The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is not worried about the ongoing prorogation of the parliament in Guyana and says it is satisfied with the process based on statements from the Guyana government.

 The Community Council of Ministers which is the second highest organ of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), wrapped up its 35th Meeting in Guyana on Friday and in a post meeting statement, the Council said it received an update from the Foreign Minister of Guyana regarding developments in relation to the prorogation of the Parliament of Guyana.

According to the statement, the Ministers from around the region who were gathered at the meeting, recalled that the Government of Guyana had formally advised the Caribbean Community regarding the prorogation and the reason for this course of action.

 “In her update, the Foreign Minister advised of the imminent announcement of elections by the President of Guyana. Ministers were satisfied that the prorogation of Parliament was in keeping with the provisions of the Guyana Constitution and did not constitute a breach of the Commonwealth Charter”, the statement added.

CARICOM has offered very little about the development in Guyana in spite of the concerns expressed by the Opposition parties in Parliament which hold the majority. President Donald Ramotar had indicated that he prorogued the parliament in an effort to avoid a no confidence motion being moved against his government in the Opposition led National Assembly.

The British and U.S governments have both called on the President to announce a date for elections and allow the return of a functioning democracy in the country. The parliament in Guyana has not met in six months. It was first on recess and the prorogation proclamation by the President was handed down on the same day that the Sittings of the National Assembly were being resumed.

The  British Government has been very strong in its condemnation of the prorogation and has indicated that it will put a hold on developmental funds for Guyana until parliamentary democracy is returned and there could be parliamentary oversight of projects.

 The Caribbean Community of Ministers brushed aside the concerns of the UK and the US governments by pointing out there is a need for “the respect of diplomatic proprieties and for adherence to the principles of non-interference in the domestic affairs of Member States.”

Filed: 17th January, 2015

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