– says ‘boycotting is not the answer’

PRESIDENT David Granger has once again sounded a call to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo to meet the coalition government halfway as it relates to dialogue in moving the country forward.The Head of State reiterated his position that he is committed to inclusionary democracy, but

that can only be achieved if the Opposition ceases its boycott of the National Assembly.
“As potential partners, we have to work with them [the PPP]; they represent 49% of the electorate and we have to work with them,” the President said during his weekly televised programme ‘The Public Interest.’

Since the APNU+AFC assumed office and took control of the Parliament, the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has become infamous for boycotting sessions of the National Assembly, including the President’s most recent address to the Parliament.

“As potential partners, we have to work with them (the PPP); they represent 49% of the electorate and we have to work with them.” – President Granger

“The practice of boycotting…it’s almost as if you’re talking to empty chairs. They must be present and they must show a willingness to participate. The coalition government wants to participate more fully in the type of democracy…and I believe it will be good for Guyana for us to sit down at the table and…think about the future of the country, even though we continue to have different views,” President Granger said.

The President explained that he and the Opposition Leader share similar views as it relates to Guyana becoming a green environment and as such, Jagdeo should bring his ideas on board.
“The Leader of the Opposition has spoken about the need for a green environment but essentially it’s no different to what we’ve been saying, so I wish he would bring his ideas on board. He has [sic] been Minister of Finance for a long time, he has [sic] been President for 12 years. I think he can bring his ideas on board and let us work together, but boycotting is not the answer,” President Granger said.
At the last General and Regional Elections, the governing coalition of APNU+AFC secured some 51% of the votes cast, and President Granger has always maintained that it would not be prudent for the government to lock out the PPP’s base.