Well, further confirmation of the extent of that frustration has come with the disclosure by the head of the Social Partners Group (SPG) Dr Peter deGroot, that having done their part, it was now up to the representatives of the political parties to meet and resolve outstanding differences for the way forward in dealing specifically with the crime situation.

The three-member SPG comprises Dr deGroot, representing the Private Sector Commission; Mr. Lincoln Lewis, on behalf of the Guyana Trades Union Congress, and Mr. Nigel Hughes for the Guyana Bar Association.

It is the hope of these officials that by tomorrow, both the governing PPP/C and the main opposition PNC/R could reach some agreement on how to further proceed with the proposed 'Joint Communiqué on Crime'.

Hope is always better than despair. But given the behaviour of the PNC/R in responding to proposals and initiatives of the social partners, it requires much faith to accept that a resolution may soon be forthcoming.

It is our understanding that a positive response has already been signalled by the government and the PPP/C. We would, however, prefer to have a public statement to this effect, so that the Guyanese people as a whole could come to their own conclusion about who are really delaying the process. We think they already know.

Cooperation is a two-way process. One hand can't clap. The vital question for the current impasse is if one "signatory" party to the proposed `Joint Communiqué on Crime’ should be facilitated in its attempt for a way forward to "be achieved by whatever means necessary".

The answer should be NO.

Bitter Experiences
The people of this nation know only too well, by their own bitter experiences, what this highly questionable concept of "by whatever means necessary", means:

More lawlessness? More criminal activities and social disharmony? More destruction, loss of lives and property? More poverty and human degradation?

While some have clearly suffered more than others, it is palpably evident that ALL segments of society, Guyanese of every ethnic group and religious faith, have suffered as victims, in one way or the other, from the politics of "by whatever means necessary".

To encourage such foolishness any further is to endanger the future of Guyana and condemn Guyanese, of all races, classes and religions to extra-parliamentary tactics, the politics of terror and the heinous crimes of the armed, well-connected criminals.

This must not happen. Not as the price for a questionable "compromise" for a joint anti-crime communiqué, or any related document. Or for the sake of a dialogue that continues to be frustrated at every turn by those yet to abandon the doctrine of making Guyana "ungovernable".

The negotiators on behalf of the social partners would be aware of the grave implications of accepting - from ANY quarter - this "by whatever means necessary" doctrine"