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Kaieteur News
Tuesday September 03, 2013
President’s non-assent to Bills …
Rohee advises APNU to go to Court By Abena Rockcliffe Newly elected general secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Clement Rohee has advised the main opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to take their grouse over the President’s non-assent to bills, to court. APNU is determined to have its Bills come into effect, and is holding President Donald Ramotar responsible for his choice not to assent to the legislations that the party dubbed as enormously crucial. Yesterday morning at a PPP press conference, held at Freedom House, Rohee said that his party is fully behind President Donald Ramotar’s decision as it relates to his decision not to assent to the Bills. He added that the government is of the opinion that the “threats” from the Opposition are purely designed to bully the Head of State into passing “unconstitutional” Legislations.
- says Opposition wants to bully the Head of State Separate and aside from the four controversial Local Government Bills, which statues are unclear, APNU is also canvassing to have two other Bills, which they had proposed, assented to. Those two Bills are the Former Presidents (Benefits and other Facilities) Bill 2012, and The Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment Bill) 2012. The Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment) Bill 2012, seeks to restore the Constitutional status of the “independent entities”, under the Constitution. These include the Guyana Elections Commission, the courts and the Office of the Ombudsman and other such agencies. The Former President (Benefits and other Facilities) Bill of 2012 seeks to cap the various benefits granted to former Presidents and thus protect taxpayers’ money. The main argument used
by APNU Member of Parliament, Carl Greenidge, was that it is irrational for former Presidents to be granted unlimited resources when the state, itself, has limited resources. Recently, APNU Leader, David Granger, disclosed his intention to convene with the Speaker of the National Assembly with the purpose of discussing the way forward with regards to the Opposition proposed Bills that have not been able to secure the President’s assent. Yesterday, Rohee told media operatives that APNU’s motive for coming out to talk about the Bills is to distract its supporters from the fact that it didn’t support the Amaila Falls Project in the National Assembly. The Home Affairs Minister said that the government continues to monitor the utterances of Granger and other top members of the APNU, “in
their effort to distract from their actions in the National Assembly regarding their vote against critical pieces of legislation which would have significantly advanced the Amaila Falls Hydro project and which directly led to the withdrawal of Site Global from the most significant project in Guyana’s history.” He said that the Government had efficiently addressed the concerns of APNU as it relates to the nonassent of the Bills. He added that the aspects of where the Opposition Bills collided with the constitution and existing laws have been fully ventilated. Further, Rohee stated that “Our constitution resides in the President, a latitudinal power of discretion as to whether he will assent or not. The President, after careful consideration, has decided that he will not assent, and he has complied with the procedure that the
PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee Opposition Leader, David Granger constitution outlines when he decides to withhold his assent.” Rohee said that with regard to Granger’s reference that the law is very clear on the issue and that he holds the Government in default, “…if APNU feels so convinced that its position is grounded in law, why has it
not approached the High Court after making threats to do just that since May this year at one of their Press Conferences. The General Secretary added that the “PPP is convinced that rather than grandstand and create all manner of political illusion to distract from their failings, APNU needs to man up and play a meaningful and responsible role in the development of our nation.”
ACTO Executive Director hails Guyana’s policy of respecting indigenous peoples’ rights The Guyana Government’s efforts at promoting the rights of the indigenous population have gained the recognition of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (ACTO), an international body aimed at the promotion of sustainable development of the Amazon Basin. Executive Director of ACTO, Ambassador Mauricio Dorfler who addressed the ACTO 5th meeting of high authorities on indigenous affairs, today made reference to the granting of indigenous lands, the promotion of higher education, health, access, culture among others.
“These are the experiences that can serve as a model not only for the indigenous people but also for the national development and identity,” Ambassador Dorfler said at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC). Policy initiatives by successive People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/ C) Governments have been credited to the improvements that have been evident among the Amerindian communities in the remote areas of Guyana. Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai told the gathering about Guyana being among the few
Executive Director of ACTO, Ambassador Mauricio Dorfler countries to craft legislation on indigenous rights long before the United Nations (UN) Declaration of
Indigenous Peoples Rights was submitted for member countries’ approval. The protection of indigenous people’s rights and welfare has been given primacy with the legal framework captured in the Amerindian Act of 2006, which Minister Sukhai recommended as a model for other countries to examine. Reference was also made to major development projects targeting the country’s indigenous people based on the consent agreement and priorities of the respective villages. Among them is the granting of land titles to about 90 percent of the eligible communities, the creation of an Amerindian Development Fund (ADF) to
sustain livelihood and economic viability of villages, installation of 12,000 solar panel units to Amerindian households, the investment in modern schools and hospitals in the remote areas, and establishment of computer hubs in 150 villages to support the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) project. “This initiative (OLPF) is intended to prepare indigenous people’s advancement towards a better life in this current period of advanced technological and information base,” Minister Sukhai said. Access to education has improved significantly with the construction of schools equipped with dormitory, and the school feeding and uniform programmes. Additionally the Hinterland Scholarship Programme and technical vocational training
have provided Amerindian students with the avenue for educational empowerment. A week-long National Toshaos Council (NTC) meeting each year provides an opportunity for village leaders to voice concerns to the President and Government ministers and other officials. September is designated Amerindian Heritage month each year to showcase all aspects of the culture and development of the nation’s first people. This too, was hailed by Ambassador Dorfler. The ACTO High Level meeting coincides with the month - long activities that includes an exhibition, homage to Stephen Campbell the first Amerindian Parliamentarian, visit to a designated heritage village, a pageant and sports. (GINA)