Guyanese are skeptical that inclusive governance will ever become a reality during their lifetimes. In fact, some people laughed at the idea when asked for their opinion by this publication; “is this a joke,” said one woman who happens to be a lecturer at the tertiary level. This publication decided to find out the thoughts of Guyanese after noting that several political observers and actors including former President Brigadier David Granger, Dr. David Hinds, and Leader of the People’s National Congress Mr. Aubrey Norton have repeatedly and consistently expressed their unwavering support for political inclusion or shared governance.
Most recently, popular businessman Nazar Mohamed of Mohamed’s Enterprise – a man who is not a politician – forcefully espoused the notion during an interview with another media outlet. Mr. Mohamed, known for his social work, said, “What I want to see in this country is a cohesion between the two major political parties, between the two major races, I want to see closeness. I want to see us moving beyond this gap, this barrier, and work together to develop our country and develop our people in an environment of justice and fairness.” It appears that both politicians and ordinary Guyanese say that they want political inclusion. Most ordinary Guyanese, though, seem to believe that such a goal is an impossible dream.
Scholars say inclusion in the context of governance means that all groups in society be given the opportunity to improve and maintain their well- being. It means giving an open door to all and treating all equally. All should have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits derivable from the government. In the context of Guyana, it would imply that the government of the day treats everyone – of all races – with equity, fairness, and respect. One wonders, if everyone wants inclusion, why does it not happen?
Mr. Aubrey Norton may have answered the question himself. In a paper entitled, Governance in Ethnically Divided Societies – The Guyana Case, Mr. Norton wrote: “The source of the problem is that these ethnically divided societies have inherited majoritarian political systems that originated in, and were created for, class divided societies, and therefore are not appropriate for plural societies.” It appears therefore, that the ordinary Guyanese with which this publication spoke may, sadly, be right; inclusion, cohesion, and closeness may just be an impossible dream.
More, In The Ring.
