PPP asks ERC to investigate Gov’t

The Executive Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Zulfikar Mustapha has written the Chairman of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) requesting an investigation of “the APNU+AFC Coalition Government for several breaches, which could have grave consequences for our county, Guyanese people and national harmony.”

The PPP’s letter was released to the media hours after a Government Parliamentarian wrote to the ERC and complained about “inflammatory comments” made by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo at Babu Jaan Port Mourant, East Berbice Corentyne Sunday.

The PPP, in its letter to the ERC, asked for “appropriate sanctions implemented to avert the perils of this dangerous path that the Coalition Government seems bent on leading Guyana down.”

See full letter below:

Dr. John Oswald Smith Chairman Ethnic Relations Commission.

March 11, 2019

RE: CALL FOR INVESTIGATION OF APNU+AFC COALITION FOR BREACH OF CONSTITUTION, NATIONAL DISRUPTIONS

Dear Sir, I write to request an investigation by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) of the APNU+AFC Coalition Government for several breaches, which could have grave consequences for our county, Guyanese people and national harmony.

Article 212 D of the Constitution of Guyana states the functions of the Ethnic Relations Commission include taking steps to “…monitor and review all legislation and all administrative acts or omissions relating to or having implications for ethnic relations…”

In line with the Commission’s mandate, I request that the Commission investigate the Coalition Government’s breach of Article 106 of the Constitution of Guyana, which would result in an illegal government after March 21, 2019 (the deadline for General for Regional Elections).

This coupled with Coalition Government officials’ actions, which polarize our people via the circulation of racially inciteful material on social media and via other platforms, will lead to an intensification of uncertainty and ethnic disharmony.

I request that this matter be treated expeditiously by the Commission and appropriate sanctions implemented to avert the perils of this dangerous path that the Coalition Government seems bent on leading Guyana down.

Zulfikar Mustapha

Executive Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), PPP/C Member of Parliament.