When it comes to the fair distribution of wealth, Attorney-at-Law, Nigel Hughes believes that the people of Guyana must have a say in the decision-making process. In fact, Hughes recently stated that this is provided for in the Constitution.
Article 9 of the Constitution says, “Sovereignty belongs to the people who exercise it through their representatives and the democratic organs established by and under the Constitution.”
Article 13 also states, “The principal objective of the political system of the state is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens and their organizations in the management and decision making processes of the state with particular emphasis on those areas of decisions making that directly affect their well being.”
The seasoned lawyer said that the aforementioned provisions speak to a great philosophy but sadly, are nothing but mere words.
He said, “I will tell you two things about those parts of the Constitution. They are not justiciable and what that means is that you can’t take the State to court for having breached them. They are essentially declaratory provisions…If you are not afforded an opportunity to participate in a decision that will directly affect your life, you are unable to challenge the State under those two articles. This is not fair…”
Hughes added, “When we approach Constitutional Reform, I believe that we have to make those articles justiciable to ensure you participate in the decision-making process.”
The Attorney said that the citizens must not leave it to the government to decide their fate. He said that they must continue the call for Constitutional Reform.
He concluded, “We have a tendency to fall into a state of complacency. When you think you have a government that will protect your interest and you leave unattended, avenues for corruption, you end up in a pitiful state. We have a chance to modify the structure, to demand change and ensure we are not oppressed.”
