Dear Editor,
This is a mournful national dirge!
I write to express my consternation and deep disappointment regarding the recent meeting convened by President Irfaan Ali to outline Guyana’s development plan for the next five years. Our, Guyana’s motto -One People, One Nation, One Destiny- seems to be consecrated to dust. Admittedly, the presentation of a national roadmap is both necessary and welcome but deliberate exclusion of the current parliamentarians of political parties, WIN, APNU, ANUG & FGM, is most vacuous. The current largest opposition party, WIN – led by the presumptive Leader of the Opposition, MP Azruddin Mohamed – still waiting to be confirmed, as the Opposition Leader, is a severe indignity to democratic principles and national cohesion.
Guyana stands at a pivotal moment in its history, with unprecedented economic transformation bringing both opportunity and profound challenge. For a plan of such magnitude to be legitimate, sustainable, and truly national, it must be built upon inclusive dialogue and incorporate diverse perspectives. The exclusion of the official parliamentary opposition, which represents nearly half of the electorate, undermines the very foundation of participatory democracy. It suggests that the plan is afoot to create partisan document rather than a national compact.
The specific omission of WIN – as the largest opposition bloc – is particularly egregious. Its elected representatives carry the mandate of thousands of Guyanese citizens. To sideline them is to disregard the voices of a significant portion of the population. This approach fosters alienation, deepens political division, and jeopardizes the long-term stability required to navigate our nation’s complex future. History has revealed that, post Independence 1966, to date, Guyana’s growth trajectory has been entombed because development plans are crafted behind closed doors, with only the governing party and selected stakeholders at the table. This practice creates lax critical scrutiny and buy-in necessary for enduring success.
Why this exclusionary approach? Is Guyana trending towards being a totalitarian regime?
Editor, statesmanship, not bullyism , demands that the President and his administration immediately engage the leader and representatives WIN, along with other opposition parties, in a serious and substantive manner regarding this five-year plan. The challenges we face—from managing resource wealth equitably to ensuring social cohesion, environmental sustainability, and regional development—are not partisan issues. They are Guyanese issues, requiring Guyanese solutions forged through dialogue and respect for all democratic institutions and representatives.
In conclusion, our nation, Guyana’s progress must be built on unity, not division; on inclusion, not exclusion. I personally call on all civil society organizations, the private sector, religious bodies, and the diplomatic community to add their voices in advocating for a return to inclusive governance and decry despotism.
The future of Guyana is too important to be left to one party alone.
Dear Editor,
I write to express profound concern and disappointment regarding a significant constitutional breach in Guyana, which has persisted without meaningful intervention from the EU, CARICOM and the ABC countries.
Despite this clear constitutional mandate, Guyana has been without a duly appointed Leader of the Opposition for almost 4 months, undermining democratic norms, the rule of law, and the principles of accountability and representation.
This omission is not merely a procedural lapse; it is a fundamental violation of Guyana’s constitutional order, with far-reaching implications for governance, parliamentary oversight, and the balance of power. The absence of a Leader of the Opposition impedes the functioning of key constitutional bodies, such as the Public Accounts Committee and the Judicial Service Commission, thereby weakening checks and balances essential to a healthy democracy. MP, Azruddin Mohamed, the presumptive Leader of the Opposition, is being treated as an “unperson”.
Equally troubling is the deafening silence of the international community in the face of this egregious democratic and constitutional breach. Is Guyana’s oil rendering meek and mute voices? The European Union, renowned for its steadfast commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law, has yet to address this issue publicly or leverage its considerable capital influence in Guyana. Similarly, CARICOM, an organization dedicated to regional integration and democratic governance, has remained passive, failing to uphold the very standards it espouses. The ABC countries—the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada—all vocal advocates for democracy and constitutionalism globally, are, curiously, thunderously silent.
Editor, Guyana is at a pivotal moment in its history, with newfound economic prosperity from its oil and gas sector bringing both opportunities and challenges. In this context, adherence to constitutional norms is not optional; it is imperative for ensuring equitable development, social cohesion, and long-term stability. The failure to appoint a Leader of the Opposition creates a democratic deficit that risks eroding public trust and fostering political instability.
I call upon the European Union, CARICOM, and the ABC countries to: publicly acknowledge this constitutional breach and urge the Government of Guyana to fulfill its obligations without further delay and employ diplomatic channels and, where appropriate, financial and political leverage to encourage compliance with Guyana’s constitutional framework. Supporting civil society and institutional efforts within Guyana to uphold democratic principles and the rule of law is not conditional.
The international community’s silence on this issue is perceived as tacit acceptance of constitutional democratic disregard, which sets a dangerous precedent not only for Guyana but for the broader region. Democracy is not a passive endeavor; it requires active defense and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders, both domestic and international.
Dear Editor,
This is a national cry!
I write to express my consternation and deep disappointment regarding the recent meeting convened by President Irfaan Ali to outline Guyana’s development plan for the next five years. Our, Guyana’s motto -One People, One Nation, One Destiny- seems to be consecrated to dust. Admittedly, the presentation of a national roadmap is both necessary and welcome but deliberate exclusion of the current parliamentarians of political parties, WIN, APNU, ANUG & FGM, is most vacuous. The current largest opposition party, WIN- led by the presumptive Leader of the Opposition, MP Azruddin Mohamed- still waiting to be confirmed, as the Opposition Leader, is a severe indignity to democratic principles and national cohesion.
Guyana stands at a pivotal moment in its history, with unprecedented economic transformation bringing both opportunity and profound challenge. For a plan of such magnitude to be legitimate, sustainable, and truly national, it must be built upon inclusive dialogue and incorporate diverse perspectives. The exclusion of the official parliamentary opposition, which represents nearly half of the electorate, undermines the very foundation of participatory democracy. It suggests that the plan is afoot to create partisan document rather than a national compact.
The specific omission of WIN- as the largest opposition bloc – is particularly egregious. Its elected representatives carry the mandate of hundreds of thousands of Guyanese citizens. To sideline them is to disregard the voices of a significant portion of the population. This approach fosters alienation, deepens political division, and jeopardizes the long-term stability required to navigate our nation’s complex future. History has revealed that, post-Independence 1966, to date, Guyana growth trajectory has been entombed because development plan is crafted behind closed doors, with only the governing party and selected stakeholders at the table. This practice creates lax critical scrutiny and buy-in necessary for enduring success.
Why this exclusionary approach? Is Guyana trending towards being a totalitarian regime?
Editor, statesmanship, not bullyism, demands that the President and his administration immediately engage the leader and representatives WIN, along with other opposition parties, in a serious and substantive manner regarding this five-year plan. The challenges we face—from managing resource wealth equitably to ensuring social cohesion, environmental sustainability, and regional development—are not partisan issues. They are Guyanese issues, requiring Guyanese solutions forged through dialogue and respect for all democratic institutions and representatives.
In conclusion, our nation, Guyana’s progress must be built on unity, not division; on inclusion, not exclusion. I personally call on all civil society organizations, the private sector, religious bodies, and the diplomatic community to add their voices in advocating for a return to inclusive governance and decry despotism.
The future of Guyana is too important to be left to one party alone.