Dear Editor,
James McAllister correctly observed that: “In his address, Mr. Nadir, in his wisdom, thought it best to mock and vilify key strategic partners of our country, publicly rebuking members of the diplomatic community in a manner that amounts to a total breach of diplomatic norms and the required propriety of statesmanship.”
This conduct exposes a stunning lack of judgment, professional discipline, and international courtesy by Speaker Manzoor Nadir toward the United States, Britain, Canada, and the wider international community—partners who acted responsibly and in good faith by calling on Guyana to respect and abide by its own constitutional processes.
Rather than uphold the dignity of his office, the Speaker deliberately and purposefully stalled the opening of Guyana’s Parliament, not for any lawful or procedural reason, but to prevent Azruddin Mohamed from becoming the duly recognized Leader of the Opposition. This was not an administrative lapse. It was a calculated obstruction of the Constitution.
To publicly mock and rebuke diplomatic representatives—who merely urged adherence to the rule of law—is reckless, unstatesmanlike, and profoundly damaging to Guyana’s international standing. It signals contempt not only for democratic norms, but also for the very partners who support Guyana’s development, stability, and global credibility.
The Speaker has failed — and must resign. Manzoor Nadir has: Failed the Constitution, failed Parliament, failed the Guyanese people and embarrassed the Government of Guyana on the international stage. A Speaker who weaponizes his office to obstruct constitutional outcomes, while insulting democratic partners abroad, has forfeited all moral and institutional legitimacy.
The Speaker should resign immediately. Guyana deserves parliamentary leadership that respects the Constitution, honours democratic norms, and conducts itself with the discipline and statesmanship befitting a sovereign democratic nation.