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A Partnership for National Unity (A.P.N.U) has taken note of the expressions of concern among the people over the protracted negotiations between A.P.N.U and the Alliance for Change (AFC) on the issue of the Speaker of the House. While we must exercise care to avoid jeopardizing the on-going negotiations by any premature public disclosure of their details, it is important to clear the air by stating that:
- the A.P.N.U/AFC talks cover a wide range of issues beyond that of the speakership. There is substantial agreement and close convergence of positions between the two parties on several other issues, including the strengthening of the various parliamentary bodies, as well as on the economic and governance issues facing the nation. Discussions have been forthright but always conducted in an atmosphere of cordiality and mutual respect.
- A.P.N.U will continue to discuss the issue of the speakership as part of a larger menu of issues where the two parties can reach agreement. A.P.N.U has shown, and will continue to show, a willingness to support the AFC to attain the chairmanship of important parliamentary committees and the chairmanship of RDCs (where the AFC has a plurality) and of committees of the RDCs.
- A.P.N.U is also favorably disposed to the two parties holding the speakership on a rotational basis, with A.P.N.U holding the position for the first term.
- Should the parties fail to find agreement on the candidates proposed thus far, A.P.N.U has suggested that a consensus candidate from outside the ranks of the parties be considered.
APPOINTMENT OF STATE BOARDS
A.P.N.U wishes to express its concern over the recent statements from Government ministers on the re-appointment of state boards, in particular statements regarding the boards of the GGMC and GuySuco.
The appointment of state boards provides an early test of President Donald Ramotar's publicly-stated intention to embrace the principles of inclusion and broad consultation in managing the affairs of the nation. In addition, the PPP is a signatory, under the 1998 Political Dialogue with the then main opposition, the PNCR, to an agreement that sets out several guiding principles with regards to the appointment and composition of State Boards, Commissions and Committees. One guiding principle is that these bodies should have a tripartite representation, namely, the Government, the Body Politic and Civil Society.
Under all the existing circumstances, A.P.N.U expects the Government to desist from any unilateral action on this matter and to formally engage the opposition parties and civil society in the re-appointment of boards. This is a matter the government can easily set in motion without any prolonged debate and thereby demonstrate in action its commitment to democratic principles and the honouring of signed agreements.
BROADCASTING/STATE MEDIA
A.P.N.U wishes to inform the public that among the issues it intends to raise for urgent resolution within the tri-partite political talks with the PPP/C and AFC are amendments to the Broadcast legislation and the continued domination of the State media by the PPP/C. During the recent elections, the extent of abuse of the State media by the PPP/C reached new levels of outrageousness. A.P.N.U believes that urgent action must now be taken to realign the National Communications Network (NCN) and the Guyana Chronicle to serve the interests of its rightful owners, the Guyanese people.
While A.P.N.U intends to resolve the matter within the tri-partite framework, we believe that the management of the State media, if allowed to work free of party political control and influence, can immediately take steps to ensure that opposition parties, trade unions and other civil society stakeholders have fair access to the radio, television and print media.
In particular, management of the State media can immediately (i) increase coverage of views and activities of opposition parties and other stakeholders, and (ii) provide access by these entities through such mechanisms as right of reply, regularly scheduled commentaries and interviews.
Outside of this issue, we wish to inform the public that we intend to:
- table in Parliament amendments to the broadcast legislation to ensure it adheres to the letter and spirit of the report of the Hoyte/Jagdeo committee on broadcasting, to international human rights and other conventions, and to international best practices.
- propose that Parliament uses its authority to review all new TV and radio licences granted over the last several years, especially those in the last year.
- demand a financial audit of NCN and the Guyana Chronicle, including income derived from political ads during the last election.
A Partnership for National Unity (A.P.N.U)
Secretariat
121 Regent Road, Bourda
Georgetown, Guyana
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