Clearly, it will not be business as usual

Mar 13, 2016 APNU Column, Features / Columnists

March 18, 2016 will be a historic day in Guyana. On that day, citizens will finally – after a half century of independence – have the opportunity to take control of their own destinies. Understandably, many Guyanese are asking; what will change after local democracy is renewed by the election of new councillors?
The journey towards renewal began in earnest on September 9, 2014, when then Leader of the Opposition, Brigadier David Granger, wrote to former President Donald Ramotar urging the former President to hold long overdue local government elections. As we recall, President Ramotar ignored the letter.
On September 18, 2014, Brigadier Granger announced that A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) would commence weekly picketing exercises outside the Office of the President. Even after the protests commenced, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) regime refused to budge from its authoritarian stance.
Today, finally, grassroots democracy is in sight; on Friday, Guyanese will have the opportunity to take what rightfully belongs to them. Citizens will have the chance to choose their community leaders, as is mandated by the Constitution.
After new councils are in place there will be changes in the method and mode of governance in Guyana. It will be possible for government to fully implement the strategic vision of community empowerment to which the administration, at the highest levels, is steadfastly committed.
In his message to the nation on Republic Day 2016, President David Granger said, “Democracy is about placing power in the hands of the people. The changes wrought by becoming a republic were part of a process of democratic renewal. They were intended to place power into the hands of the people by making the small man the real man.”
“They enabled the common folk, through their communities, collectives and cooperatives, to promote their economic self-improvement.”
“We will fulfill our promise to conduct local government elections in order to empower our citizens in their village communities and municipalities after two nightmarish decades of municipal despotism. Local government elections will empower residents and enrich communities.”
The new councils will be empowered to fulfil their mandate with the independence and autonomy to which they are entitled. They will not be beholden to central government, instead, they will be answerable to the people who elected them. They will be answerable only to the people whose issues will be paramount. Gone will be the days of central domination. Instead, the new dispensation will bring with it a culture of collaboration and co-operation between local and central governments.
Finally, among the major changes will be the greater involvement of civic society in the processes of local development. The administration believes that meaningful involvement of non-governmental organisations and other groups is essential for community, regional, and national development.
In the words of President Granger, “Community and non-governmental and civil society organisations play a critical role in bridging the governance gap. These organisations have a decisive role to play in animating development within communities.”
Clearly, it will not be business as usual. The stagnation which had characterised life in the past will be left behind. Change is coming, and for all Guyanese, it will be a breath of fresh air.

Latest News

Clearly, it will not be business as usual

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | January, 24th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Guyana in must-win Clash against Grenada to keep Nations Cup hopes...

Spin runs riot again as Noman, Warrican lead the...

Young Windies women stumble again at ICC U19...

Western Tigers FC to celebrate 50 Years of Legacy...

Junior Lady Jags arrive safely ahead of CONCACAF...

Guyana Badminton Association lauds $8 Billion...

Features/Columnists

A comedy of evasiveness starring Jagdeo

OAS Secretary General Election and renewed OAS Consensus

Wales – a heart-to-heart with Bharrat Jagdeo

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

Clearly, it will not be business as usual

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | January, 24th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]