Not surprised by the APNU/AFC’s bullyism in the PAC

Dear Editor,
I have been following the recent developments in regard to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), and I have noted several things which I want to address.
It is very clear that the Opposition APNU/AFC are focused on stymieing the progress of the Government in every possible way. These individuals have nothing else to do but to parade around the place whole day and hurl attacks at the Government on social media.
Unlike them, Government officials, including the Ministers who are part of the PAC, do not have the luxury of free time to parade around the place. Rather, these officials are focused on the smooth running of the country. In this regard, I can understand why the Government’s PAC members are not in favour of meeting twice per week.
I also want to point out that the PAC relies on statutory and constitutional representatives to be present during the meetings. These individuals also play critical roles in ensuring the country is managed properly on a daily basis. Taking time out from executing their mandates twice per week to attend the PAC meeting is ridiculous, and quite frankly unnecessary.
On another note, I have come to realise that the way in which current PAC Chairman Jermaine Figueira is behaving is similar to that of the last PAC Chairman, Mr David Patterson. I recall clearly that when Patterson was the chairman, he kept pushing aside the motion for his removal until he was compelled to act on it by the Standing Orders.
As far as I can see, Mr. Figueira is behaving in the same manner, by pushing aside the motion brought by Minister Teixeira despite its being in accordance with the Standing Orders. Just recently, I was doing some research on the PAC, and I found out that the Chairman is responsible for putting motions and questions before the members, so that they can be discussed and voted upon should there be a need to do so. In regard to the motion by Minister Teixeira, the Chairman, Mr. Figueira, failed to carry out his function of putting the motion before the members so that it can be voted on. In my opinion, one can argue that he is acting outside of his constitutional mandate, which is not that surprising for members of the APNU/AFC Coalition.
Further, I saw statements by both sides of the PAC recently on social media, and one of the things that stood out to me was the fact that, earlier this month, when Mr. Mahipaul moved a motion to meet twice weekly, Minister Edghill was in attendance virtually. However, from what I gathered, the Chairman did not allow Minister Edghill to make any contribution or vote on the motion, claiming that he was not online, when in fact he was.
Such actions must be condemned, because the Chairman is supposed to allow every member to have a say in the decision-making process. Notably, even the statutory and constitutional representatives that were present were not consulted on the motion beforehand. This clearly shows the bullyism being exercised on the part of the Opposition.
I can’t say I am surprised, because the APNU/AFC members are known for displaying dictatorial tendencies during their tenure in office.

Yours truly,
Attiya Baksh