He dates the campaign for ‘shared governance’ to the PNC, after its loss of the 1992 elections. My understanding of Guyana’s political history is that the first clamour for some form of inclusive governance came from Eusi Kwayana (then Sydney King) and H. H. Nicholson of the African Society for Racial Equality {later ASCRIA) in 1961. They argued for what they termed ‘joint premiership’, a format whereby the position of Head of State would rotate between the leaders of the PPP and PNC, as both parties represented the major race groups, East Indians and Africans, respectively.

There are persons who would suggest that signs of the fragility of Guyana’s race relations surfaced even before the PPP took its place in the Legislative Assembly, when disagreement arose between Dr Jagan and Mr. .Burnham about the parliamentary arrangements. Dr Jagan identified this as proof of Mr. .Burnham’s personal ambitions. This event rather underlined the fears of urban Africans, particularly, of East Indian dominance. Dr Jagan appeared to be of the view that socialism would overcome our ethnic differences.

I noted Mr. Ramkarran’s account of the Bermudan experience. I would recommend to him a study of the unfolding situation in Trinidad and the actions mutterings of Mr. Panday.

As I had reason to point out on a previous occasion, Mr. Ramkarran has a responsibility to contribute to the education of the Guyanese people, especially the younger ones, and he should always remember this when he issues public statements.
MICHAEL PARRIS