GENERAL elections have been conducted in Guyana and the people have spoken. They have voted into office what I would call a cadre of persons from the three main political groupings thus giving a true reflection of a balance of power. This election augurs well for the nation because it is not the lopsided one-party rule as in previous years wherein the PPP/C held power irrespective of the other parties in the house. It is not a first by any means because in other jurisdictions similar situations have occurred. Examples are right here in the Caribbean as well as in the bigger, more progressive countries of the world.
As I write, President Obama presides over a government where his party is a minority. I cannot therefore fathom the difference, and why the big hue and cry? The only difference I can come up with is the usual bunch of ‘scatter brains’ making a lot of empty noises! What the people of Guyana have said is, we want clearer accountability for everything done, in and for the people of this country, and they are counting on the opposition forces to be mature enough to do so.
Now we are at an important juncture of our existence as a nation and a few pressing issues confront us. First on the card is the question of speaker of the House. This is a very important post that requires seriousness and tact, and the candidate who sits in that chair should reflect these qualities.