PNCR condemns ‘abuse of judicial system’ by Opposition

The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) is calling for an end to what it considers an abuse of the judicial system by the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

Reading from a prepared statement at the party’s weekly press conference on Friday at Congress Place, Sophia, Minister of State and PNCR member Dawn Hastings-Williams said, “It is unacceptable for the PPP to be abusing the judicial system in its attempt to obtain political power.”

“It is a clear abuse of the judicial system to be returning to court for a decision on matters that the highest court – the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has already ruled on.”

In delivering its consequential orders to its June 18 ruling, the CCJ alluded to the Constitution of Guyana which says the Cabinet including the President should resign after the passage of the No-Confidence motion but the Government should remain in office in a caretaker mode.

The High Court on September 30, is set to begin hearings in a case filed by former Attorney General Anil Nandlall seeking an order compelling the Cabinet, including the President to resign.

In defending his case, Nandlall said the Government has failed to comply with the Constitution and his party is merely trying to get “constitutional compliance”.

The High Court on August 14 ruled on another case calling for elections by September 18 and challenging the House to House registration exercise.

Minister Hastings-Williams on Friday said, “While the PNCR knows the megalomaniac behind the abuse of the judicial system, we wish to point out that his interest is not in serving the Guyanese people and urge [the opposition] to manifest some modicum of decency and end the abuse of the judicial system.”

The Minister outlined that her Government has restored law and order and the independence of the judiciary.

She said Constitutional matters are being dealt with expeditiously in keeping with the convention and more decisions of our courts are being honoured.

“Gone are the days when the court ruled in favour of a citizen and the state refused to honour the court’s decision,” the Minister said.

Hastings-Williams said the appointment of additional judges, developing specialised courts –the Sexual Offences and Family courts – appointment of Senior Counsel, restoring scholarships to students who want to study law, are noteworthy strides made by the coalition Government.