Dear Editor,
Our nation stands at a crossroads. We have endured decades of racial division in politics, where each election deepens the mistrust between our two largest ethnic groups. This division has led to political instability, favouritism in governance, and unequal economic opportunities. Now, as our country enters a new era of wealth from oil and gas, we must choose: Will we continue this cycle of division, or will we take a bold step toward unity and shared governance?
It is time for a system that brings trust, stability, and fairness to our democracy. I propose the FIRST PICK System, a new power-sharing arrangement that ensures both major political parties are actively involved in governing, making our nation stronger and more united.
How It Works
1. The party that wins the majority in Parliament selects the President.
2. The opposition then selects the Vice President.
3. The opposition selects the Prime Minister, and the winning party selects the Deputy Prime Minister.
4. The winning party selects the first Ministry (e.g., Finance), and the opposition selects the Deputy Minister of Finance.
5. The opposition then selects a Ministry (e.g., Foreign Affairs), and the winning party selects the Deputy Minister.
6. This alternating process continues until all Ministries are assigned.
Why It Will Work
• It Builds Trust: Power is shared, preventing political victimization.
• It Promotes Stability: With both major parties in governance, racial tensions will ease.
• It Guarantees Fairness: National resources, including oil revenues, will be managed equitably.
• It Encourages Cooperation: Ministers and their Deputies from different parties must work together.
• It Strengthens Democracy: This system ensures broad-based representation.
A Call to Action
I call on all Guyanese—regardless of race, political affiliation, or social status—to demand this change. Let us push for constitutional reform, engage in national dialogue, and urge our leaders to embrace this bold step toward unity. We cannot afford to remain divided while other nations progress. The time for change is now. Let us build a Guyana where governance is fair, stable, and truly representative of all its people. For Guyana, For Our Future.
Sincerely,
Charles Cambridge, PhD
Professor Emeritus of Management
College of Business
California State University Chico
Chico, California 95929
