During a live telecast on GTV 11 Sunday evening, which was convened by PPP/C official and attorney-at-law Hubert Rodney, Minister Ramsammy said the PPP's history has been a rich one in terms of promoting inclusive governance.

He further stated that every manifesto of the current Administration included "enhancing democracy, participation and inclusive governance".

Voicing his disappointment over a recent headline carried in the Stabroek News, which reflected the President's non-subscription to shared governance, Ramsammy said this is a pure misrepresentation of the thoughts expressed by the Head of State.

"We must seek to build the country together and not pull it down," Ramsammy declared, adding that clarification must be sought in reporting issues in light of the recent Stabroek News headline.

The top health official posited that Government recognises the importance of having a collective agreement on issues that are wide-ranging and therefore welcomes the input of all sectors of society.

He noted that provisions for inclusiveness are in place, but these need refining to permit implementation. "If we are going to agree, we need to be dealing with each other in good faith," Ramsammy remarked.

Alluding to the constitutional powers that are no longer exercised by the President, but are now vested in Parliament, Ramsammy added, "If we begin to constructively engage each other, through these provisions, we would have begun to learn to work with each other and build trust and confidence in each other."

Observing that the idea of shadow Ministers is currently not in place, the Health Minister said he sees no hindrance to the political parties working at lower levels in areas such as HIV/AIDS, to come up with agreed approaches to tackle issues.

Touching on the main Opposition's proposal on shared governance, Ramsammy said the Administration's position is one that involves all sectors of society, and not merely political parties. "It is about creating an environment of governance that has room for everyone," he explained.

Against this backdrop, individuals from remote regions of the country can also participate in the process of shared governance through the provisions set out in the reformed Constitution on Local Government, said Ramsammy.

On the issue of Government's willingness to engage with the main Opposition, the Parliamentarian said that the reformed Constitution sets out parameters for the Opposition's deeper participation in the country's decision-making process, through mechanisms such as the Management and Sectoral Committees.

These committees have not been formed since the main Opposition party has been absent from Parliament since March 2002.

Among the reasons outlined by that party for their absence from Parliament, is Government's non-implementation of agreements between the two sides, but Ramsammy retorted that implementation takes time and follows a process.

He affirmed that Government has made compromises before for the benefit of the country, but a commitment is needed on the part of the main Opposition to move the development process forward.

Ramsammy expressed confidence in President Jagdeo's ability to take Guyana to greater heights, and sees dialogue between Jagdeo and Corbin as necessary towards this end.

He also envisages a better Guyana with the PNC/R's return to Parliament and the institution of the Parliamentary parties.