Civil society began to attain prominence about fifty years ago as non-state actors outside the political and business communities. The World Bank defines civil society as “a wide array of organisations: community groups, non-governmental organisations [NGOs], labour unions, indigenous groups, charitable organisations, faith-based organisations, professional associations, and foundations.” Under generally accepted principles of democracy and accountability, civil society organisations are expected to have a membership, rules, and objectives. Their leaderships are elected periodically and report to their memberships. In the area of which I am most familiar, the Guyana Bar Association would be considered as a prime example of a civil society organization. There are several other professional organisations in existence which generally confine themselves to their mandated areas.
