– says suspension of Carvil Duncan an assault on constitutional democracy

THE Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has announced that it will boycott today’s parliamentary speech by President David Granger because of the move to suspend Mr Carvil Duncan from all constitutional commissions.The PPP Wednesday evening said it was shocked at the unfolding events in relation to Mr Carvil Duncan, who has been suspended from all commissions, including as chairman of the Public Service Commission.

The Ministry of the Presidency said that Mr Duncan was suspended in keeping with the constitution, as is reported on Page 13 of today’s edition.

“These events manifest the level to which the APNU+AFC administration led by President David Granger will descend to assault our constitutional democracy.

“The implications and ramifications are deep and far-reaching,” the opposition PPP stated.

The parliamentary opposition noted that Mr Duncan, apart from being the Chairman of the Public Service Commission, is an ex-officio member of the Police and Judicial Service Commissions.

“These commissions were established by the Constitution to create checks and balances against Executive abuse of power. They are independent and their officers are highly protected,” according to the statement from Mr Jagdeo’s office.

The parliamentary opposition stated that a tribunal was established against Mr Duncan, even though certain criminal charges filed against Mr Duncan are still pending in the court.

“This tribunal is proceeding with its work although Mr Duncan’s lawyers have indicated that it was set up in breach of the rules of natural justice and its work will violate Mr Duncan’s constitutional presumption of innocence and is without due process,” the PPP claimed.

The party said that the implications and consequences, which flow from all of this, is “not only destructive to our democratic ethos, but is a frightening unleashing of Executive power on a high constitutional office-holder.”

In light of these events, the PPP said it would be “impossible to sit through another lecture on democratic governance and constitutional propriety to be delivered by the President today “in our Parliament, the premier law-making institution in our country and a constitutional institution, which forms the cornerstone of our democracy.”

The PPP said it had sat through the President’s parliamentary speeches before, according him respect as Head of State, but it “must in this instance register our protestation.”

“To do otherwise would be a derogation of our responsibility as Members of Parliament.

“We must register our deep and abiding displeasure at such wanton Executive abuse of our Constitution and its important agencies,” the PPP stated.

The PPP is expected in the House after the President’s speech, saying it will participate in the debate on the National Youth Policy, an important issue that will be up for consideration.