Gov’t open to consultation – AG tells Toshaos’ Conference

DPI, Guyana, Friday, July 20, 2018

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams SC., today reminded leaders of Indigenous Communities that the government remains open to consultation especially in areas of development involving indigenous Guyanese.
The AG was sharing his ministry’s plans and policies with the indigenous leaders at the National Toshaos’ Council Conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

According to the Attorney General (AG), the government has adopted a policy of consulting with stakeholders in every aspect of development. He noted his ministry’s role in this, stating that several consultations have been held in regions across Guyana since of which include addressing issues of anti-corruption.

The Attorney General said nothing should happen without the involvement of the people.

“You are supposed to be informed about every project in your community,” he said, noting that a lack of consultation can hurt indigenous communities. The AG reiterated that government endorses consultation:

“The government of Guyana is oriented in that regard to talk to the people of this country.”

Speaking more on his ongoing sensitisation consultations, AG Williams said that “no one is above the law” and urged the leaders to be wary of corruption. He said whenever corruption is unearthed it should be reported to the relevant authorities and noted that no one should be afraid to speak out or report corruption especially since there is legislation to protect them if they do.

“The law reaches you whether you are on the coast in Georgetown, or whether you are in Kaikan. The law is the glue that holds society together. Without the law, there will be lawlessness,” AG Williams said.

By: Alexis Rodney

Image: Keno George