Comments on: ACDA believes shared governance can only flow from constitutional reform that has public input

By: MahaiconyMan

MahaiconyMan — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:46:22 +0000

Well Said storme williams!!

By: eric phillips

eric phillips — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 23:44:25 +0000

evileyes ….you are living in another time….we in guyana aren’t interested in the past….every reference you make is about burnham and the pnc…do you know in a recent survey…over 70% of our youth didn’t know who he was

By: evileyes

evileyes — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:34:13 +0000

we are not prepared to go another 28 years of pnc misrule and thats for sure….

By: evileyes

evileyes — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 03:03:49 +0000

Like is only Indians voted for the PPP/C?
how many black were suffering under PNC rule with the very system you want changed now?
I keep asking one question over and over and over but no one wants to answer….
How did the PNC Burnham used to win over 70 percent of the same Guyanese votes?
How did Hoyte won 85 percent of the same guyanese votes?
Are you saying it was the same Indians that voted for Burnham & Hoyte for worse”punishment” than they are getting now?
You lost at every single free-fair and transparent elections since 92 and you are trying to regain power by foul means…
Why then did the same people voted the PNC out of power if they were so good kind and caring to its people?

By: eric phillips

eric phillips — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 22:33:53 +0000

The article said no to the PPP and PNC agreeing to sgared governance and for the people to have a say. Regardless of your hopes, the PPP and PNC will always get more votes than the AFC who blew their changes and have done nothung in the last two years to get more votes because their leadership cannot be trusted.

This leaves us with another Westminster election and another ethnic census ..and further disintegration as a society. Yes, TV is here..but it does not really matter becuase we have a fully functionally illiterate population.

Are you willing to go another 7 years with this crop and a non functional opposition. As long as the PPP holds 51% of the Parliament nothing will change….

By: Light

Light — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 21:23:58 +0000

This ploy and snare, of ‘inclusive’and ’shared governance’ by the PPP and PNC, is born out of the trend, of dwindling support, reflected in the last national election and their (PPP and PNC) fear of the future.

The society needs, a proffessional Police Force which is accountable to parliament, a properly functioning procurement Commission, an efficient judiciary, Broadcasting Legislation facilitating the role of private broadcasters, a Freedom of Information Bill etc.

The above can and should be done now, as stepping stones in building ‘trust’ and moving the society foward.

By ‘dragging their feet’ and not doing the above, thus, destroying ‘trust’ and these ‘building bridges’for the society’s democratic development; the PPP and PNC, are creating the context and framework for this bogus – of ‘inclusive’ and ’shared governance’, by which they hope to further entrench themselves (PPP and PNC)in political office and power, by a constitutional/institutional apparatus.

Guyanese, should not provide the PPP and PNC, with the above opportunity, to perpetuate their (PPP and PNC) corrupt and undemocratic practice.

By: GUYFLAG

GUYFLAG — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:17:53 +0000

Sorry. Mr. Phillips, I haven’t missed the point.. your response actually strengthens my submission…your last paragraph, “if Indians want to punish etc.etc,…. shows exactly where you are coming from… that posit is subjective.. your idea of punishment may be questionable in the eyes of the majority of Guyanese,.. not to mention.. who is responsible for that alleged punishment… You see Sir, any system is as good as the people who operate it,..there are different systems all over the world, many have failed.. and will continue to fail.. It depends often on people like yourself, .. whose sole aim, can be peceived as focus on FAILING THE SYSTEM, as against working to ensure its success… fortunately, for guyana there is still enough of us who work towards its success… also fortunate is that after, 10+ years .. the disciples of destrution.. are becoming less and less effective, and I guess this must be a real worry to you… I do Hope mr. Corbin continues to be brave enough to do whats best for the people of our dear land of Guyana..even in the face of severe attacks..

By: Cochore

Cochore — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 04:38:51 +0000

Elections are always competitive events where votes are earned and not shared. Public service and community organizing are the established ways of farming for those votes. Folks my question here is, what is the problem with winning an election in the 21st century?

