“Marvellous Maturity” – PM Nagamootoo describes meeting with Opposition

─ commitment of patriotism and national values

─ meeting a landmark development

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Government and the Opposition met earlier today to examine two main issues: the first is the function of the National Assembly and the second is the function of the government.

The meeting was described by Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo as a “display of marvellous maturity and calm equanimity by the leaders dealing with a situation that holds such grave implications for Guyana”.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo appeared alongside Minister of State, Joseph Harmon on the National Communications Network programme “Context” following the meeting between President David Granger and Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo said the bilateral meeting “is an affirmation by the national leaders that irrespective of what happens in the country politically they are both committed, with their parties, to the protection of the sovereignty of our country.”

The Prime Minister remarked,” today was a triumph of commitment, of patriotism and national values,” noting that both sides ventilated their concerns.

The bilateral meeting saw both sides affirming their commitment to the constitution and assuring that nothing should be done which interferes with the stability of Guyana and, and the peace and order of the country.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon echoed similar sentiments as the Prime Minister. He said that the meeting was a “landmark development.”

In addition, Minister Harmon stated that both sides agreed to work together to confront dire issues. It was disclosed that the chief whips from both sides will approach the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to be briefed on the agency’s readiness to host general elections.

Meanwhile, it has also been stated that Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams, S.C., and Opposition Member of Parliament, Anil Nandlall will meet to examine the issues before the court with the aim of facilitating a speedy resolution.

“Guyana has a maturing democracy, we should try to develop it and let it grow,” Minister Harmon emphasized.

He made it a point to note that regardless of what is taking place politically, public services are still ongoing since citizens have a right to such.

Following the meeting earlier between the two Parliamentary sides, President David Granger had stated:

“I would say in conclusion, that we have had a successful engagement, both the leader of the Opposition and the President are concerned about the situation. We would like to assure the public of Guyana that we are working to a solution which they will be satisfied with, the public interest is our paramount concern.”

The president’s entire statement can be read here: https://dpi.gov.gy/transcript-of-the-address-of-his-excellency-brigadier-david-granger-president-of-the-cooperative-republic-of-guyana-on-the-recently-concluded-meeting-with-the-opposition-leader-bharrat-jagdeo-janu/

Anara Khan.

Image: Department of Public Information.