Dear Editor,
How can we solve the political problems which Guyana faces with the gridlock and citizen dissatisfaction with the political process? The answer lies within the hands of our leaders and their acolytes to create, first and foremost, breathing space to step back, take reality checks and then proceed to understand that Guyana and its citizens come first and patriotism and love of Guyana is the one and only criterion for moving forward. As a member of the PPP/Civic list of electors in the last general elections in 2011, my view is that the Guyanese people do not want general elections before the due date in 2016 because it would bring a lot of misgivings and trauma to our collective well-being.
Editor, the recent flood, endangering people’s livelihoods and mental stability, is a prime example of how we are not working together for the good of this country.
The floods we’re getting are partially a result of climate change, but the basic underlying problem is the political instability which fuels economic degradation and the inability by any one party to fix our problems, like flooding. There is an old saying, “Two brains are better than one,” and we, the citizens, can see clearly that one brain, or one party, cannot work here; we have tried that and it’s a failure. Check the records of the PNC and PPP – dismal to say the least. But we have to put these features of our political landscape behind and seek new ways forward, while we have to acknowledge that we’re still left with the PNC (APNU) and the PPP/Civic as dominant. The low percentages at the polls places the AFC in a position of a party with shifting support from the voters (PPP and APNU), but without permanency. The main strength of that party lies in its robust leadership.
With the racial/political divide, the present solution, in my opinion, is to form an interim (PPP/C+APNU) government including the AFC to run this country, until the next election in two years. In those two years, there should be major constitutional changes – which are long overdue – before those elections, but with local elections completed in 6 months as a mandatory element in any agreement. Of course, Mr Ramotar would stay on as President of Guyana and his cabinet should reflect the concept of unity, cohesiveness and purpose. Let us pass the money laundering bill quickly; let us have hydropower; let us have accountability and honest government and let us strive to be truly a co-operative Republic of Guyana.
Editor, to make an interim government work, the religious community, the foreign ABC countries, the labour unions and the business community have to be involved as ‘resolute caretakers,’ and I would humbly suggest that such notable figures as Mr Clifford Reis, Mr Yesu Persaud, Mr Rudy Collins, Mr Edward Luckhoo, Ms Elisabeth Harper or Ms Denise Dias be involved in the process as ‘unchained watchdogs’ – these personages are all patriots of Guyana, have given back to their country many times over, have no political aspirations and are pragmatic and practical in decision-making.
Editor, these suggestions are all open to any changes, but all involved should remember the alternatives are too dismal to contemplate if one truly loves this country.
Yours faithfully,
Cheddi (Joey) Jagan (Jr)
