GNCPP not part of LEAD Project

Jul 13, 2014 News

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By Zena Henry
The emergent Think Tank group Guyana National Council Public Policy (GNCPP) has re-enforced its independence as an

agency committed to involving civil society in the process of national policy making. As such, the organization which had its first official press conference at its new head office in Kingston last Thursday, clarified that while it endorses the work and aim of the USAID Leadership and Democracy (LEAD) project, it is not in any way associated with plan.
The clarification arose after the body’s chairman was questioned about its funding and the direction it is taking to move forward with its agenda. It was put to the GNCPP chairman, Dr. Phillip Thomas that the direction of the agency seemed similar to that which organizers of the project wanted to put forward. As such, it had been assumed that there was some connection with the foreign initiative, especially since Dr. Thomas has close ties with the United States and sometimes worked out of the North American territory.
The Chairman reluctantly admitted that it has been to a greater extent his personal funds that initiated the development and growth of the GNCPP. However, as the body drives to make the arm of civil society even stronger and closer to the political process, Dr. Thomas is seeking to have civil associations and non-governmental organizations under one umbrella, to put forward the desires of the society.
The outgoing US Ambassador Brent Hardt had explained that the 2011elections had created an environment for political inclusiveness among other elements. Areas such as parliamentary operations and local government were highlighted to be strengthened in this programme, but down the line the American team faced some obstacles, since the government claimed that project was intrusive in terms of the sovereignty of the country. After a tug of war, the two sides got together and finally decided on a way forward.
Prior to meeting a resolution, the GNCPP had expressed concerns over what it believed was “the negative impact that the Political System’s actions over the United States-assisted LEAD Project, could have on Guyana’s civil society status and empowerment.”
The chairman stated that “the Constitution guarantees the rights, roles and responsibilities of Guyana’s Civil Society, and to deny non-Government and Civil Society Organizations access to international assistance in the interest of fostering political idealism and party politics, emphatically tramples upon citizens’ rights to use lawful, democratic means to independently assist the political system with respect to the governance of the Guyanese society.”
Dr. Thomas said Thursday that while the organization is not connected to the LEAD project, “We would love to be what is called a local social partner in the scheme of things. We do support and advocate that international organizations such as International Republican Institute (IRI), that is bringing the LEAD project here, must be free to extend themselves to civil society. It is our perception that we should never allow the government to interfere or intermingle with our relationship with being able to do our work as private citizens.”
However, to achieve this type of civil growth and empowerment that Dr. Thomas said GNCPP is moving towards, the body will be hosting the first ever Guyana National Civil Society Summit (GNCSS) between September 17 and 19 at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), Liliendaal. This will involve representatives from some 400 local and international civil societies and non government organizations to implement, “a paradigm shift into a new dispensation on how the country will be governed and managed by a political system imbued with ethics, trustworthiness, transparency, equality and liberation.”

Dr. Thomas expounded on his connections with the Guyanese Diaspora and explained how they are feverishly interested and willing to contribute to the cause. He explained that the organization has earned the support of several entities including one US-based charity ‘Caring for Others Inc., managed and run by a Guyanese woman who is getting ready to make massive donations locally. The GNCPP has the support of some 60 universities among other educational entities from various disciplines, that are willing to offer scholarships etc.
Dr. Thomas explained to the audience that the GNCPP is aiming to bring about a massive change that demands the voice of civil society.
In a television discussion held earlier this year, under the theme “Guyana Human Security and Insecurity”, and “Civil Society’s Initiatives to promote Poverty Alleviation,” there was lengthy debate about the pervasiveness of “fear” in Guyanese society, and modern-day social culture.
It was related then that, “from public servant to single-parent to aspiring contractor, there exists anxiety, stress and outright fear of rejection or discrimination.”
It was agreed that the issue of “fear” at various societal levels threatens to dominate civil society. It was noted however that “the role of Civil Society, which includes the GNCPP, must include the challenge to such a national malady”. It was urged therefore for a more active role of society under Article 13 of the Constitution.
It was noted that  Article 13 states, “The principal objective of the political system of the State is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of the citizens and their organizations in the management and decision-making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well-being.”

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