In an effort to get on with the business of improving the lot of all Guyanese, President Bharrat Jagdeo extended the olive branch to Opposition Leader Robert Corbin so that they can have talks.
The aim of the dialogue was for both the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) to hold a constructive engagement that will improve the lives of Guyanese.
On May 2, 2002, the two leaders met and on May 6 they signed a Communiqué that eventually saw the PNCR’s return to Parliament and its active participation in the Parliamentary process.
This led to the constitution of four service commissions.
However, in the wake of allegations against Home Affairs Minister Ronald Gajraj, with regard to a death squad, members and supporters of the PNC/R have taken to the streets in protest and remain averse to talks with the ruling party.
GINA’s cameras sought the views of members of the public on the need for meetings between the President and Opposition Leader, rather than street protests.
Here is what they had to say:
Anand Mohan: I feel that President Bharrat Jagdeo and Robert Corbin should go back to dialogue, that is what is needed to move Guyana forward, because if you do not dialogue the country will slide further. We as Guyanese need to see progress and if we get the two parties together we will have a better living conditions.
Linden Prince: It is not going to be a very good move to have continuous protest actions. I believe that it has its pros and cons and the cons being that the overall process of the country will be stalled and the developments under considerations between the two parties will definitely be stagnated. And as a developing country we need to see progress.
Kellewan: I believe that the protesting would not bear fruit; it would only create havoc for the business communities and Guyanese as a whole. Therefore, Mr. Corbin should use the possibility of dialogue, which has borne fruit already, and I think that (dialogue) should continue. And if he (Corbin) can’t get what he wants from the dialogue, there are other avenues he could consult such as the United Nations.
Victorine Browne: Although I believe that people have right to protest, in Guyana it seems that sometimes it gets out of hand. However, I believe President Bharrat Jagdeo and Robert Corbin should continue to dialogue.
Sharon Hussain: I strongly suggest that the President and Mr. Corbin continue to meet and talk, so that the country can be united. Guyana would be a better place and we will see development in the country and that is what we need.
Katie Rodrigues: President Jagdeo and Opposition Leader Mr. Corbin should continue to talk because it is very important to the growth of Guyana.