Dear Editor,
Last week (July 5 to 11), while we were engrossed in the aftermath of  Mr Michael Jackson’s passing and anxiety over the future of West Indies cricket, two significant events occurred within Guyana’s body politic. Significant, I believe because of their timeliness. Many persons within civil society, inclusive of the private sector, are looking forward for an enhanced political culture among our leaders; One that emphasizes collaboration over confrontation; rapprochement over rancour. They are of the view that the time has to be now.

Event number one:  The adoption by members of the National Assembly of a motion entitled ‘Protection of Guyanese in the Caribbean Community.’ The motion was moved by AFC Leader, Mr Raphael Trotman.

Event two: The PNCR Co-Chairman, Mr Basil Williams commended President Jagdeo on his appointment by Caricom heads as head of the task force to study and report on the economic crisis. Further, PNCR member, Mr Ronald Austin while urging wide and inclusive consultations acknowledged President Jagdeo’s appointment was in recognition of the good work he has been doing in this area.

A few years ago President Jagdeo in an address at State House suggested that “building trust” should be a prerequisite for institutionalized shared/inclusive governance. I interpreted that to mean ‘help me to trust you.’ Could the events of last week be the genesis of ‘building trust’? Is inclusive governance on the horizon?

The optimist in me is hoping that the foregoing events are a manifestation of the dawning of a new era. The two events to which I refer took place during the week of President Obama’s telling address to the Ghanaian parliament. The noteworthy issues raised in the address included the US President’s recognition of the exemplary working relationship between the government and opposition in deepening Ghana’s democratic process.

Can Guyana get there? Yes we can!
Yours faithfully,
Derrick Cummings