News

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) did not inform long-standing parliamentarian Vanessa Kissoon, ahead of Monday’s sitting of the National Assembly that she was demoted and her seating arrangements changed within the coalition group.

As a matter of fact, Kissoon confirmed being only informed upon her arrival at Parliament Buildings at noon. The news caught her off guard, it would appear.

Speaking with Guyana Times International on Tuesday evening from her home in Linden, Region 10, Kissoon explained that no reasons were proffered by APNU’s Chief Whip Amna Ally or its Chairman David Granger for the decision to make her a backbencher.

She said that she did not inquire either at that moment as it did not appear important to her as there were more pertinent matters to be addressed during Monday’s sitting which required her attention.

Kissoon, who was appointed a Member of Parliament back in 2006 on the People’s National Congress Reform One Guyana (PNCR1G) platform, said that she was in the National Assembly to serve the people of Guyana and represent those who elected her in Region 10.

Placement

She does not believe that her placement within the group, would affect the quality of her representation nor her ability to articulate the need for good governance and reforms.

“It matters not where I am seated. My voice will still be heard. I will still represent the Guyanese people. If you know me, I am here to serve and to sound my voice regardless of where I am. I am still a member of the Assembly and that’s important,” she said.

Asked whether she had any problems with the leadership of the APNU which could have triggered the decision, Kissoon responded in the negative, explaining that even if there were problems, she was “unaware”.

“That question should be directed to those people who rearranged the seating which would be the chief whip and the opposition leader,” she insisted throughout the interview.

Kissoon admitted, during the interview, that she was not certain about the protocols that would govern reassignments of seats in the APNU coalition. She opined that she was not aware either whether it was a decision that should have been communicated formally.

Additionally, she explained that since the decision to make her a backbencher, Guyanese have been calling to inquire about the situation and the circumstances surrounding the decision.

She denied having any knowledge whether her affiliations with other long-standing PNCR member Aubrey Norton would have triggered the decision by the top brass of APNU.

She also denied that she was ever disciplined or spoken to about her performance, which she opined, has been of a high standard in Parliament. A lot of women have also been expressing concern about the decision as well.

Meanwhile, Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon expressed similar sentiments on the matter. He praised the contributions of Kissoon, but stopped short of saying that he was disappointed over the move.

But while all of the other members of the APNU who were women appeared silent on the decision, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) member of Parliament Priya Manickchand expressed concern over Kissoon’s placement and apparent demotion.