New Opportunities
The Alliance for Change Column
Kaieteur News
December 3, 2006
As the final month of the year 2006 begins, we Guyanese have much to reflect on. This has been a year which saw an intense political campaign ending with the re-election of the PPP/C Government. Despite the excitement of the August campaign, the observation is made that things have remained placid and Guyana , and Guyanese, appear to have sunk back into a state of malaise. Except for the debate on an African Renaissance and the imminent introduction of VAT, nothing else is causing the populace much discomfort or excitement. This by no means is a sign that the state is at peace. Most persons with whom we interact express a sense of failure and hopelessness. Nothing for them makes good sense or gives a feeling of wellbeing and hope. Proof of this can be found in the long lines which continue unabated at the passport office, and in the number of persons applying for refugee status abroad. Every available opportunity is being taken to leave the shores to join the hundreds of thousands who have already left.
For most Guyanese, there is a feeling that there is no hope left. Crime and security remain serious concerns as we witness the ease with which murders and other serious crimes are being committed with impunity. It is as if the serious felon knows that capture and successful prosecution are things of a bygone era. For example, recently released statistics regarding the incidence of prosecution and conviction in cases of rape are frightening, to say the least, when one considers that there is an obvious increase in sexual assault and abuse, particularly against children.
In the opinion of the AFC, all is not lost. The Presidential initiative of engaging the leadership of the Parliamentary Opposition to arrive at consensus positions on issues of nationhood is a sign that there is something new and different that can be added to the manner of political engagement. This in a sense can be regarded as a harbinger to inclusive or shared governance. Thus far, many issues have been raised, but the point already made by others that this provides a golden opportunity for nation building and visionary leadership is well taken. We have advised ourselves therefore that rather than be confined to issues only of Local Government Elections, raising the profile and status of politicians, and enacting recall legislation, we should seize the moment to begin fashioning a new political culture. We refer to a culture that takes into account, not as a courtesy, but as of right, the views, issues, pains and aspirations of all others.
The PPP/C must understand that those who oppose do so because they yearn for a better life and once provided they will be content. The status quo does not provide that better life for all Guyanese and unless mechanisms are put in place to give redress to the asymmetries in our society, we will remain a fractured, underdeveloped and unfulfilled nation and people. The recent acceptance of the Minister of Finance of the justifiable pleas made by non-governmental forces for the zero-rating of essential food items and supplies is a sterling example of what an objective and open-minded approach can achieve. Previously, any advice or request once made by groups not loyal to the governing party was ignored. The Minister, however, must go a bit further by zero-rating for example not only split peas, but also black-eyed and pigeon peas which are considered staple and essential in the diet of African Guyanese.
Undoubtedly, many issues remain unsettled such as crafting our continental destiny; arresting the pervasive moral decline and decay; building a strong economy, and guaranteeing a strong and secure Guyana for the thousands graduating from school each year. We challenge the President and leadership of all political parties to make this latest engagement work for Guyana . Regrettably, since the last encounter, there has been little action except a detailed report or what transpired in a Dr. Luncheon press conference. It is time for action.
The Following Are Questions Submitted By Mr. R. Trotman, MP, for Answer by Ministers of Government
A) For the Minister of Foreign Affairs
• Can the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs say whether the Government of Guyana is satisfied with the response of the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela surrounding the shooting incident on Friday, October 6, 2006, in the Cuyuni River , which claimed the life of Parasram Persaud?
• Can the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs say what initiatives the Government of Guyana is pursuing to ensure that the family of Parasram Persaud receives compensation for the death?
• What action is the Government of Guyana pursuing with respect to this incident?
• What is the Government of Guyana's policy regarding the protection of the rights of Guyanese citizens living in sister CARICOM States?
• For the period January 1, 2005, to October 30, 2006, how many complaints of unfair and/or unlawful treatment have been received from Guyanese living in CARICOM states by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and what has been the response and action taken in each case?
B) For the Prime Minister
• Is the Government in receipt of a report on the weapons which the GDF claimed were lost in February, 2006 and if yes, is the government satisfied with the report?
• Will the Government commission an independent enquiry into the circumstances surrounding the missing weapons, and to receive sound recommendations as to how such an occurrence can be eliminated in the future?
• Following the shooting incident in the Cuyuni River on Friday, October 6, 2006, have measures been put in place to strengthen border security in general and that with our neighbour Venezuela , in particular?
C) For the Minister of Home Affairs
• Can the Minister say whether the Government is prepared to introduce legislation to define and regulate the concept of community policing?
• What, if any, are the plans to construct a new prison away from the centre of the City of Georgetown ?