Latest update March 22nd, 2025 3:56 AM
Jan 04, 2013 Letters
Dear Editor,
The political climate for 2012 was one of confrontation and staunch resistance between the Government and the combined opposition (APNU/AFC) following the latter’s control of Parliament with their collective one seat majority of the House.
None of the parties had the political will to seize the initiative or even the key to break the gridlock that encapsulated most of the important business in the House. Such experiences were a break in norm and practices of the House and interestingly the constitution was used in significant and historic ways to interpret and challenge many of the undertakings within Parliament.
It seems in some ways a competition of healthy political maneuvering given the country’s democratic principles. In the end there was need for redress by the Courts. These experiences however must form a catalyst for compromise and rededication by the political directorates to place the electorates as the prime motivation of progressively transforming the country’s interest. Perhaps, even if temporary the political victory by the Democrats and Republicans of the United States over the worrisome fiscal cliff debate should be an inspiration within our political echelons.
President Donald Ramotar’s encouraging New Year’s Message to the nation to transform the country towards a modern economy and society, must be an opportunity by all stakeholders to ensure that the Government is held accountable by such virtues.
These virtues must include accountability, inclusive governance, consultation and the collective political will to rationalize issues in a mature and consistent way in determining solutions to complex and sensitive matters of public and national interest.
The New Year is a golden opportunity for the Government and the combined opposition to objectively work in unison towards improving the lives of the people in a more dynamic and systematically representative way that has the potential to alleviate mistrust, cheap political ascension, animosity and division among the people.
The holding of snap elections or who controls Parliament is not an immediate solution that will shape the destiny of the country; instead the will of the people must be an appreciation of the policy makers and therefore the impact of every decision whether in Parliament or otherwise must signify the intent and purposes of being genuine and to the direct benefit of the people.
Notwithstanding, I believe that President Donald Ramotar is firm in reinforcing his commitment towards working with all stakeholders including the opposition and it is a challenge that should be grasped with optimism and an appreciation towards realizing and achieving collectively the goals that will define the economic and social progress of the country that continues to achieve economic growth over the last three years despite the global recession. The country will be healthier politically and democratically when the confirmation of an Ombudsman, Chancellor, Chief Justice and Commissioner of Police are enforced since their significantly important and constitutional offices affect the daily lives of the people and institution that they serve and therefore such foresight and wisdom by the Government and the Leader of the Opposition must act in the national interest to confirm those appointments.
This will call for compromise from all sides and given the political will, the current tense environment can lead towards the Government and combined opposition ensuring that Parliament under Raphael Trotman secure Bills of worthy support and consent rather than accumulating bills (Refreshment) that will cost the taxpayers.
Elroy Stephney.
Mar 21, 2025
Kaieteur Sports– In a proactive move to foster a safer and more responsible sporting environment, the National Sports Commission (NSC), in collaboration with the Office of the Director of...Kaieteur News- The notion that “One Guyana” is a partisan slogan is pure poppycock. It is a desperate fiction... more
Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS, Ronald Sanders By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- In the latest... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]