PPP-CIVIC

Press Releases

APNU/AFC PARLIAMENTARY ALLIANCE AND ITS RECKLESS PARLIAMENTARY AGENDA

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The National Assembly of Guyana in its third sitting in 2012 has again made a decision that violated the Constitution, the laws of Guyana and a commitment made by the Parliamentary Political Parties during the tripartite talks to work together in the interest of Guyana.

Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh had tabled on February 10, 2012, Financial Papers No. 7 & 8 for the consideration of the House. The Financial Papers disclosed expenditure made through supplementary provisions by the Administration in Fiscal year 2011 in accordance with existing law. The law provided for the Minister, at the earliest opportunity subsequently, to present for the consideration of the House the expenditure so incurred.

The initial reactions of the APNU/AFC Parliamentary alliance to the February 10 tabling were uncompromisingly hostile with threats ranging from outright rejection to censure, among others. The alliance continued its rhetoric about unlawful expenditure.

The alliance in examining the Financial Papers 7 & 8, selectively withheld its authorization of various expenditure items. The principle that the expenditure made by the Minister and outlined in the Financial Papers 7 & 8 was in conformity with the existing law was repeatedly rejected by the APNU/AFC Parliamentary alliance.

In that context, at the Committee of Supply, the alliance rejected expenditure related to

Office of the President procurement of security surveillance goods and services, expenditure on National Events and Ceremonies, specifically the national awards and the inauguration of President Ramotar.

Also rejected at that level was the expenditure for overtime paid to public officers at General Registrar’s Office earned during the Claims and Objections periods leading up to the 2011 General and Regional elections

Most bewildering was the APNU/AFC comprehensive rejection of expenditure associated with the Specialty Hospital construction and site preparation.

Looking ahead, the APNU/AFC alliance seems intent on cherrypicking and rejecting selective items of expenditure.

It is anticipated that they will use their voting strength to authorise the expenditure for only those items favourably considered at the level of the Committee of Supply thus rejecting recklessly all the other items of expenditure.

Once again the APNU/AFC Parliamentary alliance has signaled its intention to continue on the course of confrontation using their combined vote in the National Assembly for partisan political interests. Regrettably, the APNU/AFC combined vote in Parliament has now been used on three (3) consecutive occasions in two sittings to undermine constitutionality and to disregard parliamentary norms and traditions.

The very first time, and unparallel in the history of the legislature in Guyana, the APNU/AFC collaborated to have both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker to belong on the same side of the House.

On the second occasion, the APNU/AFC combined vote was used to establish a composition of the Committee of Selection that ignored the constitutional principle of proportionality among the parties therein represented.

In this the latest and the third time, the APNU/AFC alliance rejected authorizing lawful expenditure by the Administration that was outlined in Financial Papers 7 & 8.

These three consecutive acts have conjured the spectacle of the Parliamentary opposition parties collaborating on frustrating the implementation of the PPP/C Executive Parliamentary program.

PPP CENTRAL COMMITTEE CONCERNED ABOUT OPPOSITION TACTICS; REVIEW OF ELECTIONS RESULTS LEADS TO RENEWAL EFFORTS

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The Central Committee of the People’s Progressive Party met on Saturday, January 14, 2012 during which Party examined developments at the local and international levels. This was the first such meeting following the 2011 Regional and General Elections.

At the international level, the Party viewed with concern the tense situation in the Middle East in particular events relating to Iran and

Syria and re-affirmed its principled stance for a climate of global peace and security. The Party also discussed the severe economic and financial crisis in a

number of European countries and its implications on the working people who are now forced to contend with falling incomes levels, unemployment and cuts in social spending.

At the same time, the income gap between the rich and the poor is getting wider thus creating greater burden for the vulnerable sections

of our society. At the national level, the Party assessed the current situation which resulted from the November 28, 2011 General and Regional Elections and

noted with deep concern the machinations and intrigues of APNU and AFC to derail the democratic processes given their post elections antics

on and off the streets. Despite claims of voting irregularity the APNU is still to produce any credible evidence to substantiate its

allegations of electoral malpractice.

