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Rise above Partisanship

Jul 24, 2022 Letters

Dear Editor,

I listened to recent contributions in parliament and reactions. People have become cynical after watching the behaviour and listening to comments of politicians as publicly displayed in parliament. Opponents, the sycophants, public at large ridiculed mathematical errors (not the judicial error that 33 is not a majority of 65 – that was idiocy) and eating curried duck, missing the message of skyrocketing cost of living and the suffering endured by the extreme poor (some 40%) who can hardly afford three meals.

The public interest is not given a priority.
Every member of parliament says they are acting or doing things in the national interest and pursuing measure to help the poor and with national development. But an objective analysis and my engagements with the public reveal otherwise. Every MP (from both sides) and Minister says he or she is honest but the public views several of them as corrupt and dishonest and on the take.
In parliament and in the public, both sides seek to score political points on each other rather than address the problems facing the nation.

Both sides need to rise above partisanship. Instead of critiquing all the time, the opposition should act responsibly — propose concrete realistic proposals to address nagging problems. The opposition cannot unjustifiably disrupt parliamentary proceedings and appeal on race. One does not have to be perennially confrontational to be effective. And the government should give consideration to ideas presented by the opposition. Government and governance are not only about the ruling party or the winners take all, but the opposition as well and the public. When the public makes a case for policies and assistance, the government responds.

The country needs to rise above political partisanship and legislate and allocate resources for the welfare of people. The public expect the opposition to oppose and put pressure on the government but these must purposeful with achievable goals. Pressure must be peaceful not the kind of violence unleashed at Mon Repos a month ago. Parliamentary proceedings are expected to be acrimonious but must not be disrupted as in attempts to remove the mace, blowing whistle to drown out reading of bills, calling staff or members house coo…. or house nig….., etc. Parliament must function with respect. Members are expected to disagree but not view each other as enemies. They must work together for the larger interests of the country. The failure of opposition and ruling MPS to work together is a disservice to the country when there are so many critical challenges to address. Passing a bill is not a victory for the ruling side but a victory for all of Guyana. And the ruling side must be willing to listen and consider inputs from the opposing side. That is how we rise above partisanship and get better governance.

Yours truly,
Vishnu Bisram

 

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