November 6, 2003

Dear Editor,

As 2003 rapidly comes to an end, the political stalemate which affects the lives of all Guyanese continues with no end in sight. The PNC and PPP parties continue to play the game of cat and mouse which has been the downfall of our dear country and the ruination of our collective spirit as a nation. The preponderance of race in our politics dwarfs the important social, economic and political changes which we have to implement in order to advance as a nation in the complexities of a changing world.

We need to construct a new relationship between the many races and religions in Guyana in terms of nation building while rejecting the narrow confines of one single party or race which might win a majority vote in a 'winner takes all' scenario. I support the concept of a broad coalition government where the emphasis in the social sphere is respect, consideration and peace to other social groups; where the economic emphasis for development of our country is to cement in stone the idea that the private sector is the real engine of growth and no Guyanese should be left behind economically; where the political emphasis is on inclusion in the political development of our country of representatives of all the strata of society in a cocoon of a full democracy.

The future of political action in the developing world where we have faced a history of 'divide and rule' tactics by the former colonial master can only be measured and solved by the concept of coalition politics to reverse the ill effects of hatred, divisions and lack of respect for each other.

To solve the many problems facing our nation, we must have a new alignment of political and social forces in the form of a true coalition approach in government with a full democracy as the benchmark of change. The concept of the party list system where representatives to Parliament are chosen from a party list is the most degenerate aspect of our constitutional fabric and should be changed (by a referendum) to reflect constituency elections where the people in a particular are of the country elect their representatives directly at a popular level while wakening the influence of party intervention into parliamentary and government affairs.

Since independence, the intrusion of party paramountcy into governmental and parliamentary affairs has been disastrous for the Guyanese people, and this government, led by the "Gang of 8', will continue to follow the line of maximum party intervention into stat affairs, even at the lowest levels.

But the stalemate continues between the two major parties with the PNC exiting Parliament again while offering no real opposition to the mistaken policies of the Jagdeo's regime.

The Opposition is supposed to show the people of Guyana a way through this mess we all face by forging new alliances and exploring new and innovative ways to either work with the government to a real coalition or if that cannot work, then to work towards its removal at the next elections. The parliament is a stage to inform the public and should not be given up but instead used, in innovative forms, to make the essential political messages the public needs.

The government's side continues to use delaying tactics in dealing with the Opposition on crucial issues and this is their modus operandi, well honed and crafted by Mr. Luncheon. But this is a dangerous tactic and could lead to frustration and even to a loss of control among certain segments of the population and thus violence. We must avoid violence at all cost; by whatever means we must preserve the peace and tranquility fro all Guyanese, especially in the near future. I urge the PPP and PNC to reach agreements and to put in place a real agenda for a real coalition government of national unity.

I urge Mr. Corbin and Mr. Jagdeo to get back to the table with a mood of compromise, cordiality and friendship to show the people of Guyana real leadership while ignoring and slamming the door shut on those in each respective party who are against comprise and coalition politics.

Yours faithfully,


Cheddi (Joey) Jagan, Jr