CCJ Upholds Appointments of Parliamentary Secretaries in Guyana
The CCJ has ruled in favor of the Attorney General of Guyana, confirming the appointments of Vikash Ramkissoon and Sarah Browne as parliamentary secretaries. This decision overturned previous rulings from the High Court and Court of Appeal, asserting that both candidates were qualified and legally elected. Attorney General Nandlall praised the ruling as a triumph for constitutionalism in Guyana.
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), based in Trinidad and Tobago, has ruled in favor of the Attorney General of Guyana and two members of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP) concerning the appointments of parliamentary secretaries. In a unanimous decision, the CCJ overturned prior rulings from the Guyana High Court and Court of Appeal, affirming the validity of the appointments of Vikash Ramkissoon and Sarah Browne as parliamentary secretaries in the National Assembly. The court emphasized that both individuals were qualified to serve as they had been elected as candidates on the PPP/C list without any evidence presented that could contest their qualifications. The case arose after the membership of Ms. Browne and Mr. Ramkissoon in the Assembly was challenged by Christopher Jones, the opposition Chief Whip of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), who argued that their participation was unlawful due to their identification as PPP candidates. However, the CCJ ruled that the appeals were valid as both candidates had swore to their qualifications before their election, and no counter-evidence was provided by the opposition. Further, the CCJ acknowledged the importance of resolving this constitutional issue, which has posed challenges historically. The court noted, “The appeal is allowed and the orders of the courts below are vacated. This appeal enabled the court to address a constitutional issue that has posed challenges in the past, making its resolution significantly important to the public.” Following the decision, Attorney General Anil Nandlall expressed his approval, stating that the ruling signifies a victory for constitutionalism and clarifies the legal provisions related to the matter at hand.
The issue of the parliamentary secretaries in Guyana has brought significant legal scrutiny, especially regarding their qualifications to serve in the National Assembly. This controversy dates back to the March 2, 2020 elections when various candidates were nominated. The challenge posed by the opposition raised questions about the legality of their appointments, leading to a series of court cases that culminated in the CCJ’s final decision. The implications of this ruling are essential for the governance and constitutional interpretation in Guyana.
In conclusion, the Caribbean Court of Justice’s recent ruling on the appointments of parliamentary secretaries in Guyana has significant implications for constitutional law and governance. The overturning of previous court decisions underscores the judiciary’s role in clarifying and interpreting legal provisions. Attorney General Anil Nandlall’s remarks reflect the importance of this judgment in affirming constitutional principles and addressing historical ambiguities in the legal framework.
Original Source: caribbean.loopnews.com
