Like most Guyanese, I was elated to learn that the main Opposition, the People’s Progressive Party had decided to accept the Government’s invitation to participate in the main event to mark Guyana’s 50th independence anniversary.
This move signalled the Party’s political maturity and unwavering commitment to country. It also was indicative of the PPP’s decision to support the Government whenever it was doing positive things that could promote social cohesion, national unity and inclusivity.
The Party’s acceptance of the invitation to be part of such a patriotic, historic and momentous event also opened a myriad of opportunities between the two sides to build trust, mutual respect and better relations.
I must admit that I was not truly convinced that their attendance would be without drama or conflict, given the nature of the politics that defines our land, coupled with the Government’s continued disrespect and lack of tolerance for certain personalities in the Executive of the PPP.
I knew something would have either being orchestrated or done to embarrass or shame the Party so that a few diehard anti-PPP politicians and businessmen could have a good laugh at home and abroad.
I am also confident that the PPP MPs who turned up to the event were also aware of this and on guard from the time of their arrival at the event.
As history would have it, drama unfolded when most of the Party’s MPs discovered that their seats had not been reserved and there was no proper arrangement or accommodation made for them.
Also, the explanation offered by the Chief organiser Minister Nicolette Henry for the lack of accommodation is unacceptable, dishonest in certain respects and politically savage.
Whether the PPP MPs were late, absent or used the wrong entrance: their seats should have been reserved. A simple count of invitations issued and seats available would prove that the first exceeded the latter. No one should have been asked to give up their seats.
It was also reasonable for the organiser to expect that the MPs would have wanted to be seated as a group. This is not rocket science.
The MPs had every right to walk out after standing for so long. They had a right to move as a group and in solidarity with each other. How come others were properly accommodated but not those MPs.
The entire incident could have been avoided and the event would have been without incident or political consequence.
The Government missed a good opportunity to treat the Opposition properly and with due respect.
The Minister ought to send the Opposition a personal apology as the incident will no doubt impact their response to other invitations from the Government.
Her first attempt at apologising was insincere and not genuine. There must be no double standards moving forward because the entire social cohesion process depends on mutual respect and good non parliamentary relations.
The good of national unity does not find delight when its partners in Opposition are disrespected or excluded.
