New political culture will not come from dominance
THE new political culture for which A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is calling will not come through a parliamentary dictatorship; by establishing dominance of one side over another; or by seeking to bludgeon the Government into accepting one made at Sophia. This warning was issued by Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee in the National Assembly, last Friday, during debate on the 2012 National Budget.
Responding to the call by APNU Vice-Chairman and Member of Parliament (MP), Dr. Rupert Roopnarine, Rohee said he must know that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is no stranger to change, adaptation or renewal of itself.
“The PPP is the harbinger of changes in Guyana, ever since its establishment in 1950. The PPP has always sought to introduce changes in the political culture in Guyana. It did so in the colonial era and in the post colonial era,” Rohee pointed out.
He added that the history of the PPP/Civic  (PPP/C) has been one of generosity, compromise and accommodation, which cannot be denied.
Rohee continued by saying the Administration has made it clear, that while it does not want to dominate, it would rather not be dominated either.
He referred to President Donald Ramotar’s inaugural address at the commencement of the 10th Parliament in which he said: “Indeed the makeup of the new Parliament dictates that we seek answers and compromise and should resist the temptations to believe that any party can ride roughshod over another. Any such attempt may see us missing the historical opportunities that this new composition offers. I urge that we put the interest of our people first. I urge that we work, assiduously, to find common ground within and outside of this hallowed chamber.”
Rohee opined that Roopnarine is probably the most experienced leader sitting on the Opposition side of the House, noting that “he was once identified as the fastest runner when it was publicly declared that our steel is sharper.”
Rohee said, too, that the People’s National Congress (PNC) was on the verge of political and economic death waiting to be consumed.

POLITICAL HISTORY
The minister said he believes Roopnarine spoke as though the PPP/C, alone, must learn from the years of political division in Guyana, throwing away completely those chapters of the political history which show that the real and truthful reason for the division is now being experienced today as we, recently, exemplified in the November 28 elections.
Rohee told the House there is one factor that should not be overlooked in extending the high degree of exuberance, which is the governance factor.
He said the fact is, that since 1992, under the PPP/C, there has never been a rigged election neither an election that did not have the blessings of the international community.
Rohee maintained that at the end of the day, it is an important factor to be kept in mind and parties should celebrate their respective victories at the polls.
He also responded to APNU shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Deborah Backer, who referred to his restructuring of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as disservice to that Ministry and, by extension, the country.
“It is to be recalled in the 1992 elections campaign, Dr. Jagan committed himself, publicly, to remodelling the budgetary and developmental priorities of the new government he was going to lead,” Rohee remembered.
He said, if he was to relive that period of his life and was given such instructions by the Head of State, once again, he would have no hesitation in doing so.