…and good governance
Apart from starting to fix their own organisational challenges at their just-concluded party Congress, the PPP showed why an Opposition is such an important part of a parliamentary democratic system. And the key word is “system”: as in a structure with a number of components that work together to perform the raison d’être of the structure. In a democracy, the Opposition’s supposed to point out the Government’s missteps – and suggest better alternatives. All for the good of the people.
And this brings your Eyewitness to the resolutions passed by the PPP Congress. The first one that caught your Eyewitness’ eye (and fancy!) was the one on the Venezuelan controversy over our Essequibo border. The PPP announced in very unequivocal terms they supported the move of outgoing UN Secretary General Ban to pronounce definitively on the “Good Officer” process that’s been tried since 1989. Unless it can settle the matter in one year – THAT’S IT!!
Venezuela will have to get off its high horse and submit to the World Court for a “juridical settlement” on its controversy. Which the PNC-led coalition government has asked for having inherited that line from the PPP. The subtext of the resolution is – whatever problems the Government and Opposition may have domestically, they’re as one when it comes to them “furriners”. Not a blade of grass!! Bravo to the PPP!!
Another resolution was on the functioning of that new Ministry sprung on the Guyanese people by the PNC-led coalition without any warning – the Ministry of Social Cohesion. For over a year, citizens wanted to know exactly what the Ministry was supposed to do to bring about the blessed state its name implied – “social cohesion”. Well… now they know! Run by old-time PNC stalwart (and “Party Whip”) Amna Ally, the Ministry has assiduously worked to have the country “cohere” under the PNC’s banner!!! Whip it good!!
The PPP’s resolution asks all those international organisations – who’ve fallen for the slick move because of the name – to take note. Not only are they supporting naked partisan, political mobilisation, but they’re undermining the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) that’s supposed to bring about social cohesion through positive activities – as enumerated by its 24 functions in Article 212D of the Constitution. And backed by sanctions.
Similarly, another resolution highlights the international community’s refusal to speak out on the GECOM CEO’s foot dragging on the PPP’s elections petition. Which utterly vitiates their fulsome words on “democracy”.
And finally, the last resolution calls out the IDB, which closes its eyes to the blatant cronyism practised by the Cabinet pursuant to their traducing of the procurement laws and bodies.
In funding those crony-contracts, the IDB funds corruption!
…and GECOM
After their trenchant criticisms of the outgoing (outgone?) Chairman of GECOM, folks might be forgiven for thinking the PPP wanted a “toothless poodle” – as they themselves dubbed an old PNC incumbent – in the position. But lo and behold! Of the six names they proposed – as the Opposition are mandated to – for the President to select the new Chair, there were a number of surprises.
Not least being Chris Ram, who’s been one of the PPP’s most trenchant critics over the past decade. You could’ve knocked your wide-eyed Eyewitness over with a feather when he espied that name!! He’s quite impressed and is quite hopeful about this incipient new leadership in the PPP. If they’re willing to accept the professionalism of a critic and overlook his barbs, that reveals real political growth!
The other surprise was Rhyaan Shah, who’s been quite trenchant on occasions in her appraisal of the PPP’s actions towards their core constituency.
Is it the Season of Goodwill, or is a wind of change blowing in the PPP?
…and Budget
But as we saw with the Budget that was passed WITHOUT A SINGLE CHANGE following the Opposition’s representation of the society’s sentiments on several issues, it’s the voters who have to take note.
To see clearly in 2020!
