THE Opposition has expressed disappointment with the failure of the CARICOM Heads to consider the petition that was pursued by them. This is just another example of the PNCR leader Robert Corbin’s ineffectiveness as an Opposition Leader and his tendency to lead persons down the wrong path.

The PNCR once held Government in Guyana. The procedure to lay a petition on the agenda of the Heads of Government has not changed. They should have known that they could not just ‘turn up’ with it and have it placed on the agenda and for them to admit that they did not know the procedure speaks volumes.

Or is it that they tried to get a Head of Government to assist and failed or were they so embarrassed by the content of the petition that they could not ask a Head to present it on their behalf?

In obvious arrogance the PNCR stated that the Heads of Government have no right to deny hearing the petition of citizens with legitimate concerns. Maybe they are right if the concerns raised by them were legitimate it may have been heard.

Corbin and the PNCR have sought to localize an international situation – the rising food crisis – while failing to support the interventions being made to cushion the impact and secondly to have the Heads pronounce on a legal issue – the CNS Channel 6 suspension — while the matter is still before the courts.

In similar arrogance the Opposition stated that the Heads would not have the guts to raise the issue since they may be faced with similar issues. Again this is true. The entire world is faced with a crisis so any grouping of citizens could begin petitioning the Secretariat and soon a special Heads of Government meeting would have to be convened to consider petitions.

Corbin’s lack of credibility and leadership ability is exposed by this whole episode. He has failed to seek advice from any knowledgeable individual on the approach to be taken; this speaks volumes for the leadership style of someone who speaks so much about inclusive governance.
EDWARD SIMON