The rise of RISE and the used tyre industry

INSTITUTIONS oftentimes rise out of need to fill a vacuum, be it to provide service or goods for the society. The recently established Reform, Inform, Sustain, Educate (RISE) is one such. Its launch last week was given much prominence and rightly so, recognising that the task the group is embarking on has been a sore point in the society.  Talks of constitutional reform over the years have not been driven by reasoned discussions and truths, but that of sexy appeal for political leaders and aspirants, given that such have come to front absent of being held to account and hatred for the person under whose administration the original instrument was promulgated.

The boldness of RISE in moving the discussion, driven by its desire to hold politicians accountable to campaign promises for constitutional reform, which the group thinks is important to bringing about improved governance and harmonious relations amongst the people, cannot be faulted. In fact, the expressed intent marks growth in the society. In our recent history, notably the Bharrat Jagdeo presidency, rights were transgressed with impunity, the Constitution and laws violated wantonly, and the fear that stalked the land should any dare speak what the consequences could be kept many silent and immobilised.

It would be remiss not to acknowledge where organisations like RISE, the Movement Against Parking Metres, heightened civic activism, seeking the court’s adjudication on constitutional matters, and otherwise bode well for the nation’s body politic, since such signal greater levels of political tolerance to dissent, alternative views and judicial determination. Progressive societies see continual activism from its people; regressive societies move to suppress, ruthlessly curtail, and stamp out  activism.

The pronouncements of RISE are open for further discussions though it is encouraging, the leadership is committed to revisiting critiques on the Constitution which can aid clarity and direction.

Conversations on constitutional reform cannot ignore examination of the many amendments that came out of the 1999 Constitutional Reform Commission that have not reached the National Assembly and those amendments  passed into law which are ensconced in the Constitution, but await legislation to give them life. We first have to sort these out as demonstration of seriousness to constitutional reform and not pandering to the public gallery because it plays well on the public’s emotions.

The constitution allows for continuous review of the effectiveness, making periodic report to the National Assembly and where necessary, proposals for reform (Article 119A) through an established Parliamentary Standing Committee. The society is not aware if this committee exists, is functioning, and what has been its work.  This brings to attention whether the politicians calling for reform are really serious about reform.

From RISE’s platform, it is also evident its leadership has not escaped ensnarement of misinformation and absence of public education on the Constitution. For instance, the desire to replace the Proportional Representation (PR) system with the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP), must factor in that PR allows for all to be part of the decision-making processes and involvement in governance, based on votes received. FPTP stands to eliminate this and create or entrench the condemned winner-takes-all system. It may be useful to recognise the value and benefits of PR in multiracial societies and voting patterns and seek to make legislative changes as to how representation is determined via the Representation of the People Act.

PR cannot be a winner-takes-all system when the Constitution makes Parliament the highest decision-making forum, where the political parties that have secured seats are represented.  The functioning of the Executive and Legislature cannot be looked at in isolation of what is required of them as outlined in Article 13, which speaks to inclusionary democracy and involvement of groups and individuals in the decision-making process on matters that impact their well-being.

What the society needs here is not constitutional reform, but legislation to bring about inclusive governance.  Elections have shown the PPP/C winning regions and local government authorities, even as the APNU+AFC manages the Executive. When the PPP/C was in office, results have shown the PNC, APNU and AFC winning regions and local authorities.  These have not been allowed to function independent of central government dictates, not because of the constitution, but the refusal to make laws for their independence as required by Chapter 7 in the Constitution.

Proceeding with constitutional reform requires careful thinking, deliberative judgement, understanding what the Constitution is about, being able to interpret it, which must be preceded by public education and accountability to give meaning to what presentably exists.

Now to the used-tyre industry: this industry emerged out of the need to provide affordable tyres to those who could not afford new ones. In addition to providing this needed service, the industry provides jobs and contributes to the economic needs of those employed and users of the service.

Transportation is not a luxury, but a necessity and when treated as such, efforts will be made not to make vehicles and their accessories prohibitive. The average minibus and taxi owners/drivers rely on their vehicles as a means of income, and incentives have to be provided to ensure they can sustain their livelihoods. The ban could be seen as an absence of economic consideration for the normal wage earners, who are the majority in the society and invest in a vehicle as convenience for getting to work, given the fact that the state has abrogated its responsibility to provide such service.

Where the government seeks to remove used tyres should it feel that such poses threats to lives, limbs and careful use of the roads it must allow ways for retailers to have access to new, affordable ones. Though all new tyres won’t be of Michelin standard, at least it would be better than a used tyre. Rubber changes properties due to age and the temperature in which it operates.

Social consciousness must inform shaping policies and passing laws to avoid hurting those they set out to benefit. Used tyres were not only a quick fix when short on cash, but a staple for those whose earnings require prudent financial management, which makes it an affordability issue.  Key consideration for government must be allowing consumers  access to a new product that is close to or rivals the price of used tyres. Government must offer incentives to benefit consumers and this would be beneficial in multiple ways. For retailers, it keeps them in business as it allows access to a better quality product at affordable cost, which consumers must benefit from and it also leads to improvement in road safety. Government also benefits in an environment where there are fewer accidents.

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