Who can doubt that in Guyana in 2018 clenched fists of the past must be opened so that hands can reach out across embattled ground for the good of the nation. The government and the opposition should deeply, seriously, once and for all consider reaching out across what divides us to grasp each other’s hand in a practical partnership to take advantage of the huge opportunities which beckon if only they can agree. For very sure, nothing that separates us as party political animals can be as important as what unites us as citizens of Guyana.
Let them lead us to a grand bargain for the nation’s enduring benefit. Of course, I sense the weary cynicism as people read these words and I hear the despairing cry “it will never happen.” But I do not see why it should not happen given the end result which, it is true, would not maximize what a few would like to get but which would extraordinarily increase the benefits which all Guyanese deserve to have. It should be a simple calculation among reasonable men and women. Why don’t the major players really try?
In the grand bargain which I like to think can happen in 2018, I believe one theme might emerge as a guiding purpose. This is to