Dear Editor,
I am optimistic that strike mediators, Messrs. Edward Luckhoo and Robin Stoby, both respected Senior Counsels, will make considerable headway today. The hope is that they will succeed in narrowing existing gaps between the teachers and government. My expectation is that there will be discrete developments acceptable to both sides. Numbers closer, perhaps; minds a little more receptive to what is heard. We wait in stiff silence, and the atmosphere of empty, silent, forlorn classrooms. By this time, both sides must have a solid idea of what is their final offer, their last immovable position.
In other locations, it is called a drop-dead position. When Plans A and B and even C have all fallen by the wayside, for any reason, there is that lifeline of consideration that is found grudgingly satisfactory by the parties to the standstill. The teachers may strenuously disagree, but it is not 50%; the PPP Government may be reduced to cursing, but it is not 6.5% nor 12%, either. At the baseline, I would settle for somewhere between 20-25%, with between 10-15% following in each of the next two years. It should be noted that the focus is on pay.
I recommend that both sides work with the mediators in listening to any mix of elements (pension, allowances, conditions, and so forth) that introduces a package that gives some things and holds back some things. For clarity, I repeat: a package that is helpful and encouraging. Inspiration could possibly follow later. In fading out on this mediation of the teachers’ strike, these two snippets are offered. First, the timing of the strike is piercing. Second, the timing of the mediators’ resolutions must be comforting. What comes out of Messrs. Luckhoo and Stoby must move all sides to their proper places. That is, teachers back to teaching, the government back to delivering, and the mediators back to lawyering. It is high time.
It is time that this strangest of developments coming out of ANUG be over. I reeled when I read it, and frowned on what appears to be an open and shut situation to me. Perhaps, there are some key facts lacking, but it does begin and end with who must relinquish a seat, and who has stood still. I take no position on the merits of either of the parties, as enough is not known. But, broadly speaking, the liberty is taken to share this with every Guyanese. One of the driving reasons that Third Parties come about in Guyana is because of the insurmountable and intolerable distrust with the two major political groups, the PPP and PNC. The distrusts (plural is more accurate) have been well-earned. Therefore, if promises are made, when commitments are given, then they must be honoured by both sides to such understandings and undertakings.
As I have said openly and repeatedly (sometimes harshly) to President Ali, Vice President Jagdeo, and Opposition Leader Norton, once one’s word is given, it is enshrined. It is sacred. It must not be violated. Regardless of the setting, and the demands of ensuing circumstances, however tempting the changed conditions may be. This is the sacrosanct inviolable nature of trust. There does not have to be a signature on a piece of paper, or the handcuff of a binding document. All there must be is the principle and honesty to do the honourable thing, no matter how personally costly.
This is what must differentiate and distinguish Third Parties, new faces and forces, in the local political context. Trust and honesty and practices that are honourable, come what may, are what carries the day. It is the new day that conscientious Guyanese yearn for, wait. The kind of day, with its political and leadership quality, that separates from the PPP and PNC. The patriots at ANUG and their equally patriotic colleague/partner must now both prove that they are of this unsullied, sparkling character. A seat is nothing. Duty to principle is everything. Both alpha and omega.
Sincerely,
GHK Lall
