The Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC) today rapped the Opposition over its “failure” to effectively hold the Government accountable.

General Secretary of the Guyana Trade Union Congress, Lincoln Lewis at a press conference today said at a time of rising tension, disruption, deprivation and lawlessness taking place in the country, the Opposition seems to be losing ground.

“There is need for greater political militancy in this society. The role of the Opposition is not only to make promises about what will happen should they enter government, but also to oppose poor governance and stand with the people to demand better. These are important in every democratic governance system,” Lewis told reporters during a press conference today.

He said the Opposition, under the leadership of current Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, must get up and assert itself, and provide the society with the required leadership. 

“You are ceding too much ground; ground that is resulting in the erosion of the respect for the rule of law; basic rights and entitlement for the ordinary man. This is a grave disservice to the people,” the GTUC General Secretary said.

The Opposition Leader and the GTUC have not had official talks on national issues, though numbers have been exchanged.

However, Lewis said the GTUC stands ready to work with those who are prepared to work for people.

The GTUC also took umbrage to statements made by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo that the Government has no intention of involving the Opposition in key-decision making. 

Lewis said the Vice President must be told clearly that the Government will not be allowed to act unconstitutionally, and should he fail to abide the Constitution, he must be told by actions.

He said in a multi-ethnic and multi-party society, good sense must prevail, adding that there is no Constitutional provision that prevents the Opposition from involvement in key decision-making.

“In fact, the Constitution of Guyana, which Jagdeo in his capacity as vice president has sworn to uphold, mandates a system of inclusionary democracy, which is spelt out in Article 13. All citizens have a right to involvement in the management and decision-making processes of the state that affect their well-being. Guyana is not the vice president’s sole property nor is this a one-party state where he presides as lord and others his minions,” the GTUC General Secretary said. 

Lewis also called on President Irfaan Ali to stand up as leader, work with the Opposition and others in society consistent with his constitutional responsibilities, and “stop outsourcing the presidency to Mr. Jagdeo.” 

He said in a wealthy nation such as Guyana, the people deserve better.

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