Dear Editor
Many of the prophets of doom continue to wrongly label Guyana as an elected dictatorship, when in fact Guyana has one of the best practices of good governance in the Caribbean. The United Nations has set out a criterion as the basis upon which good governance can be evaluated; it is participatory, consensus oriented, accountability,

transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive and follows the rule of law. It assures that corruption is minimised, the views of minorities are taken into account and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society.

Let us examine each feature individually

Participation
Participation by both men and women is a key cornerstone of good governance. Participation could be either direct or through legitimate intermediate institutions or representatives. It is important to point out that representative democracy does not necessarily mean that the concerns of the most vulnerable in society would be taken into consideration in decision making. Participation needs to be informed and organised. This means freedom of association and expression on the one hand and an organised civil society on the other hand.
In Guyana this is one of the most visible characteristics that has been the hallmark of this government’s reign thus far. The President and Cabinet members are very accessible and are visible in communities. The Cabinet as a whole visits and holds meetings in various parts of the country. Citizens can make representations on their own behalf right within their communities. It is an interactive governance style that is Guyana’s own contribution to the on-going evolution of democratic governance. In addition, in relation to issues of national importance e.g. the EPA and the LCDS, consultations are held nationwide to sensitise and seek the public’s opinion on these issues.

Rule of law
Good governance requires fair legal frameworks that are enforced impartially. It also requires full protection of human rights, particularly those of minorities. Impartial enforcement of laws requires an independent judiciary and an impartial and incorruptible police force.
Guyana’s minorities are among if not the most privileged globally. The Amerindian people who Gay MacDougall so disrespectfully neglected in her report are enjoying such a standard of living unparalleld even in the developed nations where they are treated as outcasts. Hydar Ally’s position that, “there can be no doubt that Amerindians have come a long way since the return of the PPP/C administration to office on October 5, 1992. Prior to 1992, Amerindian communities were virtually neglected resulting in a state of severe underdevelopment and hardship for Amerindians. One of the first acts of the new PPP/C administration was to empower Amerindians by creating a Ministry of Amerindian Affairs which effectively gave then policy representation in the Executive. Guyana is probably the only country with significant Amerindian population where an entire Ministry is set up for Amerindians, an indication of the importance which the current administration places on Amerindians and Amerindian development”, is very much in tune with the reality of the level of importance this Government has placed on Guyana’s indigenous population.

Transparency
Transparency means that decisions taken and their enforcement are done in a manner that follows rules and regulations. It also means that information is freely available and directly accessible to those who will be affected by such decisions and their enforcement. It also means that enough information is provided and that it is provided in easily understandable forms and media. In Guyana, the establishment of the Integrity Commission should be seen in the context that an attempt is being made to raise the level of transparency and accountability at the highest level. Unfortunately the opposition parliamentarians have adopted an attitude of non compliance.
Responsiveness
Good governance requires that institutions and processes try to serve all stakeholders within a reasonable timeframe.
Government has over time responded in a timely manner in all situations, e.g. the great flood and the recent arrest of the crime situation in Guyana. Crime is present globally; however the Government of Guyana has done an excellent job in combating this scourge, notwithstanding the lack of support from the opposition parties.
Consensus oriented
There are several actors and as many view points in a given society. Good governance requires mediation of the different interests to reach a broad consensus in society on what is in the best interest of the whole community and how this can be achieved. It also requires a broad and long-term perspective on what is needed for sustainable human development and how to achieve the goals of such development. This can only result from an understanding of the historical, cultural and social contexts of a given society or community.
An excellent example of this in Guyana is the Government’s promotion of the LCDS. Consultations were held all across Guyana, seeking the input from all and sundry so that Guyana’s position will be supported by its citizens.

Equity and inclusiveness
A society’s well being depends on ensuring that all its members feel that they have a stake in it and do not feel excluded from the mainstream of society. This requires all groups, but particularly the most vulnerable, to have opportunities to improve or maintain their well being. This has been addressed earlier, especially in relation to our indigenous population where they have become an important part of the Government’s decision-making machinery.
Effectiveness and efficiency
Good governance means that processes and institutions produce results that meet the needs of society while making the best use of resources at their disposal. The concept of efficiency in the context of good governance also covers the sustainable use of natural resources and the protection of the environment.
If there is anything that this Government has done, it’s ensuring that all are aware of the negative effects of climate change, hence the focus of the LCDS, simply put, is geared at economic development while preventing the degradation of the environment.
Accountability
Accountability is a key requirement of good governance. Not only governmental institutions but also the private sector and civil society organisations must be accountable to the public and to their institutional stakeholders. Who is accountable to whom varies depending on whether decisions or actions taken are internal or external to an organisation or institution. In general, an organisation or an institution is accountable to those who will be affected by its decisions or actions. Accountability cannot be enforced without transparency and the rule of law.
This aspect of governance manifests itself in the weekly press conferences by the Head of the Presidential Secretariat at which the awarding of tenders is announced, along with information on all government matters. In addition, tenders for government projects are now published in the national newspapers, complete with information on financing and description of work to be done.
More examples can be cited, and it is acknowledged that more needs to be done; but in assisting the situation, one must be cognisant that this nation suffers from the fact that the combined opposition finds it difficult to work as a team and to understand that it cannot presume that its views are the only correct ones. And it is within this context that the prophets of doom should ca
st their verdict.