Written by Vanessa Narine
THE Peoples’ Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), acknowledging the far-reaching effects of indiscipline at all levels and in all facets of life, yesterday called for a national conversation that would support restoration of the nation’s social fabric.

General Secretary of the party, Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee, contended at the party’s weekly press briefing that there is a good basis from which a national conversation can begin.

He added that significant work can be done to enhance the social fabric of Guyana, as he pointed to the role of the media in contributing to such a conversation and appealed for cooperation of local entities.
“If the media wants to start a national conversation, they can start it…. We have seen this, the national conversations on Amaila Falls, the Marriott Hotel. Those conversations were three-fold, involving the media, the private sector and the Government,” Rohee said.

PARTNERSHIP
Party member Junior Finance Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill stressed that the PPP/C is a “willing ally” in moving to address the concerns affecting the Guyanese people.
“The PPP is convinced that there must be constant vigilance by all stakeholders of society, since we can all be affected by the culture of indiscipline were we to allow (it) to contaminate our development.
“The Party is of the firm belief that the active involvement of the citizenry in the governance of their communities is integral in the fight against indiscipline. It is time our citizens take a more active approach against indiscipline occurring at home, on the streets, at schools, in the villages (and) regions and, by extension, the nation as a whole.
“There has been a general tendency to disregard our laws, customs and norms in some quarters. The PPP is of the view that the general population has a crucial role to play in supporting and adhering to our laws,” Edghill said.
He added that the call for a national conversation is also a call to build partnerships that can be sustained for the good of the nation. Acknowledging that Government cannot “do it all,” Edghill said, “tangible partnerships” can accomplish much in moving towards the removal of the “albatross” of indiscipline that hangs around the necks of the Guyanese people.
“The PPP/C intends to be a partner and stakeholder, and an aggressive pusher, because we are the ones calling for it; but this should not be a political matter, it is a concern for the entire country. We are talking about something that, if not addressed in a proper manner, could destroy all of us,” he said.
The Junior Finance Minister pointed to the non-payment of taxes by personalities advocating for accountability and transparency, reckless road use, irresponsible use of social media, criticisms about the quality of service delivered to our citizens by some institutions in both the public and private sectors, and what he termed the Opposition parties’ “encouragement” of anarchy by blocking access to schools and encouraging students’ involvement in protest actions during school hours as some of the examples of indiscipline affecting the nation.
He said active involvement of the citizenry, as well as vigilance, are quintessential to addressing the problem at hand.
Edghill said, “The PPP recognizes that the challenge will be monumental, especially when consideration is given to the fact that senior members of society are the guilty party in encouraging and being complicit in disregarding the laws of our nation.”
He explained that this national conversation is a discussion that can take place at many levels.

CONFIDENT
Edghill was confident that social groups, religious groups, parent/teachers’ associations (PTAs) and other bodies would respond to the party’s call and begin the conversation – one that can be had in the letters’ pages, on the radio stations, and in television talk shows, among other forums.
“Leaders from all sections of society, inclusive of the religious community, must not only use the opportunity to build upon this and come up with suggestions on how we move forward, but must also initiate campaigns, either at a school, in a community, in houses of worship, public areas etc.,” he said.
Asked what would be the tangible take away from the discussion, the Junior Finance Minister said, “Along the line, we (would) be looking at bringing key stakeholders together in a room, or in several rooms at several places, where there will be that cross fertilization of ideas and making of recommendations to chart a pragmatic approach to address the problem.”
Edghill said the shape of the society Guyanese want is a decision that rests with the individual. “We will have to decide ultimately what kind of society we wish to live in; and in that regard, make the necessary decisions to provide a safer future for our children to grow up and develop to the best of their abilities.
“The opportunity to break away from this culture of indiscipline, which has been an albatross (around) the necks of Guyanese, is at hand. Collectively we can make a positive impact. The PPP is willing to work with all our citizens in this regard.”
Neither official committed to a timeline for the culmination of recommendations to be advanced as a solution.