Granger/Jagdeo talks: Civil society groups want to have say

President David Granger and Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo are slated to meet for the first time today since the No-Confidence Motion was passed against Coalition Government on December 21st, 2018.

The meeting is slated to commence at 11:00hrs at the Ministry of the Presidency. The Opposition Leader had noted that compliance with the Constitution in relation to the no-confidence motion and preparation for free and fair elections will be the main issue on the agenda of the meeting.

Additionally, a significant and broad-based body of Civil Society organisations met on Tuesday and addressed their “deep concern over the current political situation.”

A statement on Tuesday night noted that the groups recognised the meeting slated for today and welcomed the expressed commitment to working together for the benefit of all of Guyana.

But the civil society groups want to be heard. The groups made specific reference to Article 13 of the Constitution of Guyana, which establishes Guyana as “an inclusive democracy…for the participation of citizens and their organisations in the management and decision making process of the State” and ask that their voices be heard accordingly.

The Civil Society Groups include:

Transparency Institute of Guyana

Guyana Trades Union Congress

Guyana Public Service Union

Federation of Independent Trades Unions of Guyana

RISE Guyana

Guyana Bar Association

Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana

Citizens’ Initiative

Guyana Agricultural Workers Union

Red Thread

Roman Catholic Church

Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana

Private Sector Commission