Jagdeo is wrong about civil society

Mar 28, 2024 Features / Columnists, Peeping Tom

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Kaieteur News – Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has a false understanding of civil society. For him, civil society cannot be limited to those organisations that he perceives as being anti-government, but is much wider and includes the religious community and the private sector both of which he says have large membership.

At his last press conference, Jagdeo was emphatic that the private sector is part of civil society. He said, “the private sector is part of civil society.” He needs to go back and educate himself as to the definition of civil society. Civil society refers to voluntary and collective action undertaken by individuals and organisations to advance shared interests, values, and goals within a society. It encompasses a wide range of organisations, associations, groups, and movements that operate independently of the government, political parties and the private sector. Civil society plays a crucial role in democratic societies by providing a platform for citizens to express their opinions, advocate for their rights, participate in decision-making processes, and hold governments and other institutions accountable.

Examples of civil society organisations include non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community groups, trade unions, advocacy groups, charitable organisations, religious institutions, and grassroots movements. These entities often focus on addressing social, political, economic, environmental, and cultural issues, working to promote positive change and social justice. Jagdeo wrongly includes the private sector as part of civil society. But the private sector does not belong to civil society, contrary to what Jagdeo believes. The World Bank effectively places the private sector outside of civil society.

The World Bank defines civil society as, “as the space among family, market and state; it consists of not-for-profit organisations and special interest groups, either formal or informal, working to improve the lives of their constituents.” The family is therefore not a member of civil society. Neither are market groupings, such as the private sector nor is government part of civil society. The private sector comprises of businesses and enterprises that are owned and operated by private individuals or groups for profit-making purposes. While the private sector plays a significant role in society, it is not considered part of civil society.

There are several reasons for this distinction. For one, the primary goal of the private sector is to generate profit and maximise shareholder value. Businesses operate with the intention of producing goods or services that are exchanged in the marketplace for monetary gain. In contrast, civil society organisations often pursue broader social, cultural, or environmental objectives that may not be directly tied to financial profit. Political parties also are not typically considered part of civil society. They are primarily focused on contesting elections, forming governments, and implementing specific political agendas rather than advancing broader social or public interest goals. While political parties play a crucial role by providing a platform for citizens to participate in the political process, mobilising support for specific policies or candidates, and representing diverse interests within society, they are distinct from civil society organisations.

Supporting a strong and diverse civil society is integral to promoting a plural model of political inclusion. Civil society serves as a vehicle for diverse voices, perspectives, and interests to be heard and represented within the public sphere. By fostering a robust ecosystem of non-governmental organisations, community groups, advocacy networks, and grassroots movements, civil society enables marginalised and underrepresented communities to be heard and to advocate for their rights and positions. It allows other actors, apart from political parties, to hold governments and institutions accountable.

In a plural model of political inclusion, where diversity of opinions and identities is valued, civil society acts as a counterbalance to concentrated power. It enriches public discourse. It expands the scope of democratic participation. It ensures that the needs and aspirations of all segments of society are taken into account in the formulation and implementation of policies and laws. This is the value of civil society and why Jagdeo should be less touchy about criticisms from civil society. Jagdeo, or any leader, cannot selectively embrace civil society organisations based solely on their alignment with the government’s agenda while disregarding or attacking those that hold dissenting views. Upholding the principles of political pluralism requires recognizing and respecting the diversity of civil society in all its dimensions, whether they have large or small memberships, and whether their perspectives align with the government or not.

By engaging with civil society across the spectrum, leaders like Jagdeo can demonstrate a commitment to democratic principles, inclusivity, and dialogue. He can foster an environment where all voices are heard, all perspectives are considered, and all citizens feel empowered to participate in shaping the future of their country. This approach not only strengthens democracy but also promotes social transparency, and accountability in governance.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)

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• community, Conference, encompasses, Vice President, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

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