THE meeting between the Georgetown Mayor and City Council and President David Granger and members of his Cabinet, on Wednesday, 8th February could not be timelier. With central Government taking a decision to have an input into the conflict surrounding the parking meter system, which has been escalating since last year, ought to bring about the needed calm in the society and hopefully a resolution to the mutual satisfaction of those involved and affected.There is nothing that is wrong with Guyana that cannot be made right by Guyanese, and this is not being idealistic, but pragmatic. This land belongs to all of us and every Guyanese should have an interest in its prosperity and the people’s peaceful co-existence, irrespective of which party is in government— central, regional and local.
Mayor Patricia Chase-Green, after leaving the meeting on Wednesday evening, said that within 72-hours, i.e. by Saturday evening, consultation on a way forward would begin. This progressive step — though some may be skeptical or ask, “why wasn’t this done in the first place”– must be given a chance to bear positive results. In our contentious politics, there is more than enough blame to go around, but finger-pointing does not bring solutions, it exacerbates conflicts. Guyanese are capable of rising to the occasion of achieving solutions.
Though it is not lost on those following this issue that there exists overt opposition political undercurrent in the daily protests, it should not be allowed to consume or torpedo genuine concerns about the meter system. Placards such as “kick them out” and “welcome to 1968 and 1973,” should be recognised in the context as persons enjoying the right to freedom of expression, and a positive development in the society. The politically astute should see such placards as opportunity presented to promote an agenda and not the rationale to not engage with those who seek engagement.
The meter conflict is another lesson for this nation and how it is resolved will be another defining moment for the City Council. The Council should also be mindful that the less than respectful approach it has taken in dealing with the vendors, it has earned the ire of the citizenry, and clearly from the daily protests, has lost their confidence and respect. At the same time, it cannot be lost sight of that the vendors’ issues which are yet to be settled in an atmosphere of mutual respect, observers, including the vendors, will be watching on as to how the meter conflict will be handled.
Thus far, the Council has treated stakeholders in both groups, may it be said of different classes, the same way. Now that it is moving to engage stakeholders on the parking meters, it should recognise that vendors will be expecting similar treatment. Irrespective of class or other diversity, no group in Guyana must take away the feeling of inequity in treatment. In seeking to build this nation that belongs to all of us equality, justice, and fair play must be the ever-guiding convictions.
This state-owned newspaper is rooting for the success of the society as the City Council proceeds to have consultation with stakeholders. Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkhan, who has responsibility for local government, on Tuesday said his ministry is open to dialogue on the parking meters. The President’s meeting with the City Council and the statement of the mayor on leaving that meeting confirm the seriousness of Minister Bulkan’s statement.