With the hope of arriving at a swift and amicable resolution to the dispute over funding for the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly – Guyana (IDPADA-G), the Government and group’s Coordinating Council are expected to commence mediation soon.

In the High Court today, IDPADA-G’s Attorney, Nigel Hughes informed Chief Justice Roxane George that in keeping with her recent admonition and instructions, the Afrocentric organization dispatched a letter to the Attorney General, Anil Nandlall on February 6 to initiate the process of mediation.

It was not until last Saturday that the Attorney General responded to the letter, requesting an urgent meeting with IDPADA-G.

However, given the ongoing Demerara Criminal Assizes, Mr Hughes was unable to meet during the proposed time.

Meanwhile, in updating the Court, the Attorney General said he has received clear directives from the Government, and stands ready to resolve the issue.

“I have received certain instructions from the Minister, which I would like the opportunity to convey to Mr Hughes and his client, and I believe it should go a far way in bringing this matter to a resolution,” the Attorney General told the Court.

The Chief Justice, in response, said she was pleased with the progress made thus far, and explained that while the term “mediation” is being used, the two sides could engage in any form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), even in the absence of a mediator, to arrive at an amicable solution.

“If the parties are willing to have a sensible discussion among themselves, then that is allowed. You may get a mediator; you don’t have to get a mediator. So, when I speak of mediation, I am not only looking at it in the narrow sense of court connected mediation of appointing someone but of course, if the parties care to, they could so indicate to the court,” the Chief Justice explained.

In response, Mr Hughes informed the Court that in the event that a mediator is needed, IDPADA-G has a list of four nominees for consideration, however, the Attorney General expressed confidence that the matter could be resolved in the absence of a mediator.

Though not issuing a gag order, the Chief Justice urged the parties to not discuss the ongoing issue in the public domain.

“I am not going to make an order but I am going to ask the parties not to have any engagement, in terms of writing to the press or having any press conferences or anything of the sort that mentions this matter, while it engages the attention of the court,” the Chief Justice told the two sides. 

Since last September, the Government has been withholding IDPADA-G’s monthly subvention of $8M over claims of malpractice and misappropriation of funds. However, the organisation has refuted the allegations, while placing its financial records up for scrutiny.

During an earlier hearing of the case brought against the Government by IDPADA-G, the Chief Justice said the issue was a national embarrassment and needs to be resolved soon.

Today, while acknowledging the progress made, the Chief Justice underscored the need for an early resolution.

“I think something positive has been reported, and I would hope that such positivity continues in the interest of all, and as I mentioned on the last occasion, in the interest of the image of our beloved country,” Chief Justice George said.

Related posts:

Talks over reinstatement of IDPADA-G’s monthly subvention break down; Full case to be heard Government agrees to reinstitute monthly subventions to IDPADA-G; Parties considering restart proposal IDPADA-G dispatches letter to AG Nandlall over mediation to settle funding dispute Dispute over funding for IDPADA-G is a national embarrassment; Acting Chief Justice urges mediation