Is a coalition necessary?

Apr 15, 2010 Letters

Dear Editor,
I take this opportunity to address Mr. Eric Phillips’ contention that shared governance is the best course of action for Guyana.
I think it should be acknowledged by Phillips and others of his ilk that this administration seems to be including all members of society and ethnicity in all aspects of government.
I wish to point out that there does not have to be a coalition government for the opposition to be a part of the governance of this country.
Opposition members are allowed to air their views and present constructive advice on every Bill that passes through the National Assembly, and in several other Government-initiated institutions and programmes.
Also, no one I am sure, believes that anything can be achieved overnight. Inclusivity too is a work in progress, but one I believe the Government is committed to wholeheartedly and has been working to achieve since its term in office, as evidenced through several constitutional amendments that created the five constitutional commissions and the committee system in Parliament; limitations to the Presidential term of office, the Jagdeo-Hoyte Dialogue Committees, independent elections commission, etc.
Meanwhile power sharing is still a viable option within any society and has been proven to work in some countries while it has been unsuccessful in others. But as I mentioned in a previous letter, we still have to elect representatives that are willing and capable of working for the people, to resolve seemingly irresolvable disputes and will address issues of concerns to all ethnicity, as we as Guyanese need not be further divided.
The opposition parties have a number of individuals within their ranks who would work to serve the interest of their constituency as well as Guyanese as a whole. One such is Mrs. Debra Backer, who is a respected person within her profession and her support base. There are also a number of others who need not be mentioned in this forum; these people can become part of a government without the need for a coalition government. U.S. President, Barack Obama has done it with Secretary of Defence Robert Gates. This is a more attractive and feasible way to go with respect to nation building.
I also believe too that most if not all ethnicities in Guyana have contributed significantly to building and shaping Guyana, and have in some way sacrificed for this country; and as such the separating of only Africans as having died and suffered for this country is patently unfair to the other races.
It is also quite misguided of Mr. Phillips to accuse anyone of being racist in their ideology when the ideology he himself presents, appears to be racially-biased.
Anna Goodridge

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