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There is widespread support for a Government of National Unity
Dear Editor,
The findings of an opinion poll conducted by the North American Caribbean Teachers Association reveal widespread support for a government of “national unity” comprising all the parties represented in the national assembly. The population says unity is needed in light of “the threat” posed by neighboring Venezuela and the divisiveness arising out of the general elections, the outcome of which has been in dispute over allegations of rigging and foreign intervention. A large majority of the population does not feel the new coalition government has been successful at uniting the races, and as such, they think a government of national unity is needed to help bring the races together for healing.
The survey was conducted by Dr. Vishnu Bisram last week interviewing 430 voters that reflected the demographic composition of the population.
Asked if they think the coalition government has been successful at uniting the races, only 11% said yes with virtually no PPP or AFC supporter in that category. Respondents feel the country is more divided than ever in its history because of the recently concluded election and the firing of state workers on account of ethnic and political affiliation.
Queried whether the government can unite the country against Venezuelan’s threat, 69% said yes. However, a large majority feel the government has not made a serious effort to unite the country on the issue. Most PPP supporters feel national unity against Venezuela’s claim of Guyanese territory is being undermined by government’s policy of victimization, witch-hunting, and termination of workers based on political and racial affiliation.
In Essequibo, virtually no one is supportive of Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s territory and few expressed an interest in acquiring the Venezuelan national identity card recently proposed by Caracas or of Essequibo being a province of Venezuelan as enunciated by the Venezuelan government. But Essequibians are grateful to Venezuela for helping them “get food” in contraband trading during the period of banned foods under the PNC dictatorship.
However, they say that Venezuela is not an asset to them now because of its current financial problems; they note many Guyanese in Venezuela cross the border to acquire goods to take back to their families, a reversal of what took place during the period of the PNC dictatorship.
A taxi driver position and endorsement on the coast betrays peoples’ self interest: “Venezuela can’t help us in Essequibo though we will get cheap gasoline; we will have to help Venezuela”. But when asked “if things were to get rough in Guyana and conditions are good in Venezuela”, whether they will want to be part of Venezuela, most said “yes” – indicating that economic self interest trumps national interest and national unity on issues.
Asked if there should be a government of national unity, only 9% are opposed. But almost everyone feels there will not be a government of national unity because politicians are only interested in self-interests and self-preservation not the peoples’ interest. Most people feel the coalition is only offering lip service in its call for national unity because its policy of racial and political victimization and discrimination betrays any genuine position of “a government of national unity”.
Vishnu Bisram
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