GTUC welcomes meeting between Govt and Opposition

– calls for broadening of national conversation with civil society

The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) said it welcomed the meeting between the Government and Opposition which was held on Wednesday.
The major trade union body said the meeting shows a commitment from both parties to work together, to keep the Executive and Parliament functioning. The Union described it as a good sign which must be maintained and carried through.
“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 no-confidence vote,” the GTUC said in a statement on Thursday.
The Union recognised that 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.
“The GTUC is reassured by President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo’s agreement that the Executive and Parliament will continue to function, the Judiciary will be allowed to adjudicate the matter, they will ask their supporters to tone down the rhetoric, continue to work together and engage [the Guyana Elections Commission] GECOM,” it added.
Moreover, the Union said Wednesday’s meeting was a step in the right direction, which has opened the door for continued dialogue. It also presented 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, it said, have an opportunity to break out of the path of pursuit of conflict instead of working for the common good. The GTUC also feels that 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 unnecessary 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.”
The GTUC therefore called 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 to do.
The GTUC said it looks forward for broadening of the national conversation with the involvement of civil society. It said it is time to meet with civil society, the representatives of the people whose lives are to be directly affected by what is happening, underscoring that they have concerns too.
“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.”