Dear Editor,
During Mr David Granger’s visit to the US in May, and following his return to Guyana, the Leader of the Opposition called for support for the idea of inclusionary democracy. Unfortunately, many Guyanese are obviously still unsure about what this means, largely owing to PPP/C disinformation and untruths. Inclusionary democracy does not imply a coalition among political parties; it will not result in a one-party state. It is also not power-sharing which will benefit only individuals who are given jobs in an elected administration. Instead, inclusionary democracy is an efficient approach to governance which will empower everyone to contribute to national development, regardless of political affiliation. This approach will maximise available human talent, disregard partisan and ethnic allegiances and foster unified efforts to advance and grow, to the benefit of all Guyanese.
In our political culture when a party wins the presidency, only that party’s loyalists are given government jobs, often as a reward for campaigning or contributing money to the party. This usually results in square pegs in round holes; unqualified persons in important, technically demanding positions. This flawed system of rewarding persons for party loyalty does not benefit the masses. Why should an unskilled political opportunist occupy a critical office, while a highly qualified, competent person is shut out, simply because that person may support a different party?
Under a system of inclusion, an individual will be appointed to a post based only on qualifications, experience, competence, ability, skills and merit. In other words, the best man or woman will get the job, no matter which party he or she supports. In this way the country will benefit from the best minds available. Officials will have to perform well, or they will be removed from office and replaced. Citizens will be able to vote for local and national leaders and the political party of their choice. Guyanese will have the further assurance that even if their party does not win the presidency, the best minds in their party will still be asked to take positions in government. Under a system of inclusionary democracy, everyone wins.
Editor, such an approach to governance is not only attractive on the face of it, but may be necessary. We know of Guyana’s brain drain; most of our brightest people are leaving the country. Therefore, we need a system to put the best brains to work in government. Can there be any better idea than this one?
Yours faithfully,
Mark DaCosta
