Yesterday this newspaper carried an article titled, “Door open for dialogue on parking meters–Bulkan,” where views were expressed by Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan and the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on what is clearly a contentious issue. In that article Minister Bulkan expressed his ministry’s openness to dialogue on the issue. This gesture, notwithstanding previous back and forth, allegations and counter-allegations, is one all Guyanese should welcome.

It is not unreasonable to say that the Minister’s approach comes as a breath of fresh air in a society where intolerance for the other’s view or input has become the norm. As Guyanese, irrespective of our history, identity, and political association,we all deserve to and must work towards the success of this country and the comity of its peoples. One way of making this possible is being prepared and willing to listen to others. None has the monopoly on knowledge and all can benefit from the view and input of the other.

It is not our intention in debating who is right or wrong on this matter, save to say that evidence has been produced by the minister and PSC that sometime back,efforts were made to have engagement. This engagement, in spite of the allegation from the PSC that continuity was torpedoed by the Mayor and City Council on excuses that the Mayor was out of the jurisdiction and none could stand in her stead, ought not to cease.

Though conflicts and finger pointing are inherent characteristics in engagement,conflicts do not have to be incapacitating. Somebody has to look at the bigger picture and be prepared to put in the requisite work to achieving it. Bringing people together for the common good is not weakness but represents a fortitude that recognises the importance of all in the achievement of success.
It has not escaped attention that where contention arises it creates political fodder and opportunity for the self-serving. Correspondingly, it must not escape attention that the same situation opens the door for opportunity to improve the political climate.

Through discourse,politicians can take the pride of place in destroying a divisive and intolerant culture that has held sway for far too long, and continues to prove not in the nation’s best interest.
Guyana belongs to all and by extension every group and individual has a stake in what is happening. And whereas the Leader of the Opposition made clear the PPP/C’s aim is to take back Guyana, which he is focused on, the average Guyanese want the space where he/she can truly say, ‘I feel I belong and my voice will be heard.’ Guyana belongs to all Guyanese. The APNU+AFC had committed to the electorate to be all-inclusive. Where Minister Bulkan is seemingly prepared to defuse the tension by creating the opportunity for dialogue, dialogue must take place.

The PSC said it invited the trade unions to be a part of the discussion and this is also a positive development. When stakeholders can recognise and appreciate that while each has specific interests, when combined they prove to the benefit of all, an inclusive environment is being created. Recognition that engagement is deemed necessary to arrive at a mutually agreed position which would ensure that the Council increased its revenue without unduly burdening the citizens and the businesses which ply their trade in the capital, none can fault.

The need to restore Georgetown to its pristine state, prudent management of the Council’s business, and law and order, ought to be everyone’s dream. As Guyanese look around the globe to the series of protests surrounding Donald Trump’s ascension as United States’ President, making him the most powerful and influential politician, whose actions can have far reaching consequences, we see written on those placards some of the same concerns we have. People want assurances that governments will govern in their interests. They want to know their voices will matter, their rights and freedoms protected. Minister Bulkan opened the door to such possibility. The private sector, trade unions, major and city council, and other stakeholders must now walk through it.