Dear Editor
Peeping Tom has been jumping around like a kangaroo trying to find a knockout blow against the PPP. The latest iteration is Tom’s warning that one of the PNC’s specialties, namely, paramountcy of the party, may have some resonance today. This is nothing but a jab in the dark.

Paramountcy of the party from 1974 meant that the state was subjected to the guidance or even dictates of the PNC. Worse yet, the state became an arm of the People’s National Congress. This is why the PNC flag flew above the Golden Arrowhead at numerous state institutions, including the Court of Appeal.

For the benefit of those not familiar with the Declaration of Sophia, one of its major pronouncements reads as follows “…the Party (PNC) should assume unapologetically its paramountcy over the government which is merely one of its executive arms.”

There is background noise about Jagdeo holding press conferences every Thursday, with the dubious ridiculous that paramountcy is in the air. As everyone knows, the events alternate between a PPP press conference, and a more official government information session followed by Q&A from the press.

How in the world would these Thursday press events amount to ‘one man rule’ of the Burnham, beats me. There are two central elements of democracy that were absent under Burnham’s paramountcy of the party. The first was free and fair elections. Mr. Burnham and the PNC were accused of rigging every election. This was recently alluded to by PNC General Secretary, Hamilton Green, in his defence of rigging. Secondly, an independent judiciary which is necessary for democratic governance was absent during the PNC authoritarian 28 years.

By contrast, the 2023 mid-term election conducted under PPP/C leadership was flawless. Secondly, the judiciary today operates freely, and the apex court, the CCJ is completely outside the control of the government of Guyana. The state cannot compel the apex court to conduct party instructions as happened under PNC paramountcy.

There is no one man rule here. President Ali’s administration is run on the basis on the constitution of this country. Peeping Tom needs to open those eyes.

Sincerely,
Dr. Randy Persaud