Bishop Edghill calls for a national conversation
A NATION must learn to overcome all of the difficult situations that may arise from time to time. The fact that society is governed by men and women will always see the unfolding of events which the social commentators and naysayers alike will pronounce upon.
Budget 2012, presented to the 10th Parliament by the Hon. Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, provided an opportunity for Guyana, through its elected representatives in the National Assembly, to carve out a new approach to political cooperation, consensus building, and certainly decision making that serves the interest of the masses.
The debate ended with cuts to the budget, totalling in excess of $20.9B.  The opposition walked out of Parliament on April 26th, 2012, with a sense of triumph, boasting how they had used  the “tyrannical scissors” to cut the budget.  To them, a naked display of power, claiming that they had satisfied the expectations of their constituents.  A short-lived celebration was to follow.
The PPP/C, through its elected representatives, through the media, community engagements, public meetings and meetings with various stakeholders, educated the public as to the actions of the combined opposition and the impacts of the cuts on various entities, developmental projects, and the Guyanese people as a whole.
One month has passed; and as it is often said, “time is a great healer”.
Supporters of both A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change listened to the representatives of government, as well as to those whom they voted for.  It is clear that supporters of the combined opposition disagree with the actions of the leadership and Members of Parliament of both the AFC and APNU.
As the days pass and the pressure mounts, the leaders of the combined opposition continue to speak with forked tongues, making excuses for their reckless, vindictive and unprovoked actions.  The “mask” has been removed, the “make-up” is smudged, the sun is out and it is as clear as noon-day.  Those who were deceived by the smooth tongue and fancy rhetoric have awakened.  They are disappointed, disillusioned, but very determined to ensure that no further damage is done to Guyana’s developmental agenda.

Their voices are being heard in the communities all across Guyana.  It is time for action.  I wish to suggest the following:
(1) That the leadership of the APNU and AFC return to the talks that were convened by His Excellency, President Donald Ramotar forthwith.  President Ramotar is on record as saying that he is prepared to work with all stakeholders for the benefit of Guyana.  This was repeated and clearly articulated in his address to the nation as we celebrated our 46th anniversary as an independent nation.

(2) Engage the government through, its representatives, in public discourses-both on television and radio.
The people of Guyana deserve to see and hear their leaders discuss the issues.  Let us stop dealing with the unproductive trend of attacking personalities.  I am on public record for years saying “Let’s wash feet, not faces”, let us deal with the principles not personalities.
I am saddened that members of the opposition have refused to show up and participate in public discourses.  They complained in the past that they were not invited, and now that they are invited – their seats are empty. Let us stop the infantile politics.  Let us be brave, courageous, candid and responsible. We asked for transparency and accountability -“Show Up”.

(3) I make a personal appeal to members of civil society – religious leaders, trade unionists, community-based organizations, the private sector, leaders of youth and women’s organizations and opinion leaders to act responsibly.  It is regrettable that some have already compromised themselves by taking political positions in their recent statements.  We should not allow “this waste of a great opportunity”.  Maybe it’s time for all the various groups to meet and dialogue and offer recommendations and suggestions. I recommend a national conversation on the way forward for Guyana.  The present situation cannot and should not continue.  The silence of civil society leaders and the voices of reason can be considered unforgivable in these circumstances.  We are Guyanese. Let us build a Peaceful, Prosperous and Productive Guyana.

Bishop Juan A. Edghill, MP
Minister within the Ministry of Finance