This view was expressed by Information Liaison to the President Robert Persaud during a community meeting yesterday at Greenwich Park Primary School, East Bank Demerara.

The meeting was part of Cabinet's Outreach programme for Regions Three, Four, Five and Ten.

Persaud emphasised that the PPP/C Government has proposed a way forward in dealing with the current political impasse and has outlined a road map to build a new political culture of co-operation and inclusive governance on the pillars of trust and good faith. He also added that it's logical because there is no successful marriage without trust. The absence of trust will lead to instant divorce, thus causing greater problems for the parties in the long run.

"At this point in time, Government's position, as outlined by the President, is the country's best hope, for real lasting cooperation among all parties, civil society and the nation as a whole," Persaud said.

TUC's support for PNC/R
Commenting on the media report about the Trades Union Congress’ (TUC’s) unqualified support for the PNC/R's proposal for executive power sharing, he remarked, "Every group has a right to adopt a position of its choice, but that group after taking a clear partisan stand cannot pretend to be impartial or neutral on the same issue. The TUC is part of the social partners initiative, which intends to deliberate on the issue of governance in Guyana. That the TUC has made clear its bias or preference on the subject disqualifies itself as a credible, impartial partner or a facilitator. The TUC leaders must reconsider their role and participation in the social partners' initiative if the process is to yield the desired results and enjoy the confidence and trust of all the Parties. Further it must be understood that the TUC no longer speaks for all of labour. There are more unionised workers outside of the TUC umbrella such as the two largest affiliates- GAWU and GPSU, among other unions, which have withdrawn their association from the body."

Cavorting with criminals
Responding to Ravi Dev's rejection on television of the PPP/C Governance position of building trust to achieve genuine co-operation, Persaud said he is still befuddled at the proposition that cavorting with, instead of apprehending the agents of fear, crime and violence in the country can successfully solve the current security problems. Dev did not address the imperative issue of trust and good faith, as such he missed the general thrust and objective of the Government's governance paper.

Social Partners' position
Persaud also clarified a common misconception that the term "shared governance" as introduced by the social partners, means executive power sharing.

He noted that the social partners' initiative was premised on Article 13 of the constitution, which in itself does not even speak about 'shared or inclusive governance,' but refers to "inclusionary democracy."

He added that the social partners had made it clear, several months ago, that its consultations on governance were not about executive power sharing.

Persaud also highlighted it is without a doubt that the current discussions on shared governance has never meant executive power sharing as some are seeking to suggest.

"Although there is no universally accepted definition of shared governance, to say that in the current context the term means power sharing is to peddle a false impression," said Persaud.

Government's development and achievements were also highlighted. Persaud updated the community on Government's support for the law enforcement agencies’ efforts to deal with the crime situation.

Residents also raised a number of concerns in relation to water supply, sports facilities in the Region, noise nuisance and the land space for places of religious worship.