The Stabroek News, quoting GINA, reported that in response to the statement by Opposition Leader, David Granger “that he is ready for Government to seek a supplementary budget provided that certain conditions are met, President Ramotar said that he is not running a `casino-type’ operation and maintains that all decisions will be based solely on what is in the best interest of Guyana and its people.” (“Gov’t to uphold APNU pacts – Ramotar:” SN: 30/04/2012). During his May Day presentation at the National Park, the president again returned to this most unfortunate analogy, which suggests that he either believes it or thinks it is believable.
Negotiating will become more and more important as we go forward and it does not improve our knowledge, learning or capacity to participate for the president to be equating negotiation with “casino-type” operations. Secondly, the president spoke as if the government is the sole repository of what constitutes the public interest and this has serious implications