Dear Editor,
As Guyanese wait around on the political merry-go-round to grind out a date for the next elections, we are seeing: tensions rising and racial politics playing a greater role (as usual); consumerism on the decline which is indicative of generally poor performance in the economy- due to peoples’ uncertainty about the future; loan rates still comparatively high so as to stymie the growth of start-up businesses and expansions of established business enterprises – leaving entrepreneurs with great business ideas in the twilight zone of Guyanese politics; and the most hurtful of all – people by the droves fleeing these shores for a better life somewhere else because of fear of the future which Guyanese politics has and is nurturing. Lastly, the uncertainty of where the political situation will lead us undermines the hope of a better life for all Guyanese who can understand and appreciate the potential oil wealth which will be coming our way. We therefore need concrete solutions which are unique to our particular situation, taking into account our cultural and social outlook while solving our historical political divide in a peaceful and calm environment.
Editor, the divisions which have haunted the Sudan make the divisions here in Guyana look like a cocktail party and yet in the last month, the Sudanese leaders have created a coalition government to solve the intricate problems which have affected that nation for decades and with constitutional changes and new elections in three years, the Sudanese people can now see” light at the end of the tunnel”. In general, elections in Guyana prove one thing and one thing only: racial voting patterns with racial tensions and risk of racial conflict which depresses economic activity and promotes negative attitudes in our society. In addition, elections are very expensive and nail-biting, not to mention the stress and strain on individuals from GECOM to the public at large. My Dad, President Cheddi, always promoted the concept of “a government of national unity” to break the deadlock of division which has rendered this nation since independence into a quasi-functioning state, with all the deficiencies which we find ourselves in. Our children and younger folks deserve better and our older generation should enjoy the fruits of their tremendous dedication to our beloved country.
Editor, based on the above observations and in humble deference to greater minds than mine, I would like to propose a solution to deal with the reality of the soon-to-be general elections and the consequences we might face. I therefore propose the following: 1. Postpone elections for the next four years with a total
commitment of a caretaker coalition government to meaningful constitutional changes in the first two years; 2. bring the PPP into this coalition with the Prime Minister position and a negotiated number of ministers awarded to that party-ministries of substance; 3. bring trade unionists, religious leaders and smaller political parties into such a government and 4. Mr. Granger should be the President for the duration of such a government as he has shown his commitment and success as a team leader in the coalition concepts we urgently need to pursue.
Editor, I am quite certain that the majority of our citizens would support a government of national unity, especially with a good life on the horizon. God is smiling on us now and with President Granger at the helm, we could set an historic example for the rest of our Caribbean sister countries which face, in many ways, though, not the same problems, in their political landscape. Our youth deserve solutions and concrete answers to solve our poverty and inadequacies which are plaguing us to this day. All over the world coalition politics is on the rise, especially in conflict ridden areas and coalition politics enables democracy, justice and compassion for fellow citizens to emerge as key ingredients to a better life- let the politicians decide: a conflicted Guyana or a cooperative Guyana.
Yours faithfully,
Cheddi (Joey) Jagan (Jr.)
