Even as we await an election, let’s move with determination to make Guyana stronger

Dec 30, 2018 Eye on Guyana with Lincoln Lewis, Features / Columnists

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If there existed any doubt about the passion as to who is best suited to lead this nation, ensuing conversations coming as a result of the no-confidence motion against the Coalition Government, in the National Assembly two Fridays ago, erase all doubt.
But the back and forth, and what can be considered absence of direction and understanding coming from the political leadership, undergirding the noisiness is that sense of fear and uncertainty as to what the future has in store should a group/political party ‘win’ or ‘lose.’
Too long the future of Guyanese has been uncertain or held in limbo by zero-sum politics. And this is not because the Constitution enshrines such practice, but because of an absence of political will to move Guyana in a meaningful, progressive direction, ensuring all are given equal opportunity to the nation’s pie and are treated as first class citizens. No citizen must feel betrayed by his or her country, yet this feeling pervades.
Guyana belongs to all of us. Whereas election is part of the system of governance, it doesn’t have to be a winner-take-all approach for those who secured the will of the people (Executive or Legislative) or deemed endorsement for practicing exclusion.
In this environment no one wins, particularly the masses, the business sector that relies on their spending/purchasing power, the religious organisations that value their presence, and so forth. Our destiny is intertwined and what affects one, affects all. History has shown that uncertainty, ethnic tension, strife and mayhem never work for the good of all.
The competitive nature of politics does not have to be exclusionary, evident in the various declarations outlined in the Guyana Constitution. But what continues to be inflicted on the society is a political culture that ignores our collective well-being or conveniently pays lip service, more so at elections time, only to renege on having secured office.
With General and Regional Elections nigh, we will hear of new promises to bring about constitutional change that would realise inclusive government, shared-governance or government of national unity. This has become such a convenient talking point because it is known how much the people desire same.
There comes a time when those who promise must deliver or prove commitment. If nothing else that must be tested from the no-confidence vote, is how serious and committed are politicians to the electorate, whose votes are needed to achieve office. No nation is well served when political pursuit is self-serving to access the levers of power. Citizens have valid concerns that they need addressed and their votes have a price. Politicians must be prepared to pay that price by the quality of service they deliver, including keeping campaign promises, and where such cannot be met, provide reason(s) as to why not. Politics must return to the goodness of servant leadership.
Where a people stand for something, they will refuse to fall for anything. Failure thus far to bring about realisation of the constitutional structures for inclusionary democracy (Article 13) and regional autonomy (Article 76) which General and Regional Elections are primarily based on, behooves us at this juncture to play a pivotal role to make sure meaning is given to these tenets.
It is to self and the nation’s well-being to influence an order that whether the party supported win, lose or draw, all Guyanese are treated with deserving importance, respect, and benefit from the nation’s resources. The realisation of this requires legislation, not as a promise but delivered.
A legislative agenda to give life to Article 13, for instance, can mandate state boards be constituted based on parliamentary strength, and inclusive of stakeholders, with direct interest in the well-being of the respective agency/institution, the establishing of a healthcare system that factors the unique needs of demographics based on genetic risk factors, and more autonomy given to the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs), Towns and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils to chart their course.
For instance, Article 76 allows for autonomy at the RDCs. Outside of then Minister of Regional Development Jeffrey Thomas, who in the 1990s placed before the National Assembly a Bill of such nature, which continues to languish in the House, nothing has been done to advance regional development. There have been complaints, not only now, that regions where the party that controls central government has not won are deprived.
Inclusionary democracy, social cohesion and national unity must go beyond platitudes and promises by securing respect for the Individual’s Fundamental Rights and Freedoms (Title 1). There is urgent need for legislation to end all forms of discrimination as outlined in the attendant articles.
The depravity of the situation is reinforced by the never-established Human Rights Commission, as enshrined at Article 212N, which ought to be policing the fundamental rights and freedoms. Its non-functioning means that society has never had the opportunity to realise its worth through action and legislation.
The strong perception in society that the political fight is all about who will preside over the management of the resources expected to flow from the oil and gas industry cannot be ignored. Equally, it cannot be ignored perceptions – real or contrived – that being discriminated against is possible if the party supported ‘loses.’
Many see the new industry as their last chance for sharing in the national patrimony, and there exists high levels of fear and desperation as to what could be if excluded. Such emotions can lead to other groups being left out, and justification given for same on the pretext that it is ‘our time’ to reap, which is a conduct that must be eschewed at all cost if we are serious about being One People, with One Nation, and pursuing One Destiny.
Therefore, legislation for Local Content must be drafted with an eye to avoid discrimination by Guyanese against Guyanese. Guyanese must also be given preferential consideration in employment and business opportunities, and this is not being insular, but ensuring those who stand to first benefit from the nation’s resources are its people.
We have been forewarned by individuals, allies and institutions to avoid the pitfalls of other countries, where politicians and multinationals have colluded in having oil and gas flow to a few as the masses live in squalor and remain deprived.
We must all win and can all win. As moulders of our destiny, it behooves us at this crucial juncture to change the course of history to the benefit of us all. The no-confidence motion, based on Article 106 (6) and (7), has not stopped the functioning of Government and Parliament.
Even as we await an election, we must push for legislation to secure the guarantees needed to be treated as equal citizens of this land, and equally benefit from its protection and resources. We must move to act with urgency, sobriety and alacrity.

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