Ralph Ramkarran’s recent article “The PPP and Challenges Ahead” should get PPP/C party members’ attention. The election results would seem to indicate not only that Afro-Guyanese were not yet willing to trust the PPP/C to protect their interests, but others whether former PPP/C supporters or those not trusting either PNC or PPP opted to vote for the supposedly multi-racial corruption-free AFC.  Three things are worth considering: one, is that the party needed to vigorously reach out, engage and consult with all, not just circle the wagons as if under siege. The second, is the possible belief that a strategy for keeping power can be based around the fears of party supporters that the PNC could gain power again, with the help of the AFC. Third, as allegations of corruption and nepotism grew, the PPP went into general denial if not a defiant mode. Instead of just demanding proof, there was no public attempt to show that they were attempting to investigate regardless of any tangible proof or show a greater willingness to prosecute possible past or future wrongdoers. 

Some may have believed that the party known for its moral tone failed to more publicly and aggressively address growing allegations of corruption, by not seeming to condemn, investigate and prosecute wrong doing, while failing to accept any responsibility for official oversight. Criticism from party members must not be seen as disloyalty but concern for party principles. The new publicly expressed motto for the party should be “Transparency, Accountability, Competency and Equality”. The government must continuously push the opposition to show how their views and policies would make governance better.  Government must constantly reach out, engage and include NGOs, as well as opposition supporters wherever possible. The public should be included in any discussions on policies, projects or opposition parliamentary demands that may be unrealistic. Better responses and clearer communication with the public is absolutely necessary. Perception tends to be seen as reality, if credible explanations are not given.