–  calls for end to blind negativity
“AN adversarial parliamentary system is quite against and contrary to the cohesion and development in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-dimensional society such as Guyana’s.”
These were the words of Alliance For Change (AFC) Parliamentarian Mr. Raphael Trotman during the final day of the 2011 budget debate, which was punctuated by a slew of name calling, trading of insults and general misconduct during the six-day long session. Trotman urged the members of the House to show some decorum during the debate and to stop making “hollow” statements about working together.
This call was issued following the recognition by the AFC leader of several developments within the country under the PPP/C administration.
“This year’s budget presents an excellent opportunity for us to take a 360 degree and a holistic view … of the entire stewardship of this government…I believe it is fair to say that there have been some individual successes,” Trotman stated.
He added that these successes cannot be denied even as the evidence speaks for itself, adding that it would be indecent for him to deny that there have been marked changes in some areas.
“We have undoubtedly seen schools, hospitals, roads, a new family court…so I will not stand here and pretend there is no development,” the AFC leader declared in the House.
He added that infrastructural development has continued over the years, naming the construction of the Providence Stadium and the Takutu and Berbice bridges as just some of the major successes under this administration.
Trotman also recognised that strides have been made in the mining sector as well as in the area of Amerindian development.
He further urged the parliamentarians to break the cycle of 45 years of negativity.
“Undoubtedly there have been progress made but I’m sure there are also instances where we are still lagging behind,” he noted.