LAST Thursday’s  action  of the joint parliamentary opposition,  defeating  the second reading of the Firearms (Amendment)Bill, 2012, ought to be a shocking surprise,  for the reasons regurgitated by the  Leader of the A Party for National Unity(APNU).

It defies simple logic, apart from moral decency and natural justice, that this leader and his   coalition, and the AFC, has again adopted this anti-national step. In effect, this  gives support to earlier statements of not supporting  the Speaker’s  final ruling of restoring Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee’s  full  constitutional rights as a member of the National Assembly, and as a cabinet executive.
Are there any credible bases that premise such a dangerous act, as not  supporting  legislative measures that are intended to close loopholes  in the laws  prosecuting    firearm  offenders? Not any, that can be possibly fathomed.
Of course, this is a continuation of the politics of personal vendetta, dark  hate, political spite, and utter recklessness,  given the  modus operandi of  the political opposition in this the Tenth Parliament. But most disappointing, and  sadly,  it is another  inexplicable display of shocking disregard for the Speaker’s ruling, and  subsequently that of the Chief Justice, on Granger’s motion against Minister Rohee. But since this is an Opposition  that is in the classical mould of  no to everything, even  when it involves essentially critical measures such as Security Reform, and the  parallel issue of enhancing legislation for the prosecution of firearm offenders, then one ought not to be surprised.
Without any disrespect for the person of the retired Brigadier, this is asininity that is without parallel. It compels the question – what is so wrong/incorrect about the person of Rohee, seeking to legislate measures that are intended for the personal safety of the Guyanese citizenry, inclusive of Granger, his family, and even his party constituents? It is Mr. Rohee’s responsibility, which he is dutifully executing .
Is this the same Granger, who has been known for his relentless, vociferous attacks on the State government, accusing it of failing to address what he has so often described as a rapidly deteriorating  crime situation,  where citizens are imminently threatened? And is this the same retired Brigadier who had been part of a Disciplined Services Commission, established to recommend measures for a better functioning security forces system in Guyana? Sure, it is the same person, who at that time functioned as a responsible citizen and patriot. But fast forward, and it is now Granger the politician, playing dangerous political games, in which the safety of the nation stands to be seriously compromised.
This opposition leader knows only too well the importance of such added  legislation, and what its promulgation means for combating the illegalities of firearm procurement. Concomitantly, he must also be reminded that its absence can only embolden the criminal fraternity, the very category against  which he would have advocated condign  measures , as former security adviser to the Burnham regime.
Surely, Granger must  understand  that his and his coalition’s action will face public opprobrium for this gross dereliction of national duty;  far  too many citizens have lost their lives  as a result of gun crimes, and are beckoning to the State for protective measures. He has to appreciate that national leadership is to be directed towards the energies of the nation and its advancement, and not for instances of capricious acts, selfish ends, grandstanding and power play. It is also about rising to the demands of what is absolutely necessary for the protection and security of a country that he aspires to lead.
Therefore, notwithstanding the fact that the Brigadier  and  colleagues are in  disagreement  with Speaker Trotman’s  decision  for  returning Minister Rohee to complete parliamentary status, it is no reason of any  sort for their   non-support for such  a very important  legislative initiative.