The CCJ has upheld an appeal by the Attorney General of Guyana regarding the appointments of Vikash Ramkissoon and Sarah Browne as parliamentary secretaries. The court unanimously overturned earlier rulings that deemed their appointments unlawful, affirming that they were legally qualified according to constitutional standards. This ruling is seen as pivotal for clarifying constitutional interpretations concerning parliamentary appointments.
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) delivered a significant ruling on Wednesday, affirming the appeal brought forth by Guyana’s Attorney General and two members of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP) regarding the appointment of two parliamentary secretaries. In a unanimous decision, the CCJ overturned judgments made by both the Guyana High Court and the Court of Appeal, recognizing Vikash Ramkissoon and Sarah Browne as duly appointed parliamentary secretaries in the National Assembly. Both Browne and Ramkissoon were listed as candidates by the PPP/C during the March 2, 2020 elections. Their legitimacy to serve in the Assembly, however, faced opposition from the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) party through their Chief Whip, Christopher Jones. Jones argued that their participation was invalid as they were candidates representing the PPP. The previous courts had concurred, declaring the appointments unlawful since the two could not hold office without being extracted from the candidate list. Nevertheless, the CCJ contended that the legal arguments presented by the appellants were sound; it stated that both Browne and Ramkissoon were presumed qualified for election. Given their status as candidates who swore to uphold their qualifications, the court found no evidence to dispute their legitimacy. The CCJ’s ruling emphasized that resolving this constitutional question was essential for public interest and solidified the authority of the court in interpretative matters pertaining to constitutionality. Furthermore, the court determined that each party would cover their own legal costs across all court venues.
This ruling by the CCJ is pivotal as it clarifies the legal framework governing appointments within Guyana’s parliamentary system. The case arose from challenges to the legitimacy of parliamentary secretaries, a matter that had been subject to extensive legal debate, implicating broader questions of electoral integrity and legislative authority. By addressing and resolving these legal ambiguities, the CCJ has reinforced the significance of constitutional adherence in governmental appointments.
In conclusion, the Caribbean Court of Justice’s recent ruling in favor of Vikash Ramkissoon and Sarah Browne marks a crucial affirmation of constitutional processes in Guyana. This ruling not only overturns previous decisions by lower courts but also sets a clear precedent regarding the eligibility of parliamentary appointees. The Attorney General’s acknowledgment of the decision underscores its importance in clarifying constitutional provisions and enhancing legal certainty in governance.
Original Source: caribbean.loopnews.com
