SIX local organisations have teamed up to sign on to the Civil Society Forum (CSF) which will focus primarily on creating an “inclusionary democracy” that will serve as a vehicle for citizens to participate in the decision-making processes of the state.

The CSF, a coalition of organisations which is expected to continue growing, was launched a few days ago at a meeting that saw the six organisations signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that articulates its purpose, objectives, structure, and modus operandi.

“The benefits of this organisation are mostly in the form of collaborations and assisting each other to achieve our respective mandates in terms of capacity building, informational resources, support, etc.,” Director of Heal Guyana, Sharon Lalljee-Richard, told the Guyana Chronicle on Monday.

Apart from her organisation, the other five are Electoral Reform Guyana (ERG), Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO), Roman Catholic Church and Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI).

“We were in discussions for about a year. It took this long to formalise due to the elections issue which stalled national progress; as well as COVID-19,” Lalljee-Richard expressed.

According to a statement from the CSF, the opportunity for other organisations to join remains open after the launch. The statement said the body was set up to work towards realising Article 13 of the Constitution of Guyana, which states, “The principal objective of the political system of the State is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens, and their organisations in the management and decision-making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well-being.”

In keeping with Article 13, it was noted that the overarching focus of the organisation will lead the CSF to work on civic empowerment and participation, constitutional and legal reform, and with state institutions.

“Civil society groups have tirelessly and voluntarily been giving back to Guyana.  The CSF does not aim to replace these groups, compete with them, or represent them.  Rather, the CSF seeks to reinforce their efforts by providing a forum whereby groups can coordinate, collaborate, cooperate, and reinforce each other’s efforts through shared priorities that are identified through consensus, all with a view to enhancing the participation of citizens in the decision-making processes of the State.”

The CSF can be contacted at civilsocietyforumgy@gmail.com.