Members of Guyana’s parliamentary opposition, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), were absent from a meeting with President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday that addressed major national and foreign policy issues, including Guyana’s case before the International Court of Justice and its Third Country National Agreement with the United States.
All members of the Parliamentary Sub-Committee on Foreign Relations were invited through the Speaker of the National Assembly to meet with the president at the Office of the President.
However, up to the time of the meeting, representatives of WIN and APNU had neither accepted nor declined the invitation.
Their absence comes despite persistent opposition criticism of the government and calls for greater transparency, accountability and consultation on matters of national importance.
The decision not to participate also raises questions about the opposition’s willingness to engage constructively on issues that transcend partisan politics, particularly Guyana’s foreign relations and matters touching on the country’s sovereignty and national interest.
Ali used Monday’s engagement to update members of the committee on key foreign policy developments, including the ICJ proceedings and the Third Country National Agreement between Guyana and the United States.
Those who attended welcomed the engagement and expressed a desire for continued dialogue in furtherance of Guyana’s foreign policy agenda.
The president said his government intends to strengthen its work with all parliamentary committees and pursue engagement with the legislative branch in an open, transparent and accountable manner.
The meeting provided an opportunity for parliamentary representatives to engage directly with the head of state on issues carrying significant national and international implications. The absence of WIN and APNU meant the parliamentary opposition did not take up that opportunity, even as it continues to publicly challenge the government on questions of governance and national policy.