PPP writes Police on ‘security’ for Friday’s No-Confidence vote

The Chief Whip of the Parliamentary Opposition, Gail Teixeira, MP., today dispatched a letter to the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Leslie James, in relation to security concerns for Friday’s Sitting of the National Assembly, to debate the No-confidence motion against the government. 

See a copy of the letter below: 

Dear Commissioner,

I, on behalf of the Parliamentary Opposition, wish to bring to your attention a matter of serious proportions relating to public safety and the security of the National Assembly, the Parliament Buildings and all Guyanese citizens.

We have received information that there will be an attempt to prevent the Members of the Parliamentary Opposition from entering the compound of the Parliament Buildings on December 21^st, 2018 for the sitting of the National Assembly, the day that the Government has identified for the debate on the Parliamentary Opposition’s motion of No Confidence.

Our information points to some very ominous plans to physically disrupt the sitting by either invading the Chambers, and, or, creating disruption within the Chambers. The intention is to interrupt the debate and the vote on the No Confidence Motion. 

Further, that these plans include preventing Members of the Parliamentary Opposition from exiting the compound of the Parliament Buildings at the conclusion of the sitting as well as threatening the safety of citizens going about their business beyond the precincts of the Parliament Buildings.

We, therefore, call on you to take the necessary interventions to ensure that the rule of law prevails and not only the sitting of the National Assembly on December 21, 2018 will be allowed to proceed peacefully but also the safety of citizens beyond the precincts of the Parliament Buildings and property, life and limb will be protected from any efforts to create violence and mayhem.

In conclusion, we remain confident that the Guyana Police Force will uphold the law and manage any threats to the public safety of the Members of the National Assembly, the Parliament Buildings and the citizens of our country.

I have also brought this information to the attention of the Hon. Speaker Dr. Scotland.

Sincerely yours

Gail Teixeira, M.P., 

Parliamentary Opposition Chief Whip