Dear Editor,
I admire and learn a lot from the prolific writings of our Dr Henry Jeffrey who must be congratulated and thanked for his comprehensive offering in SN of February 25 titled: ‘A time-bound coalition programme is essential.’ However, the time-frame provided appears over-ambitious and impracticable not only in terms of the nature of the items contemplated but also having regard to the limited availability of skills and competencies required to undertake the 20 items contained in the proposed programme.
It has been suggested that all the twenty items be initiated within the first four months with eight for immediate action, two for action within two weeks, seven for action within one month, two for action within two months and one for action within four months. The mere consultation with stakeholders and assembling of the necessary human resources required for most of these items can take several weeks, even months.
With due respect for the competencies of fellow Guyanese, “national and international stakeholders” et al, it is difficult to see how so much can be achieved within the short timelines given. The appearance of promising too much, of biting off more than can be chewed, risk incurring the cynicism of the electorate and their dismissal of the proposal as yet another political ploy just to get votes rather than a serious, well-thought-out programme that is indeed actionable because it is realistic.
I respectfully suggest that the 20 items which are indeed well-thought out be prioritized with timelines that better reflect their do-ability, having regard to the unique demands of each of them and the availability of the required human resources.
Yours faithfully,
Nowrang Persaud
