AS a concerned citizen, I am writing to highlight a position the Opposition Leader of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Mr. David Granger recently declared about the 2014 budgetary allocations of the National Communications Network (NCN) and the Government Information Agency (GINA). These media outlets should be operating as public entities safeguarded by the democratic constitution of the Republic of Guyana and not under political constraints.

During a news conference on October 25, 2013, Mr. Granger firmly stated that potential funds to these two media networks can be “slashed again and these cuts were driven out of principles.” Mr. Granger must be very prescient about the entities’ 2014 budgetary appropriations because it’s apparent he is prepared to cut regardless. What political principle is that? Do the political standards and principles differ only in APNU?  Mr. Granger mentioned that changes must be seen in these networks. However, the Opposition Leader did not say what changes he would make to foster his unwarranted claims. I would have thought, Mr. Granger might have outlined a plan for these changes and their implementations to better serve the Guyanese public. Rather, the Opposition Leader sternly expressed the view and intent to “cut” because he finds these changes necessary. Since these entities are governmental, precedence must be granted to the ruling government. Mr. Granger, a man of political significance must have some concrete support for these assertions; especially when they are threatening contents of the budget.
Budget 2014 is perhaps now in its formulating stages and Mr. Granger has already expressed an explicit intent to “cut.” Are these encouraging political indicators to mobilise Guyana forward? Guyanese must scrutinise these statements and question the political objectivities in them.  The Opposition’s political posture on the matter only reinforces the division they inflict on Guyana and highlights their lack of collaboration. APNU’s outlook on cutting the budget emerged solely to undermine the current government; the People Progressive Party Civic’s plans and derail development. As Guyanese, we must resist the APNU’s futile political partition and work united to enhance the welfare of our country. Thereon, Guyana’s growth and development must be the focal point of attention, not Mr. Granger and APNU’s baseless aim to unjustifiably cut the budget. Minister Anil Nandlall pronouncements were vindicated by Chief Justice Ian Chang’s ruling that the National Assembly and the legislative opposition do not have the power to cut the budget. Justice Chang also in his ruling stated that the Opposition’s stance on cutting of the budget is unconstitutional and unlawful. So yet again, the Opposition is traversing territory contrary to the Constitution of Guyana. The Constitution is the supreme doctrine of the land and it is the principles that drive a democratic nation.
In addition, the Opposition Leader also indicated that his shadow Finance Minister Mr. Carl Greenidge has not yet been invited by the incumbent Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh to formulate the structure of budget 2014. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall, a preserver of the Constitution of Guyana, has eloquently outlined the authorities of the executive body and the legislative opposition on budgetary matters. In such, the Constitution of Guyana bestows the exclusive right to the Ministry of Finance and Minister of Finance to formulate the budgetary estimates, appropriations and allocations. It is the prerogative tenets and binding obligation of the empowered governmental body to prepare this fundamental document. Minister Nandlall exclaimed, “The Legislative Oppositions are entitled to approve or withhold approval of these allocations through valid deliberations in the National Assembly”.
The Oppositional bodies are not granted the Constitutional arms to amend these figures. It is the government’s executive responsibilities and obligations to modify the figures in the event that considerations have shown comprehensible.
Furthermore, I would encourage Dr. Ashni Singh to invite Mr. Greenidge to participate in consultation of budget 2014 but not to “hammer out the framework” as Mr. Granger wishes. The Opposition Leader should instruct Mr. Greenidge to be prepared for consultation, rather than expressing the intent to cut the budget. It is unmerited and unlawful for Mr. Granger to impose his position to amend the allocations of a budget he has not yet seen. The Leader of the Opposition has openly signalled intention to disregard the Supreme Court’s rulings and Constitution of Guyana.
In doing so, Mr. Granger’s statements clearly confirms that Guyana’s economic and social interests are not as important as his political gains. In a democratic nation, such blatant contempt for the judicial system cannot be tolerated. What forms of precedents and principles is Mr. Granger setting for the ordinary citizens of Guyana? Should we emulate Mr. Granger’s actions and disobey the laws of our country? These are crucial questions Guyanese must weigh in a time of advantageous social and economic changes.
Without a doubt, come 2016 we must look forward to vote for “principled” government that will embrace the constitution. Guyanese must ensure that these baseless and unlegislated “cuts” are not replicated.  It is time Guyana moves onward, irrespective of our colour or creed. We must stand united as Guyanese with the notion of “One people, one nation and one destiny” with common goals to mobilise our country and enhance the lives of all Guyanese. Under the constitutional arms, Guyana is ready for positive economic movements encompassing the interest of all Guyanese. Thus far, the transformational changes across the length and breadth of Guyana were achieved under a constitutionally driven government. It’s also an undeniable fact that Guyana’s economic and social atmosphere has changed.  Budget 2014 can only emphasise initiatives to propel and transform Guyana. As a civilised nation, we must be supporters of democracy and obey the Constitution that governs our country.

MAHENDRA HARIRAJ