–AG criticises APNU+AFC for lack of diversity in nominations

ALL the nominations from the various stakeholders for the much-anticipated Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC) have been submitted.

This was confirmed by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall on Thursday.

Nandlall, during his programme, “Issues in the News,” on Tuesday, disclosed that the political representatives from the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C); the main opposition, A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC); and the smaller parties collectively known as the Joinder Parties, have been named.

The PPP/C nominees include prominent figures such as the Attorney General himself; Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira; Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony; Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai; and Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy.

The APNU/AFC has nominated Opposition Commissioner at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Vincent Alexander; economist, Sherwood Lowe; Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Ganesh Mahipaul; and Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes.

Nandlall said the opposition’s nominations lack gender balance and limited ethnic representation, suggesting it fails to reflect the nation’s diverse demographic.

“In my respectful view, it reminds you, once again, that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic is the only national party in this country. And the nominees of the constitutional reform commission in my view, indicates that,” he added

The Joinder Parties, holding one seat in Parliament, have nominated ANUG’s General Secretary, Timothy Jonas, Senior Counsel.

“From the opposition [APNU+AFC], you have all men, in fact, no woman representation,” Nandlall remarked.

He contrasted this with the PPP/C’s nominees, highlighting their mix of two Indo-Guyanese, an Afro-Guyanese, an Amerindian, and a Portuguese, including two women and three men, highlighting the commitment to ethnic and gender diversity within the government’s selections.

Nandlall said that the selection for the CRC shows the importance of representation, with the government showcasing a commitment to diversity in its nominees.

“Look at the main opposition, no gender and no ethnic band balance. I just thought that I will put that out there for your consumption,” Nandlall said.

The establishment of the CRC follows promises made in the PPP/C Manifesto in 2020, and is a step forward in the government’s commitment to consult with the populace and important stakeholders for constitutional reform.

The CRC, a 20-member commission, will be responsible for reviewing the country’s supreme laws and making recommendations for changes that reflect the current and future needs of the Guyanese people.

This push for reform was initiated with the passage of the Constitutional Reform Commission Bill in November 2022, setting the foundation for a broad-based review process.

The commission is set to operate out of a building on Middle Street, Georgetown, previously used for various Commissions of Inquiry.