Vice Chairman of A Partnership For National Unity (APNU), Rupert Roopnarine, has called on the political parties to find ways in meeting on common ground in the National Assembly. Addressing a large gathering at the Impeccable Banquet Hall on Sunday evening, at the opening ceremony for the two-day training seminar for parliamentarians, Roopnarine spoke of the new dispensation in the National Assembly, noting that it is the first time in the country’s history the government has a minority. In this context, he pointed to the timeliness of the seminar.
Speaking on behalf of APNU’s Retired Brigadier David Granger, who was absent from the event, Roopnarine believes that the tenth parliament has come a long way.
He endorsed the Speaker of the National Assembly’s comment that “It is time to tone down the rhetoric, accept the realities of the marvellous challenges and opportunities that the 10th Parliament presents and get about the people’s business”.
He is hopeful that the parties will go beyond and find common ground in moving forward. However, he did not shy away from the fact that it is not going to be an easy road.
According to Roopnarine, even in the highest moment of antagonism, the ultimate goal should be for the development of Guyana and its people.
The seminar commenced yesterday at the Pegasus Hotel and will conclude today. It is a collaborative effort among the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the Parliament of Guyana.
MPs will be enlightened about the relationship among the executive, legislative and judiciary arms of government, understanding collaborative leadership and leadership for national development, bridge building, and the role of parliamentarians, among other topics.