Govt, Opposition engagement: Govt, Opposition engagement “Onus is on Guyanese to solve Guyanese problems” – Norton on US ambassador’s commentary

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton is of the view that the engagements between the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government and the PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition should be ironed out locally.
He made this remark in response to recent statements made by outgoing United States Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch, who urged the Government and Opposition to engage in talks.
“I believe that Guyana is a sovereign country, and we welcome the overtures of the United States. We’re always glad when people are showing an interest in Guyana, and therefore we have no problem with the offer. But I believe the onus is on Guyanese to solve Guyanese problems,” Norton said at his party’s weekly press conference on Friday.

He added, “The solving of these problems is not very much dependent on being brokered by the United States, though there are good intentions. The solving of these problems is dependent on the changing of attitude politically.”
During a recent interview on the Jumpstart programme with Gordon Moseley, the US diplomat was quoted as saying that open dialogue and frank discussions were very important in bringing people together. Lynch had added, “Certainly, the US stands ready to do whatever we can to bring all parties together.”
Comments have since been made which painted a picture of the Head of State rejecting the gesture by the US to broker talks between the two political sides.

Common courtesy

However, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo pointed out on Thursday that Ambassador Lynch’s remarks were just common courtesy when she was asked about the matter.
“There was no offer to us. The US has never offered to bring people together to discuss power-sharing or inclusion of the people who are making politics out of inclusion. All week long, I see a big debate about President Ali not accepting the US offer. This is not a US offer… Which person, if asked, ‘Are you going to be helpful in trying to bring people together?’, would say, ‘No’?, they would say, ‘Yes’.
“It’s a courtesy. There was no offer to do that, as they made it seem like Ali rejects some offer from the US Government,” Jagdeo stated.
The Vice President further stated that while President Ali will meet the Opposition Leader at any time, it will be solely on matters that the two officials are required to have meaningful engagement on, in accordance with the Constitution. In fact, only last week, President Ali reiterated his willingness to engage the Opposition Leader whenever constitutionally required, but argued that this responsibility needs to be shared by the Leader of the Opposition.
The Guyanese Leader has stated, “As President of Guyana, I have a responsibility for the people of Guyana — all the people of Guyana, including the Leader of the Opposition — and I take the responsibility for all the people of Guyana, including the Leader of the Opposition, very seriously and I will continue to fulfil my mandate as is expected of me, in line with the Constitution and the rule of law… The Leader of the Opposition can pick up the phone tomorrow and call me, and I will speak to him.”
President Ali went on to say, “The Leader of the Opposition’s attitude and his demeanour towards me would not in any shape or form influence my attitude towards the people of Guyana… Engagement is not in the public domain. Engagement is about building relationships. Engagement is about nurturing relationships. Engagement is about building trust… My hand is ready for friendship.”
Meanwhile, during Friday’s press conference, Norton underscored the need for dialogue between the two sides, but declared that he would not be reaching out to the Head of State to meet. He claimed that the last time he wrote the President on a constitutional-related matter, the response he received exuded arrogance. (G12)