…denies being a ‘political party’

AN advocacy movement which plans to “pressure” the authorities into undertaking constitutional reform was unveiled on Wednesday evening and has denied it is a new political movement seeking to be the third force.
The group, Reform-Inspire-Sustain-Educate (RISE), believes the reform process is being foot-dragged by successive governments and according to its principals, the process, if implemented, would lead to executive accountability, racial harmony and political, economic and social inclusivity. The group met with curious members of the public who packed the main room at the Moray House Trust on Camp Street.

Its members include attorney-at-law Nadia Sagar, engineer Marcel Gaskin, businessman Terrence Campbell, realtor Jainarine Singh, civil servant Remington Nelson and psychologist, Will Campbell, among several others. Attorney –at-law Timothy Jonas provides legal service to the group.
Sagar, a recent nominee for the position of chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), described the group as a not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation (NGO) which was established in June this year. Its members see themselves as free-thinking, post- racial individuals who have taken on the task for calling for the reform in the absence of any political mandate.

Speaking to a packed room, Gaskin noted that over the years major political parties have stridently and loudly called for amendments to the constitution or for it to be changed in its entirety. He said that the very political parties, when they assume office, “drag their feet” on the issue. He said over the past few months he has been involved in social issues and he has realised that there are a number of persons who feel “disadvantaged “and “helpless”.
He said that while he would be considered privileged, he understands the experiences of those persons who are not as privileged as him. Gaskin said that “it is time that some sort of pressure be brought to bear on those in authority to actually deliver on the promises of constitutional reform.”

He cautioned that there has been changes to the constitution but according to him, whether those are far enough, remains “questionable”. Gaskin said that there are many criticisms of the present constitution and according to him, the movement will be studying those and will act on such criticisms.
Campbell noted that each citizen should consider it their duty to participate in the constitutional reform process. He said that the post-2020 oil economy is “far too important” to be left in the hands of any government, noting that the movement is non-partisan towards any government. He said that the constitution in its current form is “far too deficient” in that regard. Campbell said the process must be consultative and inclusive, and he noted that the movement believes the society must confront the government in ensuring the process is best suited for their benefit.

Changes in electoral process
According to RISE, constitutional reform would lead to changes in the electoral process such as allowance for constituency–based voting as opposed to the winner–takes all outcomes. The body said too that the reform is needed to counter social, economic and political marginalisation which provides a platform for social cohesion. It was noted too that the process would address what the movement called “hyper-presidential” powers of an executive president with limited oversight from Parliament and the judiciary. RISE said that presently the Executive is morphed with the Legislature –the members of the Cabinet (Executive) are also members of the legislature, serving as members of parliament (MPS).

“We must ensure that proper separation of powers is established “, the body noted.
RISE said that it will be engaging with the citizens of Guyana to create awareness using the media. It plans to undertake dialogue within communities and marginalised groups countrywide to determine specific issues of concern. It will be meeting with persons across the country providing its resources can support such moves. It plans to meet with political parties, private sector groups as well as trade unions among other bodies.

On Wednesday evening a number of persons turned up at Moray House to witness the group’s unofficial unveiling. Some questioned whether it was another political party in the making while others provided moral support to the body’s interests. This week, the government announced that it will be tabling constitutional reform legislation in the National Assembly. The move will be undertaken before Parliament goes into its two-month recess. RISE will be undertaking its public engagements next month.