-says opposition must offer constructive criticism, policy guidance
ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, has emphasised that a nation’s parliamentary opposition plays an integral role in decisions that are of national importance even as he appealed to his political opponents to be more involved in seeking solutions to major issues that are affecting the nation.
Speaking on the most recent episode of the Starting Point podcast, Nandlall argued that its role extends beyond highlighting allegations of corruption and raising concerns about individual projects and local developments.
He stressed that the opposition represents tens of thousands of Guyanese whose voices must be heard on matters affecting the country, including the cost of living, the threat posed by Venezuela, climate change, and regional food security.
The Attorney General noted that while corruption and allegations of corruption are important matters to highlight, they should not be the opposition’s sole focus. He stressed that the opposition’s representatives have a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to national discussions and offer constructive alternatives to government policies.
“I am not here to attack the opposition. I am here to appeal to them. They represent Guyana. At the end of the day, whether rightfully, wrongfully, [or] mistakenly, they represent tens of thousands of Guyanese,” he said adding, “Their voices are important on these matters of national importance. We know corruption is wrong and allegations of corruption…. yes those are important things to highlight, but that is not your only role. That is important but you have so many other important things to talk about,” the Attorney General said.
Moreover, Nandlall highlighted the opposition’s lack of engagement when it comes to issues affecting Guyanese households and the country’s wider national interests, particularly the cost of living, which he said has not been addressed through meaningful contributions beyond calls for salary increases.
He argued that proposals for increased salaries must be accompanied by an understanding of their possible implications, reinforcing the need for more substantive discussion on the economic and social challenges facing the country.
He also raised concerns about the opposition’s silence on Venezuela, noting that Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez had recently addressed the United Nations on matters he said had serious implications for Guyana. “When have you heard them speak about the threat from Venezuela? Delcy Rodriguez, the President of Venezuela, just made an address at the United Nations that has serious implications for Guyana. Did you hear the Opposition Leader or any member of the other Opposition say a word about that?” he asked.
Additionally, Nandlall identified climate change and food security as critical issues requiring significant national attention, noting Guyana’s vulnerability to rising sea levels and its growing role in regional agricultural production.
He said Guyana is confronting climate-related challenges while also navigating the challenges between fossil fuel production and environmental concerns. These are among the major matters he believes should be receiving greater attention from opposition parliamentarians. “We are living in a world where food security is a major issue. Guyana has been identified to play a pivotal role in guaranteeing food security for the region,” he said. The Attorney General noted that the lack of meaningful contributions on these matters significantly undermines the Opposition’s ability to demonstrate its role and relevance to national development and the concerns of the people it represents.
Speaking on the importance of both the main and smaller opposition parties, Nandlall said an effective opposition must understand the issues of national significance and be capable of offering constructive criticism and guidance on matters of crucial importance. Rather than concentrating on isolated complaints, he emphasised that opposition representatives should be able to scrutinise government decisions at the policy level and present alternatives that can withstand public examination. “You have to talk to the people and show where the government is going wrong at policy levels of an important nature, not engaging in minutiae and ad hominem exchanges. That is not the role of politicians at that level,” he said.
Nandlall said the parliamentary opposition must function as an alternative government, bringing a high standard of leadership to the country and demonstrating to the public where government policies are going wrong. While acknowledging that concerns about roads, farms, fencing and pump stations may be important, he argued that such matters should not be the central focus of the work of an opposition. He emphasised that parliamentary oppositions are entrusted with scrutinising the government and contributing to national policy. “When you are the parliamentary opposition of the country, you are the alternative government. You have to bring the highest calibre of leadership to the people,” he said.
Moreover, the Attorney General maintained that a competent opposition remains an essential part of a functioning democracy. He said effective scrutiny, constructive criticism and engagement with issues of national importance are necessary to ensure that the public has a meaningful alternative in the political process.
“I am a passionate believer that we must have an effective and competent opposition. It is an important component of democracy, and I say to you with the greatest of respect to my colleagues in the National Assembly that they are not an effective and competent opposition,” Nandlall said.