The Party also noted with disgust the harassment and acts of intimidation against supporters and prominent individuals and groups who have expressed their democratic and constitutional right to support the PPP/C. The PPP/C will monitor this campaign of bullyism and intimidation against sections of the society to ensure that our country does not slide into an atmosphere of national discord and deep division. While recognizing that the PPP/C secured the largest amount of votes

and seats in the National Assembly, much discussion by the Central Committee focused on the reasons for the PPP not being able to win a majority over the combined Opposition in Parliament as in previous elections. There was a review of the underlying factors.

A menu of action was agreed to address these factors. Immediate implementation of this plan of action was recognized. Corrective

action has been undertaken.

Further, the Central Committee took the opportunity to congratulate its General Secretary Donald Ramotar on his election to the highest

political office in the land and pledged its full and unwavering support to him in the execution of his elected mandate. The Central

Committee also thanked the former President for his excellent performance in placing the country on a path of sustainable development and raising the international profile of the country.

A major highlight of the meeting was a presentation by President Donald Ramotar and former President Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo on the challenges ahead and the way forward. Both leaders congratulated Party members and supporters for having attained yet another victory at the November 28 elections and expressed optimism that the Party and Government will continue to accelerate the pace of national development in the interest of Guyanese regardless of race or political affiliation.

The Central Committee observed that in a wave of triumphalism, the Opposition APNU, with the collusion of its junior cohort, the AFC, unashamedly deployed its majoritarian will in Parliament recently that it has so harshly criticized in the past. In doing so it has violated the most hallowed of parliamentary conventions by elevating former PNC strongman, Raphael Trotman, to the Speaker’s Chair and PNC firebrand, Debbie Backer, as Deputy Speaker.

It is not clear when Speaker Trotman had a change of heart in terms of his interest in the post of Speaker. His name was floated earlier, it

was withdrawn and emerged again within the past few days.

Curiously, he said in his remarks that he had been anticipating the moment of his election for weeks. Was dice being played with Moses Nagamootoo’s name all this time, unknown to him?

Even in the worst days of Burnhamist authoritarianism, when armed agents of the State were forced to transport ballot boxes at election

time, an activity publicly supported many times by Chairman of APNU, David Granger, the then Government at least maintained the façade of tradition by allowing the Opposition PPP to have the post of Deputy Speaker even though the Deputy Speaker was never allowed to preside

during those years.

Also the Opposition threw tradition out of the windows of Parliament Building and took control of both the positions of Speaker and Deputy

Speaker. Its message to the Government is our way or no way.

Mr. Granger’s declared expectation in his brief remarks that the Parliament will “promote democracy” and “prevent abuse” fell flat against the flagrant lack of respect for parliamentary democracy and parliamentary norms on the first day of Parliament.

The AFC gleefully facilitated APNU in its majoritarian drive by unceremoniously dumping Moses Nagamootoo in favour of former member of the Central Executive of the PNC, Trotman. Ramjattan had claimed that Nagamootoo was responsible for what he described as the favorable election result for APNU and the AFC and of influencing Berbice voters in favour of the AFC. He praised Nagamootoo in his brief remarks in Parliament but extended no sympathy to him, or justification to the AFC’s Berbice supporters, who Nagamootoo allegedly took to the AFC , for promising him a Vice Presidency if it won the elections and then the Speakership after the elections and then breaking both of those promises. Mr. Nagamootoo got nothing for his pains except a hard, back bench seat.

The PPP will do all that is within its power to protect the parliamentary gains of the people and will work with all forces for
the development of Guyana. In light of the new political dispensation, the Party expressed its willingness to work with all stakeholders including the political opposition, the social and religious organizations, trade unions and all NGO’s in the furtherance of the development agenda of the country.

PPPC MOURNS THE DEATH OF DR. MOTI LALL

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The People’s Progressive Party/Civic is saddened at the passing of a stalwart, Dr. Moti Lall.

The life of Dr. Moti Lall was fulfilling and purposeful as a servant of our people, especially through his medical practice.

Throughout his life he demonstrated unwavering commitment to the development of Guyana and displayed his love for his country through his struggle for democracy and freedom, the poor and the disenfranchised.

He was a former Member of Parliament for the PPP, Chairman of the Board of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, President of the Guyana Chest Society and a Central Committee Member of the party.

