There has been much talk over the years about the importance of achieving social cohesion in Guyana, particularly since the current administration put in place a Ministry of Social Cohesion intended to advance social cohesion among the various racial and cultural groups in Guyana. But even prior to this, a previous administration had fashioned the Ethnic Relations Commission birthed from a Constitutional amendment arising out of the 1998 Herdmanston Accord. The message therefore is clear, politicians from across the divide believe that social cohesion and good ethnic relations are matters to be pursued here in Guyana, and the people need to be guided by these institutions of state in achieving these noble ends.
But one might well question whether the cart has been placed before the horse in this, since many observers see social and ethnic unease in Guyana only occurring as a result of political differences aired nationally. Therefore, it might be logical to conclude that social cohesiveness and good ethnic relations cannot be achieved in an atmosphere of national political hostility as currently exists, and has for decades. Put another way, cohesion in politics must be achieved among our parliamentarians, especially as relates to matters affecting the national good, for social cohesion and ethnic relations among the general populace to stand a chance of being achievable.
This is not to say that healthy competition among the political parties, particularly those in parliament, should be eschewed. Robust political dialogue and debate are necessary in a democracy to keep the people informed of the issues that matter, and to keep the ruling administration’s feet to the fire as it were. The privilege of running the affairs of a nation is not one to be taken lightly or seen through the eyes of narrow personal agenda of self-aggrandizement, it is akin to the heads of households who work and sacrifice for the benefit and betterment of those in the house. The job of government: controlling, regulating and directing the affairs of the state and the people, should be executed for the betterment of the state and the people. To do otherwise would be a betrayal of the trust of the people from whom the authority to govern comes.
The national patrimony lies in the control of the elected members of the legislature and the executive members of the government. This wealth of the nation is to be managed in the best possible manner to benefit the current generation without squandering the resources available to future generations of Guyanese. However, our political system has spawned political parties who seem to owe their very existence to a perception of racial and social insecurity among the populace, and this has resulted in the undercurrent of hostility which rises to the surface with every electoral cycle.
With political parties owing their existence and success at national elections to ethnic voting patterns, it does not appear that they may have a vested interest in bridging the divide and promoting harmony among the racial groups in Guyana, notwithstanding the existence of the Ministry of Social Cohesion and the Ethnic Relations Commission. And because the major political parties are seen through the lens of race and ethnicity, it means that the party in government can never truly enjoy the trust of the great majority of the population, once the status quo continues.
In all this, the development of our country continues to be stymied, despite the bauxite, despite the rice and sugar, despite the gold and diamonds of latter years. Despite this country being exceedingly blessed with rich flora and fauna, rich and diverse culture, sprawling, uninhabited land spaces, we remain one of the worst-off countries of the Caribbean economic grouping, unrelentingly exporting our people and skills to the Caribbean, North America and even further afield. And now with the promise of oil riches, being expressed in billions of United States dollars, we are once more forced to take a hard look at our system of governance.
It is difficult to accept that a country as fractured politically as Guyana is, can successfully manage the expected avalanche of oil revenue after production kicks off in 2020. Lacking expertise in managing an oil economy is one thing, but with our parliament seemingly lacking the ability to stand united on matters of the national good, then an increase in exclusionist and obstructionist behaviour and brinkmanship are all quite possible in the days ahead. With national elections due in 2020 we have already seen from the actions in the National Assembly that our politicians have begun their 2020 campaign manoeuvres.
What is needed though is a healthy balance between political competitiveness and a greater show of national cohesiveness at the political level through the members of the National Assembly especially, but not limited to, the oil and gas economy. It is clear even if they stood united on the issue, that neither the government nor the political opposition have all the skills and knowledge needed to manage this gargantuan find of oil off Guyana’s shores. With the Parliament divided, bickering, indulging in one-upmanship, and posturing for the upcoming national elections, we are going to be severely deprived of a level of legislative input and impact that is direly needed at this time. Issues such as the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund or defining a Local Content Policy are supposed to be factors uniting the National Assembly as the solution benefits the country and subsequent administrations.
If our leaders are unable to achieve cohesion in politics on matters of ultra-serious national importance, they can scarcely expect to achieve social cohesion and good ethnic relations among the people.
