Dear Editor,
Are we debating, are we quarrelling, or are we arguing whether or not it was unwise for the PNCR not to participate in Carifesta X? While we ponder the answer to this question it is abundantly clear that the divide between the two major political parties remains much too wide.
Indeed, efforts have been made to narrow their differences but a bridging of the gap which still exists seems elusive. Too many talks have broken down or been aborted, but I want to urge them to begin a new phase by adopting the symbolism which was obtained on the opening of the Demerara Harbour Bridge in 1978.
What a pity that the ruling party at that time did not see it fit to involve the opposition parties in the process. This is what happened.
Prime Minister Burnham began walking from the eastern end of the bridge while Deputy Prime Minister Dr Reid began walking from the western end. The two of them met in the middle “in a symbolic gesture of east meeting west.” It is unfortunate that this was not the government meeting the opposition parties in a move for growth and development.
Having missed the opportunity in 1978 I would want to recommend that for the opening of the Berbice Bridge a similar symbolic gesture be made where the President and other government members of the ‘House’ meet the opposition members of the ‘House’ in the middle.
Let this be the beginning of the bridging of the great divide. Let’s take it beyond symbolism and gesture, to the level of national unity and development. Let the building begin.
Yours faithfully,
Francis Carryl
