While welcoming Wednesday’s meeting between government and the opposition on the issues surrounding the passage of the no-confidence motion against the David Granger-led administration, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) has urged that civil society also be included.
“It is encouraging that they are engaging even as they await the court’s deliberation on matters brought before it on the confidence vote. Both opposition and government have a responsibility to ensure the day-to-day administration of the State where peace and order prevail and the governmental functions are executed,” the GTUC said in a statement yesterday.
At least three matters have been filed in the High Court following the passage of a PPP/C-sponsored no-confidence motion against the APNU+AFC government on December 21. Now former APNU+AFC parliamentarian Charrandass Persaud voted against the government to see the motion pass 33-32.
President Granger met with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday to discuss the issues surrounding the vote.
The GTUC hailed the meeting as a step in the right direction, saying that it has opened the door for continued dialogue, presented an opportunity to demonstrate political maturity and willingness to settle political dispute over the drawing table in a sensible manner. It said that it is reassured by Granger and Jagdeo’s agreement that the Executive and Parliament will continue to function, the Judiciary will be allowed to adjudicate the matter, they will ask their supporters to tone down the rhetoric, and they will continue to work together and engage GECOM.
“Both sides of the fence have an opportunity right here and now to break out of the path of pursuit of conflict instead of working for the common good. They have an opportunity to go down in history to a peaceful process and resolution of our difference, down to the interpretation of the confidence vote. They have the opportunity to demonstrate to their supporters, the people of Guyana, and the world that we can change the course of history of unnecessary confrontation and conflict; that we recognise that power also lies in the arms of the Judiciary in whom we must place our trust at this time to adjudicate on matters pertaining to the confidence vote,” the statement said.
It called on society to give the government a chance to do what is right even as it encouraged the opposition to remain vigilant as they are elected and paid to do.
“GTUC looks forward for broadening of the national conversation with the involvement of civil society. As we call for the respect for the Constitution and its various articles, can we also call for and respect the importance of Article 13 which outlines the Principal Political Objective of the State that mandates an inclusionary democracy where citizens and their organisations will be involved in the management and decision-making processes of the State that directly impact their well-being,” the GTUC said.
“It is time to meet with civil society, the representatives of the people whose lives are to be directly affected by what is happening. They have concerns. Society must be included,” it declared.
In welcoming Wednesday’s meeting, the GTUC added that it was a good and necessary sign of the times to see the coalition united in its approach to meet with the opposition.