As I see it, both inclusive governance or shared governance buy into the so called antiquated PPP numbers and percentages for racial and ethnic voting. This is ancient and out-dated thinking to say the least, because the advent of the TV is quickly modernizing the viewing habits of the Guyanese electorate. Nowadays, the people are duly informed on a daily basis about Gov’t incompetents and failings regardless of the quality of the propaganda on TV.

If you don’t agree with anything that I’ve proffered above, please remember this cogent fact in the 21st century, that ‘Racial and ethnic voting need total ignorance and visual darkness to exist’. Guyana no longer is a place of political backwardness and ignorance, even in the remote areas, thanks to the Television. Therefore, I posits confidently that all Television programming plus population attrition make Apaan Jhaat a phenomenon of history in Guyana.

Conceding to any form of shared governance would be the dumbest strategy ever when the whole enchilada is still on the table, trust me on this one folks.

By: eric phillips

eric phillips — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 02:28:43 +0000

Guyflag seems to be missing the whole point..it is not about what happened 50 years ago..it is about doing what is necessary for Guyana to move forward. The Westminster system has failed and will always fail in Guyana. Your suggestion to work through this insane system as the sanest way to go suggests you are blind to what is happening in Guyana. Lets say the pnc OR afc WINS AN ELECTION…DO YOU THINK GUYANA WILL BE BETTER OFF…ABSOLUTELY NOT. THE ISSUE IS NOT ABOUT RACE…AS IT APPEARS TO YOU AND OTHERS WHO DO NOT WANT CHANGE…THE ISSUE IS ABOUT ECONOMIC GROWTH..ABOUT RACIAL HARMONY…ABOUT JUSTICE…ABOUT STOPPING THE COUNTRY FROM DEGENERATING MORALLY, SOCIALLY, CULTURALLY AND ECONOMICALLY.

If Indians want to continue to punish as the majority of Guyanese are..then they can continue to support a Westminster form of Government, regardless of whom wins an election.

By: caesar agustus

caesar agustus — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 01:01:54 +0000

Baloney. No to shared government with those who destroyed Guyana. And, constitutional reform requires a referendum on changing the constitution.The people are however fed up with politicians in Guyana running their lives.No more politicking.Politicians are becoming a burden to the Guyanes taxpayer.They cannot be trusted.

By: evileyes

evileyes — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 23:36:01 +0000

thats their main goal when it says “slo fiah and mo fiah” make country “ungovernable”……..that is what they do best…….

By: GUYFLAG

GUYFLAG — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:46:14 +0000

WHAT mR. pHILLIPS SAY SOUNDS NICE,.. ..BUT MAY i REMIND HIM, ..in the 1950’s .elections were done, where individul candidates competed in each constituency, (first past the post as we called it) the result then was the ppp getting under 50% of the votes, but winning 75% of the seats ( ethnic voting) burnham and the British conspired to change this, so as to Get rid of ppp.. at the same time introducing the PR system.. which most of you present day constitutional ‘EXPERTS’ seemed satisfied and Gratified with over the 30 years when it suited your purpose… now , over 50% of the population, are excercising their rights ,to Elect who they prefer, you find the system DEFICIENT,..am I getting it right?…My approval rating of the present Regime, is LOW’ BUT WHEN I LOOK AT THE ALTERNATIVES BEING advanced by some of you I shudder at the thought…Our only sane alterative is to work through the present system ,in an enlightened and Coherent way, .eschewing, the current racist, emotional, soul- destroying rehtoric and activity,.. and when then Govt. sees REASON, from its adversaries , Im sure they will have no alternative but respond in kind,… Don’t forget the influence and power of the International Community… they will not sit idly by and support a Regime that is doing serious harm to its people… what the International community was seeing for the Last 10 yrs. was a govt. under threat from hostile opposition forces….that perception has to be changed, or the Guyanese will continue . the donwward spiral towards ZIMBABWE-ISM…

By: quibian

quibian — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 19:35:22 +0000

only losers call for shared governance because they can never win fairly at the polls.

By: evileyes

evileyes — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 19:18:36 +0000

ACDA A ONE MAN ORG EHEHEHEHEHEHE
TELL DEM WHA A-C-D-A STANDS FOR….
OH I FUGET IT STANDS FUH ALL GUYANESE INCLUSIVE…..

