PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar is seeking clarification from Opposition Leader David Granger about his ultimatum on local government elections. Perhaps the President should have put it plainer – “In light of the pending no-confidence vote scheduled for October, I need to know, as soon as possible, which one of the elections, Local or General do you wish to have first before I can set a date for either.” 

From afar, the Government seems to have a tendency to act or react to the Opposition with a more political slant than a practical one. They should simply address all issues with all the facts, whether favourable or not to them, together with what remedial action is being taken if necessary, with an invitation for the Opposition to present what proof they have to dispute its position.
The Government must include members of civil society in any discussions with the Opposition to afford Guyanese a more independent version from those of the political parties as to what transpired at such meetings.
The Government must be the first to admit a problem and must be seen to be concerned about it, and aggressively seek to determine what happened, assess accountability, pursue any actions needed and report its findings promptly to the public. People need to see that Governments are transparent, accountable, fair and effective, throughout their tenure. Plainly speaking, Government must act as elected public servants and not as a party in power, and the Opposition must show that it is making proposals and willing to cooperate with Government in the public interest and not simply opposing and making statements without valid evidence or reasons: just saying.

N. AUGUSTUS