There have been much discussions and criticisms of APNU’s proposal of a social contract. One argument holds that since the PPP is never willing to participate in any system of cooperation, it is futile for the main opposition to make such a proposal. Instead the main opposition ought to be focusing more on negative campaigns, street protests and marches. The APNU leadership responds that the Guyana constitution calls for an inclusive democracy and a social contract is the best avenue through which to achieve this goal.
Over the past few years, this column has noted some of the political economy and development challenges facing Guyana. It has also proposed several policies that could possibly help in lifting the Guyanese working class out of poverty. A crucial point raised over the past few years is the need to transform the production structure of the Guyanese economy. It has also argued for more transparent and fair mechanisms for distributing the scarce resources of the country. None of these can be achieved