Press Statement submitted by the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC)
The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) welcomes the meeting today between the Government and Opposition. It was a good and necessary sign of the times to see the Coalition united in its approach to meet with the Opposition. It is encouraging that they are engaging even as they await the court’s deliberation on matters brought before it on the confidence vote. Both Opposition and Government have a responsibility to ensure the day-to-day administration of the State where peace and order prevail and the governmental functions are executed.
GTUC is reassured by President David Granger’s statement that neither the function of the National Assembly or Government- Legislative or Executive arm of government, can be allowed to fail and that the two sides- Government and Opposition- will continue to work together and engage GECOM. GTUC takes note of the President’s statement that “Government has no intention to derail the Constitution or Legislative process.” A Demerara Waves’ report states Leader of the Opposition Bharrat “would only say preliminarily that ‘it was a good meeting so far’” (January 9, 2019). That too is good news. Today’s meeting is a step in the right direction, it has opened the door for continued dialogue, presents an opportunity to demonstrate political maturity and willingness to settle political dispute over the drawing table in a sensible manner.
Both sides of the fence have an opportunity right here and now to break out of the path of pursuit of conflict instead of working for the common good. They have an opportunity to go down in history to a peaceful process and resolution of our difference, down to the interpretation of the confidence vote. They have the opportunity to demonstrate to their supporters, the people of Guyana, and the world that we can change the course of history of un-necessary confrontation and conflict; that we recognise that power also lies in the arms of the Judiciary in whom we must place our trust at this time to adjudicate on matters pertaining to the confidence vote.
GTUC calls on society to give the Government a chance to do what is right even as the Opposition is encouraged to remain vigilant, which is what they are elected and paid to do.
GTUC looks forward for broadening of the national conversation with the involvement of civil society. As we call for the respect for the Constitution and its various articles, can we also call for and respect the importance of Article 13 which outlines the Principal Political Objective of the State that mandates an inclusionary democracy where citizens and their organisations will be involved in the management and decision-making processes of the State that directly impact their well-being. It is time to meet with civil society, the representatives of the people whose lives are to be directly affected by what is happening. They have concerns. Society must be included.
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.