with Lincoln Lewis

WITHIN the last couple of days, the nation was made aware through the media that the Government plans to close the Wales Estate. The Government has citied the poor performance of the estate as the reason for its closure.

The history, struggle and success of sugar run in the veins of almost every Guyanese. From the enslaved Africans to the indentured Chinese, East Indians, Portuguese and Africans; to the white/European enslavers and the present day mixed racial workforce, everyone can recount bittersweet stories of this industry.

Sugar touches every community on the coastland, and it must be seen as a national issue. The problems of sugar have to be resolved by the Guyanese society, and our current configuration of government needs to be put to work. It is time the National Assembly discusses the Commission of Inquiry Report, which can give guidance to the decisions that ought to be made about the industry.

Let me make it clear: This country does not have a rigid Westminster winner-takes-all system! This is so, given that though one group may have the majority of the votes at elections (national, regional and local) and secure the political leadership, the minority is not excluded from making its position known on issues towards the shaping of decisions. When it comes to the affairs of government, consistent with Article 13 of the Guyana Constitution, which is the nation’s Principal Political Objective, “inclusionary democracy” is mandated. This article very clearly states that when it comes to the management and decision-making processes of the State, individuals and groups are required to be involved on matters that impact their well-being.

The temptation to exclude or want to dictate to others on the pretext of a winner-takes-all system must be abandoned and way must be made for the respect of the rule of law, which would ensure social cohesion and national unity.

Minister of State, Joe Harmon, is on record as saying that Government has a plan for the workers who will be affected by the closure. Harmon and Noel Holder, Minister of Agriculture, are being called on to rethink this position, for there cannot be a plan for any community without the involvement of the people and their representatives. This is consistent with the rule of law, which must be respected at all times.

And this brings attention once again to the 21st August 2012 Agreement between Region Ten RDC and Central Government, which agreed to, among other things, establish an Economic Committee to develop a plan for the region. It is time this committee be established and given the tools to do its work. Apart from this being an agreement by the Government of Guyana and that RDC, it was approved by the National Assembly, the APNU+AFC made it a campaign commitment, and it must be honoured.

Failing to respect agreements, laws and rights in society can lead to endless problems, and raise doubts and suspicion about the character of leaders. On the other hand, the citizens shoulder a responsibility to ensure that Government does what is right for them.

These issues stated here are not born out of a deficiency in our Constitution and laws. These conflicts are as a result of failure to adhere to the rule of law, which has structures in place guiding governance, and should these be adhered to, will create the environment for the sought-after social cohesion and national unity.