Dear Editor,
In an earlier letter I referred to a popular newspaper column titled, “Believe It or Not” by Ripley, this article started some generations ago, drew attention to occurrences which were unbelievable but were real. Before the end of this week, we will enter a New Year and believe it or not, it appears we will have an incomplete National Assembly. Incomplete since we have no identified leader of the opposition, due to the machinations of the Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly.
I am now proposing the APNU and other members of parliament convene a meeting, of all non-government members of parliament, at a public place, and by show of hands name the person to be leader of the opposition. Years ago, we were taught to subscribe to this Latin phrase “vox populi, vox dei”, which means “the voice of the people is the voice of God” an ancient proverb suggesting that public opinion holds divine weight and truth.
After this noble and patriotic exercise, we will then inform, and advise the President, and the Prime Minister that they should respect and act on the voice of the people, notwithstanding the niceties of the law and tradition, such initiative would speak to the essence of democracy. The underlying principle of a viable democracy is putting in place the wishes of the people. Let us say goodbye to the year with a stellar performance by the representatives of the people.