PNCR WELCOMES THE PUBLIC DEBATE ON ALLIANCES, COALITION AND SHARED GOVERNANCE

Jul 04, 2010 APNU Column, Features / Columnists

The PNCR welcomes the public debate and discussions on Governance that have intensified over the last weeks, since the news of a possible alliance or coalition of opposition parties became the subject of extensive media coverage.

The discussions and debates reveal that Guyanese are genuinely concerned about development and about a better quality of life and that they are aware of the reality of Guyana’s present dilemma. The panic reactions of the PPP and the incumbent PPP administration create the false impression that alliances and coalition are new to Guyana’s politics.

Political Alliances / Coalitions Not New to Guyana

Alliances and coalitions have been integral to the development of party politics in Guyana. After the 1957 General Elections, at which two PPP parties contested (the Burnhamite PPP and the Jaganite PPP), several alliances were forged, which led to the launch of the Peoples National Congress, PNC. The Burnhamite PPP, led by LFS Burnham, formed alliances with political groups such as the UDP and several successful “independents” who commanded huge support in their constituencies.

For example, Eugene Correia of the Hinterland Constituency; Rudy Kendall of the New Amsterdam Constituency; Lionel Luckhoo and, John Carter who commanded huge support in one of the Georgetown constituencies all formed alliances with Forbes Burnham.

When the PNC was launched from the Burnhamite PPP in 1957, J.P. Latchmansingh, then an Executive member of the British Guiana East Indian Association, became its first Chairman and Eugene Correia became its first Treasurer.

1964 Coalition Govt.

After the 1964 general elections, Guyana, then British Guiana, experienced its first coalition Government between the United Force, led by Businessman Peter D’Aguiar and the PNC. Since then, there have been so many alliances among political Parties before and after elections that the word “Alliance” became an integral part of the name of several political groupings and parties.

PPP/CIVIC

Guyanese are also constantly reminded by the PPP of their alliance with the “CIVIC”. The AFC recently claimed publicly that they were working on an alliance with civil society for the now aborted Local Government Elections. Recently, all the Opposition parties were collaborating under the banner of, “JOPP”, to achieve the mutual objective of an independent international Inquiry into the existence and activities of the Phantom Squad in Guyana.

The production of a dossier of Human Rights abuses by the Regime and the recent calls by the United Nations Human Rights Council in support of such an inquiry provide evidence of the success of such collaboration, though much more could have been achieved.

PNCR COMMITMENT

Since 2002, the PNCR declared its commitment to work for Shared Governance in Guyana. The Party’s position papers are on its web-site. The Party has also regularly publicised that it has held discussions with several parties and interest groups toward the achievement of this objective.

Several years ago the PNCR sought, in vain, to have the PPP/C directly and seriously engaged in those discussions. In 2004, the PNCR Congress also approved of the Party working with other Guyanese Parties and groups to establish a broad platform to contest the 2006 General and Regional Elections.

Indeed, it is that decision and consequential efforts that led to a PNCR-One Guyana contesting those elections. In the post Elections period the PNCR reiterated its goal of achieving Shared Governance and urged the PPP/C Administration to be part of the national discussion to make this goal a reality.

Unfortunately, the PPP/C has done all in its power during this period to monopolise every aspect of life while shouting about an obviously invisible inclusive democracy.

DISILLUSIONED

Sadly, Guyanese have come to the realisation that, after almost 18 years of the heralded slogans, “Time for a Change” and “Return to Democracy”, the country has retrogressed, particularly with continuing breaches of their fundamental rights.

After 57 years of Universal Adult Suffrage, 60 years of mass party politics and 44 years of political independence, Guyana remains politically polarized with continuing political conflict and ethnic divisions. Large sections of our population feel alienated from the mainstream of economic and social activity.

Additionally, the periodic/cyclical conflict, particularly during the election season, leads to no other conclusion than that, there are fundamental problems, which, if not addressed, could lead to total self destruction.

It is also evident that Guyanese will no longer accept the squandering of public funds without due regard for rules or regulations; the continued misuse, mismanagement of the nation’s resources along with the rampant and raging corruption, provided by taxpayers and by aid agencies; the trampling on workers’ rights; the repeated and reckless violation of the Law and the Constitution and the political vilification and vendettas that have become regular features of life in Guyana.

Guyanese have also recognized that the major casualties of the present conditions in Guyana have been, regrettably, our youth who have become so that many have lost all hope for a viable future in their native land and fervently wish for a future elsewhere.

These concerns are among the reasons that have motivated Guyanese, particularly the young people who continue to lose hope in their country’s future, the poor, the powerless and the patriots who have refused to resign themselves to a future of despondency and despair, and, the rich, and those who with opportunity, to leave and seek their fortunes in other lands; to the point where there is overwhelming support for united action for the survival of Guyanese and for genuine progress for the country.

(TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK)