A collated government is a representation of shared governance

May 27, 2010 Letters

Dear Editor,
In recent times, there have been lots of talk by the opposition about shared governance in Guyana; more so the PNCR.
Not so long ago in the late 80s they are stories about the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan seeking to engage the PNC in an effort to have a form of national government in Guyana. However, that never materialised. With the tables turned and the PPP/C now in government, the PNCR has been the main party calling repeatedly for shared governance. You might recall that Mr. Robert Corbin was the driving force behind this.
But what exactly defines this shared governance paradigm that some politicians are so eager to embrace?
There are a number of contested definitions that have been put forward by many. But arguably, shared governance ought to basically be a system of governance that encourages the participation of all political parties concerned, together with their key stakeholders in the governing, decision and policy-making processes of a country. The primary purpose of shared governance is mainly to provide avenues for the general improvement and productivity of a country through the creation of partnerships based on mutual respect and collaboration. Such shared responsibilities entails working toward mutual goals established by a fully enfranchised community (the people) and therefore collaborative participation should be a reality in: a) the identification of the country’s priorities, b) the development of policy, c) defining the country’s responsibility for ethical leadership, d) enhancing the country’s regional and international partnerships, and e) the governance of the country as a whole.
In the past month there have been two national elections which have ended in the formation of coalition governments. It can be argued that this is one of the purest forms of shared governance. After all, a collated government is a representation of shared governance.
In England the Conservatives have joined forces with the Liberal Democrats. And in Trinidad the UNC teamed up with five other parties to defeat the ruling PNM. In both cases, we see different political leaders with differing political ideologies, putting aside their differences and working collectively towards the good of a country.
Trinidad provided the most recent example of the power of coalition. Kamla Persad-Bissessar and her five-party People’s Partnership coalition won 29 of 41 seats in parliament. In an address to her supporters she said, “We will build on our collective strength and character and every one of us will rise.”
In Guyana, the time has come for a new government! We are once again at the crossroads of 1992 when a change in government was needed and long overdue. How can this change materialise? The most dignified way would be through a general election where the ruling party is voted out by the people. But who would be elected to govern? This question will be the most challenging to answer.
The fact is there is absolutely no opposition party in Guyana with the ability to win a landslide victory at the next general elections.
Therefore there must be a coalition effort on the part of some of the main parties or all the parties comprising the opposition.
The opposition needs to revisit the Third Force initiative and strategically put together a unit in which the Guyanese people can place their confidence.
Opposition leaders need to put their differences aside and work together to bring about tangible change in Guyana. We needed a change in 1992 and we got it. However in 2010 we are burdened down by colossal levels or corruption, ubiquitous lawlessness, and the continued marginalisation of one section of our society. It is time for this to end!
The opposition needs to be more proactive and get about the business of the oppressed and marginalised, the poor and the under- represented. No longer can opposition leaders make their selfish desires for power coerce them into walking independently into the next general election. It will not work!
There will always be strength in unity.
If Guyanese want a better life; one free of racial discrimination, corruption, lawlessness, and public service nepotism, they must force their opposition leaders to unite.
A relationship of synergies needs to be created within the opposition as they contest the next election. The tyranny that is disguised as a government must be brought to an end.
Richard Francois
Dubai – UAE

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A collated government is a representation of shared governance

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