One of CLR James’ early political books was “Every Cook can govern”. It would appear that the PNC Opposition didn’t get past the title of the book to discover James was talking about Ancient Greece. And even there, rules were in place about how matters were discussed and then decided by everybody voting. So the question your Eyewitness has is whether we’re to be governed by the laws of the land, or on the whims and predilections of the Opposition??
Seems that before the government does ANYTHING they’re expected to consult with the Opposition! The debates in Parliament – which was invented for this purpose – doesn’t evidently count as “consultations”!! And your Eyewitness isn’t talking about those matters where the law (the constitution) specifies consultations – meaningful or otherwise! And that’s the point, isn’t it?? The framers of the constitution and laws already identified those aspects in running the state or government that needs the input of the Opposition.
That is, they identified matters that needed that wider legitimacy of all the representatives of the people, coming aboard to make decisions. But surely this can’t include EVERYTHING under the sun?!! If the Opposition gotta sign off on every and any decision of the government then who’s going to govern?? Hasn’t the stillborn appointment of a permanent Chancellor and Chief Justice – which needs Opposition consent – illustrated how decisions will never be made?? Do we want to gridlock every area of national governance??
So what brought on this tirade? Well, it’s the whingeing by the Opposition – after departing US Ambassador Sara-Ann Lynch suggested there must be “discussions and consultations” between the Govt and Opposition – that President Ali’s ignoring them!! Now this is rich, isn’t it?? Coming from folks whose leader even refused to shake the President’s hand!! Now some folks say that was just a breach of etiquette and discussing matters of state is much more substantive. But exactly how would a face to face meeting change anything about “real consultations”?? Didn’t Burnham use to summon Cheddi for “meaningful consultations”, greet him with “Good Morning” and insist he’d satisfied his constitutional duty??
Let’s take the pressing matters of the day and examine whether “consultations” would change anything. First of all, the macro environment. Doesn’t the Opposition agree with the government that “the free enterprise system should be the engine of growth”?? Don’t they agree that they signed a poor contract with Exxon but it can’t be renegotiated?? Don’t they agree that we need a cheap source of energy for our industrialization??
The trouble is, the Opposition don’t want no consultation – they just want to DICTATE their druthers to the government!! With the PNC it’s always been their way or the highway!!
And will rig or take to the streets to achieve that!
…cleanups??
Back in the day, mothers would regularly pour one of the vilest potion known to mankind – senna-pad liquid laxative – down the throats of their hapless children to give them a “cleanup”. They had to be rid of worms and other such parasites. But it was soon discovered that a better way was to find out how the kids got worms in the first place; take care of that!! And – voila!! – the problem was solved with no need to traumatize the kids!1
Fast forward to our present public officials who feel compelled to “cleanup” our city and elsewhere in well publicised campaigns – drafting the big ones to do some serious virtue signalling!! But like those mothers of yore discovered, shouldn’t these worthies look into the CAUSE of the garbage piling up and handle the matter at that level??
Well, seems your Eyewitness isn’t that original!! There are scads of studies identifying the sources of the problem. Plus recommendations!!
Just gotta follow through!!
…African coups??
During the decolonizing era, Africa became notorious for coups that deposed elected governments and imposed military dictatorships. Then there was a bit of a lull. Now they’re back with a vengeance!! Does this mean democracy never became embedded??
