SUBSEQUENT to the brouhaha by APNU regarding the issuance of permission for a Geological and Geographical Survey (PGGS) by the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, the APNU party has finally come to its senses.APNU has realised that the party erred, but the aspersions cast upon the Minister and the Government are irreparable. The minister was subjected to harsh criticisms, particularly on his personal character and integrity. However, these have been proven null and void by the facts provided by the ministry.
And now after the entire ruckus created by Joseph Harmon and his party, they quietly state to selective sections of the media that the minister committed no major violations and that his response to the Parliament was accurate. Why didn’t APNU verify their source of information before running to the press thirsty for publicity? This is only one of the many instances which expose the Opposition, particularly APNU, for its inherited PNC traits to shoot first and ask questions later.
Notwithstanding the damage caused, I would like to credit Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine for accepting that APNU made a blunder and apologised for misleading the public. However, Joseph Harmon, as a retired GDF Colonel, is sticking his grounds and maintaining that the minister lied and more questioning is needed. Most notable is the difference of opinion by two senior members of APNU; so is there an intra-party conflict? This is yet to be seen.
Meanwhile, as a public stakeholder, I would like to urge APNU senior members, particularly Joseph Harmon to be objective and not use a Government officer/agency as a scapegoat to attain political mileage.
Written By SHAMSHUDEEN KHAN