Dear Editor,
The Guyana Constitution must be allowed to function. Its relevance and application should be actively discussed, enabling the ventilation of diverse views to strengthen our political system. Yet, at this critical moment, the National Assembly is not sitting, committees remain unestablished, and the Leader of the Opposition has not been elected. This paralysis undermines the very foundations of governance and threatens the principle that no branch of government is superior to another.
As citizens and workers, we must understand that the Constitution—and any changes to it—remains dead at its core unless activated by the people. Article 119(A) of the Constitution explicitly mandates the establishment of a Parliamentary Standing Committee for Constitutional Reform, charged with reviewing the effectiveness of the Constitution and making proposals for reform. This committee has broad authority, including co-opting experts and engaging the citizenry across the country. Yet, for more than a decade, there has been no meaningful action, no consultation, no visible leadership from those entrusted with this responsibility.
It is clear that the Constitution itself has not failed. The failure lies with the individuals tasked to uphold it. Title 1 guarantees The Protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of the Individual, aligning with international declarations. Yet, political leaders consistently disregard these protections, and the society has yet to see those responsible held accountable. Constitutional condemnation is politically expedient, but true progress comes from ensuring compliance with the Constitution today, not waiting for abstract changes.
This nation can only thrive, and its people coexist in peace, where accountability is real and enforced. Citizens must demand that every elected official respect the rules, uphold the law, and protect the rights of all. This starts with the Government, the Clerk, and the Speaker of the National Assembly taking immediate action: convene sittings, establish committees, and elect the Leader of the Opposition without delay. The legislative branch must function fully, in lockstep with the executive and judiciary, as co-equal pillars of governance. This culture of lawlessness must end—now.
We are stuck at a dangerous crossroads, where might appears to replace right, and lawlessness is replacing the rule of law. Executive power cannot continue to ignore legislative authority and the will of the people. Today, the executive is using its parliamentary majority to disregard the legislature, sidelining the citizens’ interests, and flouting the Constitution. If this conduct is allowed to continue unchecked, how can we expect this nation to move forward in harmony?
Youth and citizens alike must immerse themselves in these discussions to chart the country’s direction. Some argue that marginalisation stems from exclusion from executive power, but the Constitution already protects every group and individual, regardless of political affiliation, race, class, gender, creed, or governmental position. Yet, these protections are continually ignored.
If the political class shows no respect for Rights and the Rule of Law, no arrangement—whether executive power-sharing, shared governance, or a government of national unity—can cure their contempt for citizens or institutions. This contempt has become cancerous, spreading through society and threatening lives, livelihoods, the well-being of all, and the stability of the nation. Politics is about people and their development; it is not about violating laws, breaking rules, and transgressing rights.
The time for talk is over. The National Assembly must sit—now. Committees must function—without delay. The Leader of the Opposition must be elected—immediately. Respect for the Constitution is not optional, it is mandatory, and it starts with those who are sworn to uphold it. The people are watching, and they will no longer tolerate leaders who ignore the law, sideline institutions, and trample the rights of citizens. Enough is enough.