It is now over twenty years that inclusive governance, referred to previously by other slogans such as ‘participatory democracy,’ was enshrined in the Guyana constitution. The principle was set out in article 13 which was enacted as part of widespread constitutional changes in 2001 following the Report of the Constitution Reform Commission (“the Commission”) of 2000 which was unanimously adopted by the National Assembly. Article 13 states: “The principal objective of the political system of the State is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens, and their organisations in the management and decision-making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that affect their well-being.” While Article 13 stands alone as an objective, no mechanism was established by way of legislation, such as a constitutional commission, to give effect to its purpose. The absence of a framework for implementation has caused article 13 to languish in desuetude.
Continue reading “INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE IS DEAD”I NEVER DECLINED
The month of August marks 25years since the PPP’s selection of Mrs. Janet Jagan in 1997 as its presidential candidate for the elections due later that year. I was the only other person seriously nominated. Why I was not selected is now only an asterisk in history, if so much. However, a few still consider it a matter of interest. In a social media programme a few weeks ago, “Gildarie and Freddie,” at which Mr. Clement Rohee was a guest, he was asked about the event. Mr. Rohee said that after attacks by Moses Nagamootoo at the meeting to select the candidate, I declined the nomination. This is not so. I now seek to set the record straight. I will write in the future in more detail about these events.
Continue reading “I NEVER DECLINED”AMERICA SPEAKS
In his tweet after the meeting with the President Irfan Ali and his team, the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken said: “Guyana remains a key partner as we work to bolster food and energy security, promote shared prosperity and inclusive growth, strengthen transparency, and safeguard the environment.” The White House readout of Vice President Kamala Harris telephone discussion with President Ali stated: “The Vice President noted that she looked forward to the continuing collaboration with President Ali in promoting inclusive democracy, economic development and security for all Guyanese…”
Continue reading “AMERICA SPEAKS”GUYANA’S CLASS TRAJECTORY
Universal adult suffrage, with its promise of Independence and social justice, gave rise to popular participation of workers and farmers in active politics. These, along with professional and small business owners, were mobilized by the PPP. The dominant foreign business operatives, their allies in the big business community and the high bureaucracy, formed the ruling elite. It was this group which prevailed upon the British Government to suspend the constitution of British Guiana in 1953.
Continue reading “GUYANA’S CLASS TRAJECTORY”VICE
In 2012 I wrote an article which was published in the Mirror newspaper which represents the views of the PPP. I said that the PPP governments had done much to deal with corruption and I pointed out the steps that had been taken. I noted, however, that increasing government spending had created additional opportunities for more corruption to flourish which had become pervasive in Guyana. The events provoked by that article defined the PPP’s and Government’s attitude to the issue of corruption. The Government denied the existence of corruption then, before, and throughout the post-Jagan era and called on those who made the allegations to prove that corruption existed. Since corruption by its nature is conducted in secret, it was not possible to ‘prove it.’ Corruption has continued to grow since 2012 and did not skip a beat when APNU+AFC took office in 2015.
Continue reading “VICE”