Manipulating the constitution Letter to the Editor Stabroek News August 12, 1999 Dear Sir, I could not but feel extremely sad as I noted how the constitution is being manipulated in order to permit Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo to become President. I am not a politician, neither am I up to date with all the politics of our hemisphere, however I have never heard of a prime minister resigning in order for another person to be appointed prime minister so that the new prime minister can be sworn in as president when the present president resigns; the former prime minister then being reappointed as prime minister. I really am embarrassed as I consider what the other Caricom countries and other nations worldwide are thinking of Guyana and its people. Yours faithfully, Elinor Jordan Editor's note This formula was announced a long time ago so it is no surprise. When Prime Minister Sam Hinds was appointed from the Civic element in the government it was on the assumption that he would not succeed to the presidency if anything happened to President Janet Jagan. In other words, he was not to enjoy the normal right of succession inherent in being appointed Prime Minister. It was indicated that if anything happened he would step down to allow Mr Jagdeo to be appointed and Stabroek News reported this. As we have said in previous editorials this is an undesirable manipulation of the constitution. In addition, it is not fair to Mr Hinds as it reduces the stature of his appointment. However, Mr. Hinds accepted the appointment on this basis and it is not unlawful. The PPP has never fully worked out the ramifications of its relationship with the Civic element. In this case, the Civic is being used as window dressing and both the man and the constitution are being reduced in stature. In principle, someone should not be appointed prime minister if it is not intended that they will become president. That degrades the constitution. The PPP should reconsider this matter. A © page from: Guyana: Land of Six Peoples