts would have us believe. Article 180 of the Constitution makes this provision to prevent the Presidency from constant legal challenges, which would detract from its significance and prestige. Could you imagine the President going to Court to answer to charges brought against all and sundry!

Mr. Ramjattan ought to be aware that while immunity is extended to the President, other parts of the Constitution provide for actions to be brought against the government if the President fails to act in accordance with provisions of the Constitution. Take for example, the appointment of constitutional office holders,

But here again is a classic example of ‘petty concentration’, because Mr. Ramjattan, being a lawyer, feels he can challenge everything the President does. I believe there is an implied jealousy for the Presidency.
L DANIELS