By: A. Persaud

A. Persaud — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:55:43 +0000

In the past one get the impression that the ACDA was an arm of the PNC. That said, however, the letter writer did put forward some interesting points which many Guyanese would like to see implemented. Especially a more representational system of governance and not what is taking place today. I agree the current system of governance has failed to some extent and that a more participative system needs to be developed where the entire country is represented in parliament. Representatives of the people should be elected by the people. No one should be above the law.

By: kittykat1944

kittykat1944 — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:20:44 +0000

Hey George and Milton, its the voting public he’s referring to in case you missed that,the public that freely elected their government the same as the American public elected their President,something that was missing for almost three decades under the Kabaka’s Iron Fist Rule. You both are allowing your biases to consume you. The Roman Empire fell,as well as other Empires,so did the Burnham’s Cruel Empire so get over it and move on. Be happy that you are former Burnhamites living in the only standing Empire that will fall one day too……LMAO

By: G.Jones

G.Jones — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:04:29 +0000

Andy seems to be having trouble understanding my point.Nobody is arguing with the ideas of the writer,what I am saying is that ideas have been floating around for 16 years or more and nothing has changed.Sometime talk must stop and action must be taken.To me that time has long past because the leaders we know have failed the guyanese people.

And unlike Andy,I am not intimidated by the American Television personalities that he refers to so I don’t look to them to form my opinion or for their guidance.Infact I have sat in the same classroom at the same college with some of them so I know the herding mentalityy when I see it.Also living in the Washington DC area with a respected career gives me an opportunity to rub shoulders with these analyst and challenge their thinking even in an informal setting

By: storme williams

storme williams — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:34:30 +0000

I remember the referendum to change the constitution to its present form. Slogans like “land to the tiller”, “vote for the house and kill the mouse” etc. The PNC was king in those days. Party card for jobs, scholarships etc. What happen now? They say when “you dig hole fuh you mattie you does fall inside youself” and the PPP should take warning. History does repeat itself. The constitution should be reverted to it republican form and politicians should stop tinkering with it. No back door politics – change your ways.

By: Georgie

Georgie — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:40:52 +0000

Really Eastbanner! Voted for the President?! What next?

By: eastbanner

eastbanner — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:38:13 +0000

Mr Phillips don’t you forget that more than fifty percent of the population voted for the President..

By: T.Singh

T.Singh — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:24:39 +0000

Jones,at first I thought you were attacking the writer,most ppl claim ACDA is a racist org and was wondering if you were down that line. I do think the writer make some valid points,but has you said,let us know how we are gonna implement it. I agree with you too.One of the best letters I have read in the papers in a long long long time.

By: miltonbruce

miltonbruce — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:23:49 +0000

According to the letter it seems as though Mr Phillips and ACDA will be publishing a document on shared governance very shortly, maybe it might reveal the plan you are so anxious to see. As for the public reception that illustrates to you happiness with the government,which public are you refering to?

By: Andy

Andy — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:18:17 +0000

Deal with the message, not the messenger! You don’t have to agree with Eric Phillips, but then your response shows a lack of appreciation for diverse views on hot button issues affecting Guyanese. Look at or listen to American talk shows and learn that it is an open society that allows public participation – debate and discussion – by its people that stands a better chance of evolving in a transparent and responsible manner. We need to publicly challenge our leaders and hold their feet to the fire in the interest of the public they claim to serve. The PPP and PNC are serving their own interests, not the people’s, and that’s why we’re contending the PPP and PNC cannot provide genuine leadership if they share power!

By: G.Jones

G.Jones — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:54:40 +0000

This letter reads like another “academic white paper”.Lots of ideas of what should be done but nothing to say how to get it done.For example,I’d like the writer to tell me and others how do you get the government and opposition to move in the direction he is suggesting.If he thinks that somebody is going to wake up tomorrow morning and say lets implement ACDA’s idea I’ll tell him that he hasn’t learned anything over the years.

Mr. Phillips et al,enough with this ideas airing exercise.We know you are all good writers,but tell the guyanese people what is ” THE PlAN”;that is what I am dying to hear.And let me say this,judging from the public reception that your and similar opinions are getting, I truly believe that Guyanese are happier with their government than with their opposition