Dear Editor,
The current tripartite dialogue among the three political parties that won parliamentary seats is essentially in the interest of the three political parties. This is good at the level of the political parties to get the nation‘s business going in the spirit of responsible parliamentary conduct. Our constitution envisions wider participation on economic and social matters involving the private sector and the labour movement. (Chapter II Article 11 states “…trade unions and all socio-economic organizations of a national character are entitled to participate in the various management and decision-making processes of the State and particularly in the political, economic, social and cultural sectors in national life.”
My humble suggestion is for the institutionalization of deeper, wider national dialogue than in the past. This should involve representatives of the governing authorities (the Parliament and cabinet) and the social partners (representatives of the private sector and the labour movement) conferring in a determined way to find the best possible options and creative solutions to issues in the national interest. The institutionalized dialogue, through meaningful and good faith consultations, negotiations (and mediation if required), should forge a national consensus, expressed in a national accord, an agreed programme of national development activities for a 3-5 year-period.
This accord should be signed by representatives of Parliament/the executive and the social partners, supported by Parliament and the constituencies of the social partners. The accord should be widely publicized and discussed to secure national ownership, and for transparency and public accountability. (The Barbados, Irish, Singapore, and Malaysian models, for over two decades, are good examples.) For a start, the leaders can easily confer with their counterparts in Barbados and other places concerning their experiences on national social partnership arrangements.
The forging of a national accord will call for the governing authorities and the social partners to agree on a common, shared vision for our national community. It will require an openness on the part of the governing authorities to share information and decision-making powers; a demonstration of a very high degree of political and corporate trust; full commitment to social partnership by all parties; strong, responsible political and corporate leadership; and non-partisan political will in the national interest.
Our country is crying out for such a development. The time for action is now in the national interest. Will our political leaders, the governing authorities, and the social partners take our country forward to economic and social development in a climate of peace, social cohesion and security for all citizens? Not tomorrow, but today; not only in words, but in deed.
The nation waits for the transformation of our country from what is perceived as a divisive, politically partisan culture, to one that cultivates and nurtures national unity, consensus approaches and social partnership in the drive for national development in keeping with the principles of good governance.
One of the first opportunities for consensus at the political level that presents itself is the election of the Speaker for the new Parliament. Our political leaders can now demonstrate the sincerity of their words to find consensus and creative solutions to the issues facing them, and which are of interest to the nation. The challenge for the political leaders of all three parliamentary parties is to agree on a mutually acceptable person as Speaker. One option is for all the parties to agree on a non-political speaker – one from outside the ranks of the political parties in parliament.
The social partners and the electorate should demand no less from our leaders on the matter of a Speaker for Parliament. Let the media actively promote public opinion and debates on these important matters.
Yours faithfully,
Samuel J Goolsarran
