Dear Editor,
Much has been said and written about the need for a mechanism to allow for shared governance and a government of national unity. I am firmly of the view that the time has come for us as a nation to embrace a new governance paradigm which would allow for the full participation of Guyanese right across the ethnic, political and ideological spectrum.
In less than a year from today, May 26, 2016 to be precise, we would be observing fifty years as an independent nation. This is an opportune time for us to come up with some fresh and innovative ideas on the way forward. We owe it to the people of this country to come up with concrete proposals on inclusive and participatory governance structures and mechanisms which would result in the full mobilisation of all Guyanese in the exciting task of nation building.
Finding a governance mechanism can be a long, protracted and painstaking exercise but it certainly is worth the effort. One key ingredient for success is for the parties to approach the issue with an open and unbiased mind and without any preconditions.
I think there is the need to work out an agreed programme for national development which must have as its cornerstone the enhancement of the living conditions of the Guyanese people and ensuring our national and territorial security.
One way in which this could be achieved is through the establishment of a national democratic state. This in essence is a tri-sectoral state with strong roles for the public, private and cooperative sectors. It is also a state founded on high moral values based on good, accountable, transparent governance and respect for the rule of law.
The establishment of a national democratic state would necessitate constitutional reforms and an eventual phasing out of ‘winner takes all’ politics, as is currently the case.
The Constitutional Reform Commis-sion should as a matter of urgency reconvene and continue the search for a political solution along the lines of an inclusive national democratic state. Maybe, there could be some value in the setting up of an advisory body comprising constitutional experts, sociologists, religious leaders, elder statesmen (among others) to guide the process.
History would not be kind to those who fail to seize the moment and place obstacles in the way of national unity. We are too rich in natural and human resources to continue to lag behind other countries in our hemisphere in terms of economic growth and development.
Yours faithfully,
Hydar Ally
