Private Sector bodies call on CCJ to give timely judgement

Unconstitutional insertion appeal

…say reduction of contracts linked to political uncertainty

One day after the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) filed its No-confidence Motion appeal at the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court (CCJ), the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Wednesday called for the court to expedite the matter in an effort to put to rest the political uncertainty facing the country.
The PSC said on Wednesday it had discussions with local and international businesses which expressed reservations in investing as the uncertainty continues. It claimed that there has been a reduction in Government and Private Sector contracts linked to the uncertainty.
“The Commission calls on the Caribbean Court of Justice to provide a prompt resolution to this matter so that both local and international organisations and businesses would again see Guyana as a country with boundless opportunities,” the private sector said.
The PSC is of the strong view that the expeditious resolution of this political situation will bring great relief to the business community. The Commission said it continues to be a strong advocate for enabling a business environment for national growth and development.
On the other hand, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) also made similar calls on Wednesday, reiterating that the level of economic activity has had an effect of political uncertainty. However, the Chamber said it remains a vigilant observer of the situation.
“The Chamber is of the fervent hope that the matter of contention in the political arena, which is now before the Caribbean Court of Justice, will be expeditiously resolved,” statement from the GCCI said, adding that this resolution will bring an end to the degree of political uncertainty and ensure that a favourable business environment prevails.
Further, the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce said whilst on the surface the ruling of the Court of Appeal seems to have calmed the nation somewhat, it said this matter should be most urgently brought to a closure so that our country can move forward.
“In this regard we are calling on the Caribbean Court of Justice to urgently schedule hearings to speedily bring this issue to finality,” a statement from that Chamber added. It was also noted that the decision of the Court be respected despite concerns.
But the Chamber said the same way the Government is welcoming this ruling, it is urging that they also respect the ruling that dual citizens should not be sitting in Parliament and do something about it in the next sitting. “It should not be business as usual in this regard.”
Opposition Leader and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo through his Attorneys on Tuesday filed a notice of application for special leave to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), in relation to the decision of the Guyana Court of Appeal on the no-confidence cases.
The application is seeking an order to grant Jagdeo special leave to appeal the majority judgement of the Court of Appeal of Guyana delivered on March 22, 2019, by acting Chancellor Yonette Cummings-Edwards, Justice Rishi Persaud, and Justice Dawn Gregory.
Further, the Attorneys are seeking an order to treat the hearing of the application as urgent and a further order for an expedited hearing of the application. Also, it is seeking an order directing that the hearing of the application for special leave to appeal be treated as the hearing of the appeal against the majority judgement, and that certain orders be made in the appeal.
This includes an order setting aside or reversing the majority judgement of the Court of Appeal of Guyana and resorting to the decision of the acting Chief Justice Roxane George made on January 31, 2019; a declaration that the resolution of the National Assembly is valid; and a declaration that the No-confidence Motion moved by Jagdeo was validly passed.
Jagdeo, through his attorneys, is also seeking a declaration that puts to rest that 33 votes/members constitute a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly within the meaning of Article 106 (6) of the Guyana Constitution. The application is also seeking costs.
The application was filed by Douglas Mendes, Devesh Maharaj, Anil Nandlall, Kandace Bharath, and CV Satram. The named respondents in this matter are Attorney General Basil Williams; Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland; and Minister of State Joseph Harmon, a representative of A Partnership for National Unity.
A case management conference will be conducted by the CCJ on Friday in respect of this matter.