Dear Editor,
The regrettably grievous situation in Linden strongly reinforces the essential value and role for civil society’s active participation in the larger political narrative as well as the existing political arrangement in parliament.
It is straight out ludicrous that it has taken three weeks for our political leaders to agree on how to respond to the demands by Lindeners regarding their economic circumstances and to the shooting deaths of three unarmed protestors. This imbroglio reveals that our political leaders from all sides – both government and opposition – are not interested in the development of our nation but instead are more concerned about realizing, preserving and fortifying their self-serving political reputations and fortunes. There is little evidence that any political leader appears willing to forgo short-term political loss that potentially could translate to much broader, long-term societal and national gains.
It has now become the norm for political dialogue and negotiations to end in stalemate and for conflicting public statements to emerge from these engagements. The rhetoric sounds as if these respective politicians engaged in separate meetings, rather than in interactive dialogue. Moreover, we hear of officials reneging on promises and decisions made and positions are amended late into the discussions, from one or both sides, after the realization is made that the original position no longer suits a particular political strategy.
Lost in this game of political chess is the fundamental consideration for the good of Guyana as a whole and the interests of all our people, not just those from specific geographical locales within the nation.
Regarding the Linden situation, it is bewildering that the negotiating stakeholders (ie, government, opposition parties, and the RDC chairman) could not make it an urgent priority to speak as a harmonizing chorus to the people of Linden who have erected barricades on public passageways, an act that has affected significantly several other regions in the process. Lost in the rhetorical noise is a much-needed message of mutual consideration and respect. That is, the barricades not only harm the interests of the Linden community but also those representing every other part of the country. Blocking a major artery that serves as an essential national connecting hub should not have happened in the first instance, much less have been allowed to continue for such a prolonged period. This is a shameful failure that rests squarely upon the shoulders of our political leaders and our security forces (the local police and the national army).
The Linden situation is not the only manifesting example of the inflexible, uncompromising posturing endemic to our politicians. Ever since the last general and regional elections, this rhetorical posing has become the norm in tripartite talks and in the parliament. My fear is that if this way of doing business continues, we will end up in the unwanted situation of calling early general elections.
If this current governing coalition is to have any chance of success, it is imperative that civil-society groups and organizations insist upon being included in the talks, either as direct discussants or as observers. Their presence will help to ensure that our politicians act wisely and providentially in the holistic interests of Guyana as opposed to narrowly drawn partisan objectives.
Yours faithfully,
Clinton Urling
