Whatever gave President Donald Ramotar the occasion, during his opening presentation to the 30th Congress of the PPP, to rail against shared governance, I believe the fact that he has done so requires some immediate attention and is a good enough reason for me again to defer my continued discourse on local government.
When considering a political speech, I first try to determine whether or not the observations contained in it relate to real or imaginary foes. It is surprising how often the creation and rhetorical destruction of marginally related fictional characters or “straw men” are contained in such presentations. In context, Mr. Ramotar’s attack on shared governance appears just such an occasion. Either that or the PPP and APNU, etc. are involved in some secret discourse,which could be much more dangerous to our freedoms.
The president’s focus appears fictional because firstly, the AFC has never shown any interest in shared governance as a negotiable pre-election arrangement. (Although, if my interpretation of its position is correct, it did say that if the occasion arises it will be prepared to work in a government of national unity.) Secondly, notwithstanding its