Think tank questions PNCR position on commission
Guyana Chronicle
July 30, 2004
THE Government of Guyana has been lauded for its efforts to fight crime and address issues affecting the country by the Council on Hemispheric Affairs (COHA) in Washington D.C, United States.
In a recent release, the organisation praised the government's efforts and criticised the Opposition People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) for not playing its role.
With regard to the allegations of the involvement of the Minister of Home Affairs Ronald Gajraj with a death squad, the think tank noted that the President has since appointed a Commission of Inquiry. The release said, “Although the PNC has spearheaded the charges, it refuses to cooperate with the commission, raising suspicions of the PNC's own possible involvement in criminal activities.”
COHA noted, “Since his accession, President Jagdeo has also initiated several notable improvements that may begin to alter Guyana 's future. In August 2002, his government declared crime-fighting its top priority. On May 6, 2003, Jagdeo and Robert Corbin, leader of the PNC reform party, together pledged to continue constructive engagement between the opposing parties.”
In August 2002, the United Nations Special Rapporteur visited Guyana and reported on contemporary forms of racism and racial discrimination and intolerance. This reported the existence of ethnic polarisation between Indo and Afro Guyanese segments of the population, which has greatly affected the structure of state mechanisms and may be responsible for the country's economic and social underdevelopment, the council said.
It noted that President Jagdeo and the Opposition Leader agreed to a number of parliamentary and constitutional reforms to address issues affecting Guyanese. The changes highlighted a number of pressing issues in the country including the questionable operation of the police force and the current state of ethnic relations.
The COHA release on Guyana observed that the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) was appointed in 2003 to investigate and respond to complaints of racial discrimination. The Disciplined Forces Commission (DFC) was also established to inquire into a wide range of issues including pay, training, structures, the need for an ethnically-balanced police force and the disposition of human rights complaints.
It noted that about 100 submissions were received by the DFC between August and November 2003, from various sources, including government officials, non-governmental organisations and members of the public.
COHA pointed out, “The federal courts of Guyana imposed the death penalty as punishment for murder and terrorist acts, including violence that threatens freedom of expression and association. These changes are intended to curb rising crime and may possibly make a difference in solving the deep-rooted factional feuds in the nation. While no executions had taken place through the end of 2003, two men have been charged with conspiring to overthrow the lawfully elected Government of Guyana by force. If convicted, both men will most likely face the death penalty.”
It further states, “Guyana played an important role in the founding of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM)”. (GOVERNMENT INFORMATION AGENCY)