Trying for consensus
Editorial
ANXIOUS as it is to conclude the proposed deal for a joint venture in the Guyana Electricity Corporation (GEC), the Government has nevertheless agreed to an opposition request to put off debate and passage of related legislation in Parliament. It was close to a deal with the Saskpower firm of Saskatchewan of Canada since 1997 but this was, in part, scuttled by the anti-government street demonstrations the main opposition People's National Congress (PNC) started and kept up in Georgetown last year. Now, after clearing a series of hurdles, the Government seems set to get into the venture with the Commonwealth Development Corporation/ESBI consortium. The deal, however, depends on passage of critical pieces of legislation in the National Assembly. The laws were set to be taken through the National Assembly yesterday but the Government acceded to a request by the three parliamentary opposition parties, including the PNC, to postpone consideration of the matter for further talks. Subject Minister, Prime Minister Sam Hinds, who is acting President in the absence from the country of President Janet Jagan, and as a result could not have been in Parliament yesterday, plans to meet the three parties today on the issue. Leader of the House and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Mr. Reepu Daman Persaud, told members at yesterday's sitting, that he received a letter from Mr. Hoyte Wednesday, requesting the postponement of the Electricity Sector Reform Bill 1999 and the Public Utilities Commission Bill 1999. The letter contended that the second readings of the bills should be done with Mr. Hinds present. As Minister Persaud said: "This is a significant measure. "It has to do with an important sector and I'm sure all concerned would like to see the matter proceeded with in a very expeditious and orderly manner." "Much of the criticism of the bill is based on unawareness of the merits of the bill and on other aspects of the agreement, thus the opportunity of the meeting with the sector Minister is to reaffirm the Government's commitment to participation to privatisation of this sector", he explained. This is a commendable gesture of give and take and a move for consensus which should be more pervasive in the political sphere. We hope today's proposed meeting would advance this process and demonstrate that parties are still willing to talk over differences and try to reach agreement on crucial issues.
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