Are Govt. and Opposition not obligated to work together?

Aug 01, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor;
I purposely abstained to pen any letter to the press, and in the process I was able to absorb and reflect on the reality of life in my beautiful country. By the time this letter is published, our country would have celebrated Emancipation Day, as we reflected on the significant contribution our brothers of African descent made to our great country. I trust that the day of reflection will renew our energy to make Guyana a better place for all of its citizens. Happy Emancipation Day to all.
The Holy Bible is the religious book revered by the majority of Guyanese. Within this framework, I would like to posit my letter by quoting from the book of Job in the Old Testament. Chapter 1 verse 6 says, “One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them”.
In my reading of the scriptures, I am heartened that God would not only invite his arch enemy to be in his presence, but God would engage him/her in a conversation. I was and am still elated.
I then looked at the New Testament book of Colossians, chapter 1 verse 16 which reads, “For by him (God) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities, all things were created by him and for him”.
One can realistically use these passages of scriptures and find all the faults in our human leadership, whether it’s in the home, the boardroom or the government.
The truth is that there are challenges everywhere, but the wise person makes the best decision that will inculcate the needs of those affected. It is ironic to note that in Job, the supreme God can sit down and have a one and one conversation with his enemy, but our political leaders cannot do the same.
If God sets up rulers and they cannot follow his example, then we have a very serious problem.
Are our leaders more supreme that almighty God, that they cannot sit down and bring concrete solutions to our many problems at home. I am talking about the members of the Government and the Opposition who are only trading negative remarks against each other’s performance. Are they not obligated to work together for the benefit of all Guyanese?
A Government must understand that when they are elected into office, they are required to govern the country without fear or favor, in the interest of all. In a democracy, a government must recognize that its citizens will support different political parties of their choice.
However, when a government is installed into office, it cannot govern only those who voted for them. A government must govern for all, knowing that many have voted against them. I supported APNU/AFC in the last election, because I believe that no country should be governed by any political party for more than two (2) terms.
Countries that have chosen to change their government at regular intervals have seen more progress than those that have one government for long, extended periods. Look at Caricom and we will see that all of these countries change their government at regular intervals.
I was excited and happy when the coalition won. I believe then, and I still do now, that President Granger and Prime Minister Nagamootoo will carry our country to greater prosperity. There are some decisions, however, made by this government that concerns me. There is a long list, but I will paraphrase a few of my own observations:
1. With a population of just over 750,000 persons, we have too many Ministers of the Government. How can one reasonably justify this?
2. Not only did we appoint all these Ministers, with all the perks that the office is entitled to, we have doubled their salaries. Now when they leave office, the Guyanese taxpayers will be burdened with their retirement benefits until they die.
3. The President appointed “Presidential Advisors” from one ethnic group only. This has really disappointed me, because I believe that the President was a man above ethnic politics. Are the appointments made by the President or APNU? And whether it was the President or APNU, are there no qualified Guyanese from other ethnic groups who can be advisors to the President?
4. The Prime Minister also appointed the majority of his staff from one ethnic group? What message are the President and Prime Minister sending to the Guyanese public?
My hope and wish is that these Gentlemen understand that they are President and Prime Minister for all of Guyana, not just their ethnic group. We cannot continue to be a divided nation; it will only make us weaker. The tone that is set at the top will permeate the entire society.
Mr. Editor, the Opposition has not made it easier for the Government. They continue to rant against the Government when staff are sent home, claiming ethnic cleansing.
This is largely untruthful, and the opposition knows that. The Opposition, when in Government, appointed many of their crony friends and family for top jobs.
Well, many of their performances have been mediocre, and it is within the government’s right to change them.
The fact is that the Opposition, when in Government, appointed more people of one ethnic group, so who will the Government fire now?
It will have to be people of that ethnic group. I honestly do not believe that this Government is sending people home because of their ethnicity, but more of corruption and mediocrity. For the Leader of the Opposition to preach racial politics, it is not good for him or the country.
Charles Sugrim

1 thoughts on “Are Govt. and Opposition not obligated to work together?”

Muhammad Raoof August 1, 2016 at 1:29 pm

That’s like asking the cat and the mouse to come together, shake hands and cooperate on matters of importance. In reality, in many functioning countries, we do witness on many occasions, the parties act in unity. Here in the USA, despite the differences between the two parties, they do have by-partisan votes at times. When politicians have their countries well-being at heart, they do cooperate. It is so sad to see that our dear land have descended into the dark abys of ignorance. We were once at the top when intelligence and smarts was the order of the day. Now, sadly, we are at the bottom of the heap. Sadly, our politicians have really added to our present state.