Gerogetown : A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) this morning raised concern over the recent statements from Government ministers on the re-appointment of state boards, in particular statements regarding the boards of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GMC) and The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuco).
APNU says the appointment of state boards provides an early test of President Donald Ramotar's publicly-stated intention to embrace the principles of inclusion and broad consultation in managing the affairs of the nation. In addition, the PPP is a signatory, under the 1998 Political Dialogue with the then main opposition, the PNCR, to an agreement that sets out several guiding principles with regards to the appointment and composition of State Boards, Commissions and Committees. One guiding principle is that these bodies should have a tripartite representation, namely, the Government, the Body Politic and Civil Society.
Under all the existing circumstances, A.P.N.U expects the Government to desist from any unilateral action on this matter and to formally engage the opposition parties and civil society in the re-appointment of boards. This is a matter the government can easily set in motion without any prolonged debate and thereby demonstrate in action its commitment to democratic principles and the honouring of signed agreements.
APNU wants to inform the public that among the issues it intends for urgent resolution within the tri-partite political talks with the PPP/C and AFC are amendments to the Broadcast legislation and the continued domination of the State media by the PPP/C.
While APNU intends to resolve the matter within the tri-partite framework, we believe that the management of the State media, if allowed to work free of party political control and influence, can immediately take steps to ensure that opposition parties, trade unions and other civil society stakeholders have fair access to the radio, television and print media.
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