GUYANESE may be left with one of four possible options in dealing with the political impasse over some budget cuts. First, seek a legal means to keep the cuts based on their legal and financial ramifications to the nation. The Opposition should have to prove in court that their actions justify putting Guyana in a serious legal position regarding contracts already signed or started. Since the Specialty Hospital was previously approved by Parliament, it is hard to justify not continuing its funding.

The country’s position to sign new contracts may be impaired and open to questions of reliability.

Second, call on one or more Opposition members in Parliament to convince their party leaders to change their policy or be willing to vote against them even if removed later for cause. Third, Government seeks to borrow the amounts needed from local or foreign sources or sell if possible, some of their equity in a project to raise funds to complete them.

Fourth, call for a new national election later this year. How does the Opposition or Government justify raising electricity rates on all, but Linden, due to the cuts? The opportunity costs are too great to let the cuts stand without exercising whatever options may be best and not too late. This is not about holding on to or gaining power; this is about all Guyanese and their future progress.