Latest update December 18th, 2024 5:45 AM
Latest News
- Stabroek Block offers unique opportunities for highest return on investment – Exxon’s VP
- EPA’s unlawful conduct, lax regulation would implicate the US in any resulting harm from gas project- Int’l lawyer tells US EXIM Bank
- Israeli attacks kill dozens across Gaza as ceasefire talks continue
- Prime suspect in Toshao’s murder surrenders
- Gas-to-Energy project gets initial approval for US$500M loan from US EXIM Bank- US Official
AFC should be more analytical in prioritizing its agenda
DEAR EDITOR,
In my view, the AFC is missing a window of opportunity to reassert itself in the political space. While I think that the issue on whether or not to legalize marijuana, and to what extent, is an important one, I believe that the AFC’s timing in making this a priority agenda item, could work against the party.
It was refreshing to see the PPP supporting the AFC on this matter, but while the act of this support is positive, this could be an expensive gamble for the AFC. The PPP still has high political capital and therefore could afford to take a gamble on issues such as these, but the AFC does not have that kind of political capital to risk.
The AFC could be missing an opportunity, in terms of timing, to reassert itself, but the AFC has to understand what the Author, Chris Rose stated in his book, ‘What Makes People Tick’; and while the marijuana issue is important, it does not make a large section of the supporters of the AFC ‘Tick’.
APNU understands that very well. Rather, I should state, the PNC understands that very well. So the AFC, in particular, has to be more analytical about how it prioritizes agenda items. It is one thing for the executive body to feel strongly about a matter and to set the priority issues, but it is even more important that they understand what are the issues and needs of the wider support base.
Since the 2005 Elections, many supporters of the AFC came from the PNC constituencies, and, based on my more than casual knowledge of how the Guyanese society operates, this is an issue that could push some PNC supporters from the AFC back to the PNC.
I took the liberty of distinguishing the PNC from APNU because of the context in which I am writing; APNU was not in existence since in 2005.
I thought that the AFC came out very firm from its last executive meeting and this was a good indication, the country needs strong leadership; but the party has to be much more analytical in prioritizing the issues for which it will pursue and mobilize support around.
Other pursuits of the AFC, such as its position on the Bill before Parliament to amend Act No. 10 of 1990 – Local Authorities Elections Amendment Act, rejection of Section 18 of the Cybercrime Bill, etc., among others, are good signs.
Additionally, from a social standpoint, there are a number of gaps, which could be prioritized by the AFC party before addressing the amendment to the anti-narcotic law that will effect changes to the section relating to marijuana.
For example, a priority for the AFC could be to address the myriad of issues affecting the institution of the family, including economics, education, etc; the family is really the base of the society.
The reality of so many families in Guyana is horrendous, which contributes to a number of the problems in the society. Developing and strengthening social systems (safety nets) to provide support to those citizens in need of such support, should also be a priority.
Other priorities should be to become more creative in pursuing Constitutional Reform; there is need for so many policies to shift the development approach from being more activity-/project-driven to the establishment of clearly defined long-term policies.
Yours faithfully,
Audreyanna Thomas
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
The stakes are high in Guyana’s democracy
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- In any vibrant democracy, the mechanisms that bind it together are those that mediate differences,... more
Let the asylum seekers go: a first step for Venezuela to rebuild relations in the Americas
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – The government of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela has steadfast support from many... more
Weekend Cartoon
