Guyana opposition rejects President Ali's meetings over lack of agenda

Guyanese opposition members from the APNU have declined to attend meetings convened by President Irfaan Ali, citing a lack of substantive agendas and proper sequencing in the consultation process. Four APNU Members of Parliament—Dr. Terrence Campbell, Juretha Fernandes, Dr. Riaz Rupnarain, and Coretta McDonald—issued a statement asserting they will not participate in what they describe as “political theatre” designed to “rubber-stamp” decisions already made by the executive.

The opposition argues that genuine consultation must occur before the nation is committed to international arrangements or financial obligations. They specifically demanded full disclosure regarding the Gas-to-Energy project and insisted that any engagement must include advance documentation and the opportunity to influence national policy.

President Ali expressed disappointment at the opposition's absence from a meeting with the Parliamentary Sub-Committee on Foreign Relations, labeling the decision “puerile.” Despite the absence, the President proceeded with the meeting to brief present members on critical matters, including International Court of Justice (ICJ) proceedings and a recently negotiated Third Country National Agreement between Guyana and the United States. The opposition maintains that the invitations lacked the necessary clarity and discussion points required for meaningful participation.