Manickchand accuses ministers of silence on overcoming economy’s challenges

growth, while noting that it had to readjust the numbers downwards twice over the last two years. She also questioned whether investors would want to come to the country and invest where heavily armed policemen are raiding the homes of citizens. “I want to ask them if frivolously charging political opponents, arresting them and charging them… has anything to do with people believing that this is an unstable place where an investment is not going to see growth.” she said.

She also mentioned the unilateral appointment of retired Justice James Patterson to the position of Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, to which government members retorted, “Fit and proper!” Manickchand pointed out that this decision has been heavily criticised and she questioned whether it has anything to do with the fact that the country’s income is not as the Minister of Finance projected because people believe Guyana’s environment is not stable enough for investment.

She labelled the government incompetent and untrustworthy. “The APNU+AFC government is politically spiteful and happy with dumping years of democratic practice that has brought stability to this country. They are not business-friendly and they are without the ability to plan and or implement for a better Guyana,” she added.

During Manickchand’s presentation, there was sometimes insistent heckling by members of the government side and at one point former attorney general Anil Nandlall, while seated, turned to Speaker Dr. Barton Scotland with his hands gesticulating and said “Mr. Speaker, I can’t hear.” He was then asked to stand by the Speaker who informed him that there is a method by which the Speaker is addressed and that there should be no outburst in the Chamber. Nandlall then enquired about the method and was asked to take his seat but he insisted, adding, “You are not hearing the outburst from the other side?” While some of his colleagues said it was unfair and one even suggested that the Speaker would have to eject all of them, Scotland remained silent and eventually Nandlall took his seat and Manickchand continued her speech.

Meanwhile, another opposition member, Odinga Lumumba, during his presentation caused a slight uproar when he said former President Forbes Burnham stole elections. The government members protested and called for him to withdraw the statement, even as Attorney General Basil Williams rose to his feet and made a formal objection.

Scotland informed Lumumba that he should withdraw the statement and suggested he could express himself differently. Lumumba said while he withdraws the sentence there are historical documents that state clearly that the PNC rigged elections.