On the right note
Editorial
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo took office last week correctly recognising that a changed political climate should be a top priority. Few would fault his "hand of friendship" to those in opposition inviting them to "sit with us and iron out our differences so that we can have a common cause to serve - a cause in service to our people and nation". There is understandable scepticism about the response to his announced desire to meet Mr. Desmond Hoyte, leader of the main opposition People's National Congress (PNC), given Mr. Hoyte's previous contemptuous attitude towards the new President and his refusal to recognise Mrs. Janet Jagan as President. But that should not deter President Jagdeo, as we suggested last week. He has started on the right note, committing himself to being "an emissary of renewed hope and a healing process in the society." Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders, who last year brokered two `peace' deals between the governing People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/Civic) and the PNC following violence and rising tensions from PNC anti-government street demonstrations in Georgetown, have pressed for talks at the highest level to help resolve the simmering differences. Mr. Hoyte's continued refusal to meet President Jagan did not help this initiative and the impact on this process of the change in presidency is left to be seen. CARICOM leaders continue to take keen interest in the resolution of the political situation in Guyana and current CARICOM Chairman, Prime Minister Basdeo Panday of Trinidad and Tobago, has commended Mr. Jagdeo for the initiatives he announced at his swearing-in last week. "As Chairman of CARICOM, I have a continuing interest in and a strong commitment to every option that will facilitate civil peace and lasting harmony and progress in your country", Mr. Panday told President Jagdeo in a letter congratulating him on his accession to the office. Other CARICOM leaders are also looking forward to meeting the new President of a country that is of critical importance to the future of the community. The new President would have his own style in the office, indications of which he has given in our report in today's Chronicle. The CARICOM-sponsored structured dialogue between the PPP and the PNC is again under way and the sea change in the political history of the country that unfolded last week could influence this for the better. Mr. Jagdeo has a chance to advance it and should ensure he cannot be accused of not trying. He says he is an optimist and he has struck the right note. Maintaining the right footing would be critical.
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