Dear Editor,
GUYANESE are now beginning to understand the inherent challenges of coalition politics, as reflected in its end product of a coalition government. As a put-together of groupings and personalities of differing interests and ideologies, each competing for particular offices that will afford positions to influence the course of policies and decisions of government. It is an arrangement that will inevitably have differences because of the reality of having to apply solutions to practical situations. It is always a question of which segment of the whole will prevail.

The recent appointment of Working People’s Alliance(WPA) nominee Mr. Desmond Trotman as the new commissioner to replace the deceased Ms. Sandra Jones on the Guyana Elections Commission(GECOM), highlights the dynamics as to what is perceived as a coveted right by the principal partner, the Alliance For Change(AFC), as against what is absolutely necessary in a very important situation.

Any appointment as commissioner to the national elections administrative body has to be someone who understands the dynamics of the electoral body, in terms of its function and relation to national politics, and being able to bring to such an important table the necessary wherewithal and critical acumen for proper decision-making. This means that it is not a place for learners, especially at this given time.

No one can fault the President in his deliberate judgment, since he had requested all parties to submit nominees. It afforded the opportunity for him to determine the proper suitability of each candidate. He knew what were the determinants for the nominee – “not fake experience,” as he correctly concluded.

Editor, a word about young people and women being considered for critical senior positions of importance within the state echelons.
There seems to be a deliberate misunderstanding in this debate, especially as to the suitability of young Guyanese for elevation.

Truth be told, there are many young nationals currently staffing middle-ranking and senior positions of state. This has been a policy of the coalition government from its inception. It may not be in the quantum as desired, but there has been a steady move in this much-clamoured-for direction.

But there are going to be exceptions, in terms of what the particular office is, and the background knowledge required, apart from academic qualifications. Neither of the substantive AFC candidates would have fulfilled the former requirement.

And with regard to the female back-up nominee, it is quite unconscionable for the AFC also to imply that women are not being considered as aspirants to such pivotal positions. This party must be reminded that it was the PNC government that began the placement of women to its cabinet and other senior public service postings, and the diplomatic corps as well.
Even now, there are women in many senior state offices, particularly on state boards.

Regards
Earl Hamilton