This week the man and woman in the street were asked if they thought a coalition of opposition parties in Guyana can be as successful as it was recently in Trinidad and Tobago.

Interviews by Tiffny Rhodius
and photos by Jules Gibson

Terrence Martindale, public sector employee: `Definitely I think it would work. I think it would definitely be a way whereby a coalition can acquire more seats in Parliament than if it were just the PNC and therefore put a strain where decision making at a national level is concerned. It would also bring out more professionalism with members of the PPP cabinet. ‘Kenneth Persaud, private sector employee: `Yes it can work. Government hasn’t really done much for the people. A coalition would be better and we need some changes. They can work together but they need to be unified in mind and it will work.’

Randolph Dawson, public sector employee: `I say it will work because right now you see what is going on in this country. As they are now they are not working and that is why we need to coalesce. They will work when they come together and talk about the issue. I will support a coalition if there is one.’
Malcolm De Freitas, political scientist

`A coalition of opposition parties which have a united platform can work in any country. The importance is to navigate away from personality politics into servant politics.’

Stephen Thompson, businessman

`It is possible and it can work. Nothing is impossible. I think we have come a far way as a country and it is time for something new and great in terms of a coalition. This would be a tremendous challenge and test especially for politics in our country.

I believe especially from the opposition side in general that this is an opportunity for them to show and demonstrate the type of government they are saying we should have. For this to work, all sides of the opposition need to put self away and put the nation first and I believe the time is now to do it.’
Jessica Charles, UG student

`I think it would be possible if we can come to an agreement of who will be the leader. The best thing is to start fresh with a new party and a leader who has the best interest of the country at heart and not himself.’

Christine Fraser, housewife

`I am not sure it can because each party will have their own policy that governs their party but who knows it could be possible. For a way forward in this country especially when you consider the state of the economy, city, social problems and other things affecting us if they want to make it work.

We are not going anywhere currently and when you think about it a coalition has to have the people’s interest at heart. Let the people be first and foremost and a coalition may be able to work.’
Lana Lawrence, Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology Analytic Services

`The basis for it to work is to assess the current situation of Guyana as it relates to all areas including socio cultural influences which are commonly overlooked. Only if the mindset is different and the dynamic of each party is stabilised can they unify and focus on a common goal. A multiplicity of factors such as working out the instability among some groups determines if a coalition can work.’
Alana Gravesande, private sector employee

`I think so. I think we need a change. For me, since the change of government to PPP we have seen an increase in crime and other things. As a coalition, they stand a better chance of removing the ruling party.’
Migonette Pritchard

`It can work once they come together and join their ideas but those ideas must benefit the country.’