2020 And Beyond – Justification By Consent

Bringing Guyana Into the 21st Century

2020 AND BEYOND - JUSTIFICATION BY CONSENT

‘A Nation Which Fails To Defend Its Democracy, The Human Rights Of Its Citizens, Consents To, And Justifies The Abuses Of Its Government.’ –Craig Sylvester.

Bringing Guyana into the 21st century, unleashing its potential, necessarily involves devising a strategy which places its problems within some manageable perspective. In this regard, Guyana’s social and economic problems are best viewed within a historical context to maintain cognizance of the progress achieved. This reinforces the realization that our problems are transitory, and regardless of strongly held positions, consideration and compromise have to be extended to move Guyana forward. Two of my more recent letters to the press had strongly advocated for a re-examination of the Coalition’s stance on a number of issues18. These were:  Much better proposals to address issues involving the

Stabroek Market Vendors,  The VAT proposals in the 2017 Budget,  The unresolved issues within the sugar industry,  Engagement of the Private Sector as a partner in the modelling of plans for economic development,  The establishment of a council of economic advisors charged with providing greater depth and perspective on policies for growth,  Greater political consideration of the outcome of decisions affecting major stakeholders. One of the more confounding positions of the Coalition since its installation was that it condoned the trampling of the lives and welfare of the Stabroek Market vendors by the Georgetown Mayor

18 Kaieteur News - The PNC Needs To Rethink Its Strategies To Remain Relevant; