By Steve Ninvalle
in New York
Stabroek News
April 25, 2001

The long-awaited, one-on-one meeting between President Bharrat Jagdeo and PNC REFORM (PNC/R) leader Desmond Hoyte yesterday saw agreement on six key areas including working towards lessening tension and ensuring a politically neutral public service.

A joint statement, issued after the two leaders met for just under two hours at the Office of the President, said that it was agreed that the public service would be politically neutral and the requisite action will be taken to ensure this. In this context, a review of Dr Roger Luncheon's position as Head of the Presidential Secretariat would be done to ensure that this principle was not breached. This would be done while recognising that the appointment of the Head of the Presidential Secretariat "lies within the jurisdiction of the President."

The statement further said that the PNC/R would recognise the Bharrat Jagdeo government without prejudice to an election petition and that "all pending constitutional legislation will be passed within one month of the convening of Parliament."

The statement added that the leaders had agreed on an agenda, which includes all the issues raised by Hoyte in a nationwide broadcast on March 30 and will meet today to settle the mechanism for moving forward. In the address, Hoyte raised some 17 issues, which he said should be part of the dialogue between himself and Jagdeo. Stabroek News understands that these issues, along with those tabled by President Jagdeo make up the agenda to which they have agreed.

Among the issues raised in the March 30, broadcast were the immediate implementation of all agreed constitutional reforms; the implementation of a joint programme for the resuscitation of the bauxite industry and the Linden community within an agreed time frame; an immediate enquiry into police brutality and extra-judicial killings and systematic police harassment of selective communities with a view to preventing their recurrence; the immediate end to the political monopoly of state radio and the introduction of independent management of GTV, GBC the state-owned newspaper and the National Frequency Management Unit; the depoliticisation of the public service including the appointment of a professional head of the Public Service; the enforcement of the agency shop and check-off system for the Public Service Union; the recapitalisation of the army and the restoration of its capacity to protect the national interest; nationally agreed programmes for dealing with border and security issues; and the implementation of legislation for the reform of the local and regional government system.

He had said, "if these issues are not quickly dealt with that will indicate a lack of seriousness about change, dialogue or collaboration in development."

They also agreed, according to the statement, that the term of the Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Cecil Kennard, will not be extended. Justice Kennard who reached age 65 on January 8, had his term of office extended until April 30, by President Jagdeo, who had sought and obtained Hoyte's concurrence.

Another agreement reached, according to the statement, was their acceptance "that violence ought not to be part of any protest and [they] will work towards the lessening of tensions while recognising that progress on the implementation of the agenda is crucial to the success of our efforts."

In a statement before the meeting President Jagdeo had expressed the expectation that the talks would take place in an atmosphere free from fear, intimidation and pressure. However, PNC/R General Secretary, Oscar Clarke, who was Hoyte's point man in settling the arrangements for the meeting, had said that on the contrary, a conducive environment would be the result of the discussions between the two leaders.

Luncheon's reappointment as HPS had sparked protests by the PNC/R and the Guyana Public Service Union because he was deemed not to be politically neutral and the review of this move had been a key issue for Hoyte's party.

Outlawing violence and reducing tensions, sources say, together with recognition of the government had been vital concerns of President Jagdeo.

There had been many calls for talks between the two leaders in the aftermath of the unrest that erupted after the March 19 polls. PNC/R supporters had taken to the streets to protest a variety of issues including disenfranchisement. Many of these were marred by acts of violence. Protests later erupted along the East Coast and led to blockading of roads, stoning of the police and attacks on commuters.

(See full text of joint statement below)


Joint statement by his Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo and leader of the PNC R Mr Hugh Desmond Hoyte

1) We agree that the Public Service would be politically neutral and that necessary action will be taken to ensure this result. Within this context, the Parties agreed that the position of Dr Roger Luncheon will be reviewed to ensure that this principle is not breached while recognising that the appointment of the Head of the Presidential Secretariat lies within the jurisdiction of the President.

2) Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Cecil Kennard's term of office will not be extended.

3) All pending constitutional legislation will be passed within one month of the convening of Parliament.

4) The PNC/R recognises the government without prejudice to an election petition.

5) The two Parties accept that violence ought not to be part of any protest and will work towards the lessening of tensions while recognising that progress on the implementation of the agenda is crucial to the success of our efforts.

6) The Parties have agreed on an agenda, which includes all the issues raised by the leader of the PNC/R, and will meet tomorrow (today) to settle the mechanism for moving forward.