Rise up! Revolt!

This is the call made by Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday to the people of this country yesterday, as he stressed that Government’s ’combative’ approach to the Chief Justice’s criticisms of the draft constitution signals serious trouble ahead.

Panday, in a telephone interview with the Express, said the concerns raised by Chief Justice Ivor Archie were what the Opposition has also warned about.

At the opening of the Law term, Archie strongly criticised the draft Constitution, saying that it threatens democracy and the independence of the judiciary.

Yesterday, Panday said Archie should take caution.

’Anybody who speaks out against this Government puts themselves at risk, whether it be the media, whether it be the Opposition, whether it be the judges. This Government is trying to introduce a culture of fear in the country,’ he said.

Of the Government’s approach to criticism from various sectors of the society, Panday said, ’It is a combative approach and it clearly indicates that the Government intends to go to war with the judiciary or indeed anyone who disagrees with them.

’This population will have to rise up against the Government. I have no doubt about that, there is going to be no other way.’ he added.

Panday also condemned the drastic cut in the money allocated to the judiciary and Finance Minister Karen Nunez-Teshiera’s defence that monies allocated to all ministries were also reduced.

’To treat the judiciary as you treat the Ministry of Sports is not only showing contempt, but also Government’s failure to recognise the major problem of crime,’ he said.