– refutes Opposition’s claims that Dr. Singh’s actions are unconstitutional

THE Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) has come out in defence of Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, refuting the claims of the Opposition that the minister’s actions are un-constitutional.The WPO, in a statement, said it has taken note of the fact that the Alliance For Change (AFC) continues its personal attack on Dr. Singh with its recent unsubstantiated complaint to the Commissioner of Police of illegal spending by the minister and other senior government officials of some $4.5 B claimed not to have been approved by the National Assembly.

“This is yet another nefarious approach by the AFC to gain cheap political points by misleading and mis-informing the Guyanese populace,” the WPO said.

“Embarrassing to note, the AFC has in its armory a bench of lawyers, however, one will question the competencies and integrity of these individuals for mis-representing the constitution in a bid to justify their lust for power and signaling their intent by way of a ‘no confidence motion’ on the Government,” the WPO added.

It noted that after a barrage of personal attacks on Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee by the Opposition, in particular AFC, they have now launched a vicious campaign against the Finance Minister. “Fresh in our minds too, should be the Linden and Agricola protests orchestrated by the same party and only a few days ago their leaders using innocent rice farmers to execute their snide political agenda on the Essequibo Coast,” the WPO stated.

It said the AFC must come clean with Guyanese and let them know there is no real substance behind the allegations levelled at the minister and other officials, instead only cheap politicking. Guyanese are not fools! Our constitution is no secret as it states clearly in Article 218 3(b) that the minister is acting within his rights in the execution of his duty to the Guyanese people.

“Further, the AFC must not only mention the amount ($4.5B) but also where it was spent and on whom. The answer is clear and straight forward, every cent was spent on developmental projects so that our people can continue to live prosperous and progressive lives. It was used to make the ordinary men and women lives better, the very men and women our friends in the AFC will seek support from come elections,” the WPO contended.

It said one must wonder too, why there were no formal complaints in 2012 and 2013 but in 2014 that coincides with their intent of a ‘no confidence motion’. “Are we to believe that these are the people who want to govern this country when their policy is to deceive the electorate?” the WPO questioned.

In this regard, the Women’s Progressive Organisation refutes the claims of the Opposition that the Minister of Finance actions are un-constitutional. On the other hand, WPO would like to commend the minister for releasing the budgetary (allocations) for developmental projects aimed at improving the conditions of living of our people, especially the women of this country.