Dear Editor,
Any civilized community should be justly concerned to create as much wealth as it can, to ensure that income and wealth are fairly shared; that every citizen has the opportunity to develop and realize their full potential; and that centres of private and public power are properly accountable.

The aim must be to build a free, secure, moral, socially cohesive society based on universal membership, social inclusion and organized around the type of democracy that truly reflects the will of the people.

I have little doubt that Stanley Ming’s upcoming conversation with the public will, in essence, articulate these core beliefs and expectations. But these instincts and values need to be carefully husbanded and sustained by a coalition of compatible interests – precisely what has not happened in Guyana as yet, despite a futile attempt in the run-up to the 2006 elections.

This recent attempt was aborted after it became clear that one of the ‘interested’ parties was being characteristically disingenuous, dishonest and self-serving.

Yet, Big Tent Politics is the only way forward for Guyana.

One hopes that the long-awaited public conversation will be followed by a conversation of compatibles willing to forge a coalition intent on a government of national unity and on securing Guyana’s future. The notion of shared responsibilities in the national decision-making processes must be given life and purpose.

The task will be for the promoters or leaders of the grand coalition, when it happens, to put their egos on the back burner and allow a transparent, democratic process to produce the first among equals.

Go for it Stanley, get the ball rolling. Guyana ought now to be ready for Big Tent Politics.

Yours faithfully,
F. Hamley Case