SHARING POWER IS IMPORTANT
The 100-day honeymoon accorded to the Granger/Nagamootoo government has come and gone. The sober reality facing the nation is that despite one of the nastiest budget debates, the nation must now be healed, and the races must unite and work together to develop the country. Now is the time for all citizens to live together in harmony. Recognizing that this is one of the most pressing challenges facing the country, the APNU+AFC government has struck a reconciliatory tone of inclusionary governance with the opposition. The idea of a national unity government is a very good gesture. For the APNU+AFC to be willing to share power with the PPP is a departure from political traditions and a testimony to their thirst for unity. Even though the PPP has scoffed at the idea, all possibilities must be explored. The PPP was never interested in forming a national unity government. It did not do it in 2011 when it lost its majority and it will not do it now. Its leader believes it can win the next election and regain power. However, the people are confident that the country has been placed in the hands of leaders who are capable of managing the affairs of the state. The PPP owes it to the people to come to terms with the loss of power and function as a vibrant component of governance. In the Westminster model bequeathed to Guyana, the Opposition is as important as the government in keeping democracy alive. The advent of live broadcasting in Parliament of all important sessions has enabled the opposition to reach the population directly, hence the display of its political acumen and defence of the people’s rights. This is unlike days of old when being in opposition meant being ineffective; today’s opposition is empowered even though it does not wield political power. Although tough economic times are ahead, the Granger/Nagamootoo government is confident that the country can overcome the economic challenges it faces. The government has assured the nation that it will leave no stone unturned to improve the economy and the well-being of the people. But the fiscal measures of the budget tell a different story. There was not enough monetary stimulus to reduce the uncertain economic prospects. A negative GDP growth rate would be a disaster for an already ailing economy, the people and the country. Currently, the nation’s main industries— rice, sugar and bauxite—are struggling, gold prices remain low, its rebound is uncertain, and the underground economy has stalled. The government should seek help from experts in the diaspora. Having just demitted office, the opposition PPP is familiar with the economic challenges facing the country. While there will be disagreements between them on how to handle these, it would be in the best interests of the country if there is some collaboration. The APNU+AFC government and the Opposition PPP will have to mend fences and work together in Parliament in which the ruling party does not have the special majority it needs to secure the passage of major reforms without the Opposition support. At the same time, the government cannot only focus on the corrupt practices of the PPP for too long. It must be able to develop policies to move the country forward or else face a depletion of political capital. In his inaugural speech, President Granger reached out to the opposition, inviting its members to work with his Government. He told his supporters that he is the President of all the people. In the interest of unity, the PPP should accept the invitation, which in no way would compromise its right to oppose. But moving from government to opposition was no easy transition for the PPP which has been in power for 23 years. Power and the trappings of it are an aphrodisiac. Withdrawal symptoms can be debilitating, especially if they are abrupt like an election lost. However, it takes character to lose an election and stand up and fight to regain power.