THERE’S no denying this government inherited a country where the citizens were being deprived, their rights transgressed, laws violated, and the nation’s resources plundered by a clique who used the levers of government for self-serving ends.
Every right-thinking citizen would want government to succeed because when government succeeds the people succeed. At the same time government has to recognise its success is hinged on the success of the people, where the parameters for making such possible is clearly outlined in universal declarations, international conventions, charters, constitution, laws, and time honoured principles.

The past week was very eventful for citizens/workers. Where politics continue to impact our lives from the womb to the tomb, and properly practiced would be about the people and their development, it is of grave concern that the administration is doubling down on tactics that made the PPP/C government unpopular, so despised by the people, and the party earning its place in the opposition.

This parking meter issue should have never been allowed to escalate, where it now has a life of its own and none will give in, lest it be seen as caving in or weakness. As City Council holds to its position that it will continue, full speed ahead, to implement the discredited project, even as there are two cases before the court for adjudication, and the protest continues to gain momentum, we are looking at a situation that is becoming intractable.

When the project was brought to the public’s attention,persons have been calling for transparency and accountability surrounding the contract, both from within and outside the Council. Rather than seeking to meet this realistic demand,the Council chose to turn a blind eye, ignoring individuals and institutions, hiding behind false notion of confidentiality, not understanding or showing any regard that its decisions and actions are impacting the well-being of citizens.

No amount of public relations spin by the Council or the contractor can calm the public distrust it(M&CC) brought upon itself, save for the intervention of a third party, acting as mediator, to bring both sides to the table. Where forces are finding the situation presents opportunity to gain political capital is not the fault of those who are exercising their right to be treated with respect in regard to this matter.

Foresight should have caused this government to see the manner within which it deals with the citizens would have led to such situation. And while some have sought to say the Guyana Constitution does not permit the responsible minister’s involvement in the local government authorities, the protest has national connotation and central government has responsibility for national security.

This attitude of non-engagement continues to be displayed in other sectors and sections of society. The Guyana Trades Union Congress, on behalf of the trade union community, many months ago wrote President David Granger requesting meeting with him. To date the trade unions still await a response as to when the meeting will be held or(when) a representative (would be)appointed to address the issues we sought engagement for.

These issues are important to governance and as the government shows reluctance in engaging the Labour community, the alternative at our disposal is to speak to the issues through the media. Though the government gets annoyed with Labour for doing so, it must be recognised that its failure to honour its obligation to the people as prescribed by the Constitution, leaves Labour and other institutions no choice.

I take note the government and Private Sector Commission (PSC) are trading words over the latter’s allegation that the economy is not performing and there is no confidence that measures are being put in place by the former to correct the situation. The government responded that the PSC set out to embarrass it when the Caribbean Heads of Government were in the country. While I hold no brief for the PSC and had cause in the pass to address their ambivalence on issues, this body is a stakeholder in society that government has to treat with.

According to the International Labour Organisation, Social Dialogue, which is a prerequisite for development, involves the government, employer and trade union. The PSC speaks on behalf of employers. This was among the first group David Granger met, when in opposition and as president. As president he has tasked the PSC the responsibility to lead the way in preparing a developmental plan for the country.

I can attest to two recent efforts by the trade union community and the private sector to seek engagement with the government to deal with issues of governance that have relationship to development, social and economic. In both instances the trade union and private sector are yet to be accorded the courtesy of acknowledgement of our request much less engagement.

As you walk the street the expression of dissatisfaction in the manner in which the government treats with the people is mounting. The parking meter protest is a signal that if the government does take stock of its style of governance things will become untenable.
Government is making a tactical error, instead of consulting and negotiating and governing with inclusivity,it wants to respond to every criticism and observation with brute force and ignorance. Where government sets the tone others will feel they can do likewise and this is what is being seen from the Council.

Let me reiterate, 2020 is not about cricket. It is about the electorate expressing their approval or disapproval for the government. They will decide whether this group has served their best interest and deserving of another term or has disappointed and deserves to be fired. In this examination President Granger will not be the examiner, but the electorate, who will grade his administration by marking X within the given ballot by going to the polls or staying away.