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News
www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending August 8, 2013
PPP/C hasn’t strayed from Dr Jagan’s ideals–President Ramotar
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resident Donald Ramotar said the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) will not shift from its role of improving the lives of all Guyanese as envisioned by late founding leader and president, Dr Cheddi Jagan. Addressing hundreds of delegates at the opening of the party’s 30th Congress held at the JC Chandisingh Secondary School, Port Mourant, Berbice last Friday, the president said Dr Jagan’s principles of social justice, hard work, unity in the face of division and investment in the people of Guyana are, and will always be the hallmarks of the PPP/C. “As the People’s Progressive Party, we have a duty to fight for these principles and never to relent–even in the
ible and has to be defended every day, with the aim of forging ahead the developmental agenda in the interests of all Guyanese.
Nonsensical stance
President Donald Ramotar addressing the PPP/C’s 30th Congress at the JC Chandisingh Secondary School, Port Mourant, Berbice
face of an uncompromising and uncomprehending opposition. I make this personal commitment that I, as president and head of state, will not relent. And as general secretary of your party, I commit you, members of the People’s Progressive Party, to
never ever relent either,” he stated. “We cannot afford to do so because we strive for the people, and it is their dreams that we were elected to protect, foster and realise. We will press forward,” he assured. Acknowledging that
there are challenges, the president noted that, “in the face of those challenges we must be resolute. We must not allow those who seek to reduce our Parliament to a farce and impede our efforts to invest in our future to win, for what they fail to see is that every time
they pat themselves on the back for supposedly embarrassing the government, it is in fact a defeat for the brighter future they claim to want for our people.” The president said the progress made in Guyana today is not invincible, not irrevers-
He pointed out that the developmental path has come under threat by the opposition’s nonsensical stance that growth can be achieved by cutting investment. Ramotar said the opposition’s plans have nothing to do with growth and everything to do with cutting the PPP/C’s nose to spite the face of all Guyanese. He noted that since 2011, the opposition has sought to continually block government’s proposals, tried to denigrate its ideals and attempted to use Parliament to block social and economic progress. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)
Jamaican gov’t, private sector, trade unions ‘People should decide on CCJ’ – AG Ramlogan and civil society sign social partnership
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Signatories to the Partnership for Jamaica Agreement Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller (centre), President of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), Christopher Zacca (left); President of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions Lloyd Goodleigh (second right); Youth Advocate, Jamaica Youth Advocacy Group, Kemesha Kelly, representing civil society groups, are joined by former Prime Minister Bruce Golding as they display copies of the agreement during last Friday’s signing ceremony at King’s House in Kingston, Jamaica. (Bryan Cummings/Jamaica Observer photo)
he Jamaican government, private sector, trade unions and civil society last Friday signed the historic Social Partnership Agreement to create national dialogue and consensus on issues relating to economic growth and development. The opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), however, did not attend the signing at King’s House where representatives from the respective groups affixed their signature to the long-awaited agreement, which Governor General Sir Patrick Allen said will help to address tribal politics. Former Prime Minister Bruce Golding was, however, in attendance and was com-
mended for his role in the process, although his party did not sign. Sir Patrick said the signing of the agreement commits all parties involved to work together for the full emancipation of Jamaica and was significant as it came on the eve of Emancipation Day. “Our nation needs to free itself from the corrosive tribalism which has impeded a unified attack on our ingrained socioeconomic problems,” Sir Patrick said. He added that leaders in all sectors must liberate the genius, which is within them to craft and implement policies and programmes for the long-term good of the country “regardless of the impact on the ballot box, membership
loyalty or the short term bottom line”. “We need all Jamaicans to believe that there is a genuine commitment to abide by the provisions of the partnership agreement. All Jamaicans must soon begin to see a positive change in how the partners interact with each other and in their accountability to the people of Jamaica, otherwise alienation, cynicism and mistrust of leadership will deepen,” Sir Patrick said. Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller said the signing of the social partnership comes at a critical point in the nation’s progress, and she urged the partners to move from the historical signing into action and to concentrate on
the specific priorities in the agreement and focus on the national agenda. “We will continue to inform ourselves about the progress and hold each other accountable for our part in the process,” Simpson Miller said. In the meantime, Professor Alvin Wint of the University of the West Indies said Jamaica has had a history of political leaders who have been deeply committed to enhancing the welfare of Jamaicans. Former and current political leaders, the university professor said, have created a foundation on which the firstever signing of a social partnership in Jamaica is built. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
TT’s Attorney General Anand Ramlogan (TT Guardian file photo)
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rinidad and Tobago’s Attorney General Anand Ramlogan says people should be allowed to decide if the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) should replace the Privy Council as TT’s final court of appeal. However, in an interview with TT media on Sunday, he said that making this issue part of the upcoming local government elections would not allow enough time for proper discussion on a national level as the elections are scheduled to be held in two months. “I agree with President (Anthony) Carmona and support the idea of a referendum outlined by (him), but I do not think it is one that could be dealt with within the local government elections given the proximity of the is-
sues and its complexity,” Ramlogan said. Addressing the ceremonial opening of Parliament last Friday, President Carmona called for a free vote in Parliament via secret ballot to allow Members of Parliament to decide whether the CCJ should be made TT’s highest court of justice. He further said if the parliamentarians are not inclined to make the change, then the matter should be dealt with through a public referendum. Carmona suggested the upcoming local government elections would be an “ideal opportunity” to deal with the issue. In order for the CCJ to become the final court, it would require a special majority in Parliament, which includes the opposition and independent benches. Referring to the issues that people from the different parties have toward the CCJ, Ramlogan said, “There may be many interested groups and stakeholders outside the political process who should be heard. I do not know if parties would take positions or allow individuals to speak fully and openly and independently which is perhaps what President Carmona alluded to when he mentioned a consensus vote, but it is a matter that remains debatable and on discussion.” (Excerpt from TT Newsday)