Dr. Motielall is remembered within the health sector as an ardent advocate for better healthcare and was specifically instrumental in the establishment and advancement of the Hansens’ Disease Programme in Guyana at the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

For us he made a valuable contribution to the PPP/C and his country and we must therefore find comfort in knowing that his sacrifices and kind deeds have contributed immensely in the creation of a better life for all our people.

The PPP/C joins his wife, children other relatives and friends in mourning the loss of Dr. Moti Lall.

OP condemns character assassination and defamation of Minister

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The Office of the President views with extreme distaste the resort of elements of the domestic Media to character assassination and defamation.

The recent Kaieteur News headlines that targeted Minister Irfaan Ali are the latest in the series of yellow journalistic activities.

The Office of the President rejects such underhand tactics intended to demean and question the probity of the young Minister. Minister Ali has made significant contributions to the development of Guyana particularly in the Housing and Water sectors.

The Office of the President rejects this malicious effort and anticipates that Minister Ali’s disclosures would continue to justify the confidence of this Administration and the Guyanese people in him.

The public is warned that these examples of yellow journalism are now known to be a part of a dedicated plan to discredit government personalities and thus the Administration.

The Office of the President will continue to expose the intellectual authors and their wicked designs

Vandalism of PPP/C Campaign Billboards and Posters

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Freedom House - The People’s Progressive Party/Civic wishes to bring to the public’s attention a very disturbing incident and expresses our strongest condemnation against what seems to be a new trend as we proceed closer to the upcoming Election Day, 2011.

Throughout the country with permission, volunteers have been erecting our billboards, posters and scrolls and other forms of public advertisements as it relates to the elections.

These forms of advertisements have all been conveying positive messages in keeping with the theme of our campaign and the qualities of our presidential candidate. This is a normal and expected form of campaigning and complements our other forms of advertising via the print and electronic media or the internet including social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.

The party has received reports of a gang of about 3 to 4 persons who were in the Kitty area yesterday defacing billboards, removing posters and scrolls between the hours of 18:30 and 19:00 hrs. They further proceeded to a certain part of the East Bank of Demerara where similar acts were conducted. The group seems very organized, limited in number but centrally directed in terms of targeting PPP/C campaign materials.

What is also strange is the fact that apart from the timing of these brazen acts, such actions in Kitty took place a short distance from the Kitty Police station.

The party considers this an act of hooliganism and not befitting the standards that Guyanese deserve and want during this elections period.

The PPP/C was the first party to indicate to the Guyana Elections Commission our willingness to sign the Elections code of conduct and is disappointed that APNU and the AFC are hesitant to sign the document.

Their objection will not help to foster an environment of peaceful, free and fair elections

In fact, it certainly suggests lack of commitment on their part that is short of free, fair and very civil elections.

The PPP/C will continue to bring this type of behavior to the attention of GECOM, the Election Observers and all others concerned.

The party will be dispatching a formal letter to the Chairman of GECOM Mr. Steve Surujballi of this development which will be copied to the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Henry Greene.

Meanwhile, the PPP/C finds of interest that this development comes on the heels of efforts to intimidate, antagonize and to seek confrontation with our supporters at several of our public meetings, one of which was at Enterprise; whereby persons were given alcohol, bussed to the area by known executives of the opposition to create tension.

The PPP/C reaffirms that it will not condone or tolerate any of our supporter’s engaging in such behavior.

In fact, at our Albion rally there were known opposition executives who were present there and no one in the crowd sought to intimidate them as they went about collecting and distributing their anti PPP/C propaganda.

The party at all times has indicated that it intends to instill a level of disciple, civility and respect for other parties especially during this period and we expect other parties will do the same. We urge our supporters not to react and to remain calm and to ignore these provocations by the opposition whom having failed to garner public support is now resorting to dirty and uncivil electoral conduct.

We also call on Guyana Police Force to step up its vigilance as these acts were being carried out during the evening, where our supporters were told not to confront these very provocative acts.

These incidents in fact has seen hundreds of new volunteers turning up at our offices countrywide to render support to the campaign but also to ensure a climate of peace, civility and proper conduct is maintained.

The party has already moved to restore the materials which were damaged.