GUYANA | Opposition threatens legal action if Gov't makes appointments without required consultation

GEORGETOWN,  Guyana May 31, 2022 - Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton has warned the Mohamed Irfaan Ali administration, not to appoint persons to posts requiring constitutional consultations without the requisite discussion with the Opposition.

The Opposition Leader told members of the media yesterday, that “The President and his Government do not appear serious about having meaningful consultation on the various constitutional appointments.”

Norton Says he will not hesitate to resort to the Courts if the President decides to move ahead with Constitutional appointments without the completion of consultations as required by the Constitution.

“They might go ahead and I don’t doubt it. They seem to want to go ahead but it will be challenged in the Courts and that is the bottom line because we know what is meaningful consultation. 

“It is not a choice of the government to be involved in meaningful consultation, it is mandated by the Constitution. And therefore, it should be done in keeping with the law,” Norton told a press conference yesterday.

Responding to a question of President Irfaan Ali’s criticism on Monday that Norton refused to attend a meeting to continue the consultations, the Opposition Leader indicated that in addition to receiving late notice for the meeting, it conflicted with his schedule. 

He made reference to an agreement and joint statement for the two sides to meet within one week of their first meeting, and a call for that meeting only coming from the government more than three weeks after.  He has accused the government of not showcasing good faith in the process. 

Opposition Leader Aubrey The Opposition Leader said the President and his Government do not appear serious about having meaningful consultation on the various constitutional appointments. 

Mr. Norton said he is ready to move the process forward but everything must be done in keeping with the Constitution and the law.

“It should be done in keeping with the law and let us note that in the joint statement, I was careful to ensure that all of this will operate in the context of the constitution and the law and that is what we are seeking to ensure”, Norton said.

The Opposition Leader noted that cases that Guyana took before the Caribbean Court of Justice addressed the issue of meaningful consultation.

The Government has accused him of being immature in his approach to the discussions.