Introduction: Stabroek News has invited the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change to submit a weekly column on governance and related matters. Only APNU has submitted a column this week.
Governments are elected not to be rulers and masters but to be servants of the people. Citizens should choose governments which can fulfil their need for security, healthcare, meaningful employment, education, and a better life for their children. The needs of citizens can be met only if those who hold power practise good governance.
The concept of good governance encompasses all the practices of a state which result in viable economies and effective political bodies. Good governance equates with democracy. The IMF, in 1996, declared that good governance must include adherence to the rule of law, improving efficiency and accountability, and tackling corruption. The United Nations defines good governance as that which is participatory, accountable, transparent, responsive, equitable and inclusive. The current PPP administration continues to fail to meet all of those established benchmarks. The rule of law has been impaired under the current regime. Government ministers and their friends can escape unpunished after committing the most egregious misconduct. The Constitution is nothing more than a plaything to the ruling clique. The regime lacks transparency and holds itself accountable to no one. Corrupt practices have become the norm.
Guyana is the most corrupt country in the English-speaking Caribbean according to Transparency International. The recent prorogation of parliament underscores the lack of accountable governance. It was the final nail in the coffin of Guyana’s democracy.
A Partnership for National Unity, a multi-party coalition, was founded on the principle of inclusion. An APNU-led government will facilitate a better life for all by practising the principles of transparent governance and inclusionary democracy.
APNU has been fighting for inclusion and citizen-participation since its inception. The long struggle for local government elections is proof of the coalition’s commitment to democracy, not only in the upper echelons of government, but in the neighbourhoods, the communities, and the various municipalities. Democracy begins at the grassroots level. Good governance puts the needs of the people first. It encourages participation by all and exclusion of none.
An APNU-led administration will serve the citizens of Guyana by facilitating equity and equality. Unlike the current PPP, an APNU-led government will focus not only on the needs of a few, but will ensure that resources are allocated equitably to all Guyanese. Hinterland residents will no longer be disrespected, disregarded and forgotten. Guyanese in outlying communities will no longer be neglected and overlooked. Instead, all Guyanese will be given the respect and attention which they deserve.
APNU’s core principle of inclusionary democracy will ensure that poor citizens are also given a voice in government. In this way, residents of depressed areas such as Plastic City, will be empowered to rise above their current circumstances, to realise their dreams of economic independence and financial security.
Leaders throughout the world recognise that democracy is not an abstract concept, but a necessary prerequisite to a better life for all. During a visit to Nigeria, former US Secretary of State, Hilary Rodham-Clinton, emphasised the role of institutions in meeting the needs of people in developing countries. She said, “What is needed is not more strong men, but more strong, democratic institutions that will stand the test of time. Without good governance, no amount of aid or effort can guarantee success.” Mrs Rodham-Clinton was correct.
An APNU-led administration will work to establish, build and strengthen, the structures and institutions which will empower all citizens to reach their full potential. The coalition is committed to decentralised government, with locally based representative-bodies forming the backbone of our democracy. The coalition will focus on creating robust systems to combat corruption. The needs, desires and aspirations of citizens will drive policy-making, as Guyanese from all walks-of-life will have a voice in the process. An APNU-led administration will make self-sufficiency a priority. Guyanese want to work to provide for themselves and their families. Citizens deserve the opportunity to be proud of their ability to meet their own needs. Instead of depending on help from overseas-based friends, people wish to be able to provide for their own.
The Partnership is determined to create the conditions to ensure personal financial independence. Guided by the principles of good governance, the Partnership will work to build an efficient and effective education system, to equip young people to find gainful employment. University graduates will not have to migrate to seek a good life; a diversified economy will ensure that there are opportunities for our graduates to realise success, without having to leave their homeland.
An APNU-led administration will serve the citizens of Guyana instead of trying to rule them. Policies will be formulated with the needs of the people in mind. Government will begin at the local level, and each citizen will have a voice. Guyana’s resources will benefit all Guyanese, not just the privileged few.
An APNU-led administration will heed and respond to the needs of Guyanese. After all, good governance is based on the recognition that government is not the master, but the servant of the people to whom it must give account.
