Dear Editor,
Between 1964 and 1980, the office of the Prime Minister had much more influence over the affairs of the government both in the pre and post Republic era. It was not until the 1980 constitution, which abolished the ceremonial presidency and paved the way for an executive President. This change weakened the Office of the Prime Minister, relegating it to the “principal assistant to the President” as stated in article 101 of the constitution. While the position may seem ceremonial at times and often a show boat for diversity, the Prime Minister’s role is essential to the functioning of a democratic government because the constitution has given the role more latitude. However, many are wondering what exactly are the functions of the current Prime Minister given the haphazard portfolio he possesses?
Article 101 section (2) which is the principle in relating the qualification and responsibilities of the Prime Minister states:
“ The Prime Minister shall be the principal assistant of the President in the discharge of his or her executive functions and leader of Government business in the National Assembly.”
The article provides interpretation that the occupier of the office acts as the President’s chief assistant in social, economic and political affairs of the state. This seems a pivotal role as the Prime Minister can leverage and promote development while enhancing the livelihood of the Guyanese people. The current holder of the office seems to be a lost rabbit in the wilderness performing ceremonial ribbon cutting exercises and giving worthless platitudes about telecommunications, energy, government information and oil & gas of which he has no expertise. It would have served the Prime Minister, a former chief of staff of the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) to direct his focus on the territorial sovereignty and military matters of which he is rumored to be knowledgeable and respected. Secondly, as it relates to the function of leading the government’s business in the national assembly, the current occupier of this office has been demoted with the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs performing the role with astute capability.
Given the Prime Minister’s “heavy” portfolio of responsibilities, the people of Guyana would have expected to see handsome returns as the current administration has now completed 60% of its term in office. The only accomplishment he can boast is the liberalization of the telecommunications sector of which most, if not all the preparation was completed under the previous administration. Internet connectivity and bandwidth is still a major challenge for urban areas and highly deficient in the hinterland. There is little to be desired about the quality of information coming out of government sponsored newspapers and television other than bottomless propaganda and no space existing fairly for the opposition parties to articulate public opinions using taxpayer’s funds. Furthermore, any efforts to enlighten the public about the current administration’s poor management of the country is met by intimidation, oppression and misuse of the law to prosecute private citizens. As for the energy portfolio, the people of Guyana is still awaiting an effective energy policy that will include the use of alternative sources of energy such as wind, solar and water to mitigate the dependency on a failing national grid and offer viable domestic consumption. There is speculation that the gas to energy project will fill this gap in collaboration with Esso Exploration and Production Limited (EEPL) but the Prime Minister is yet to show the Guyanese people the planning, implementation and sustainability of the project. The Guyana Power and Light Incorporated is said to have a role in this project but the recent frequency of blackouts, lack of competent management structure and a corrupt internal regime happening in Duke Street will instill no confidence in the Guyanese people that the company is capable to facilitate reliable and efficient power under the leadership of the honorable Prime Minister.
Article 102 section (2) of the constitution states “If he or she is not otherwise the holder of an office of Vice-President, the person holding the office of Prime Minister shall, by virtue of holding that office, be a Vice-President, and he or she shall have precedence over any other Vice-President.”
The Prime Minister is endowed with the title as “First Vice President” constitutionally and is expected to supersede any other Vice Presidents including the “man who holds the title of Vice President autonomously.” It it is now clear that the current holder of the office is none other than a filler for diversity and in effect, a waste of our use of taxpayers funds.
Thank You,
Collin Haynes MPH MBA
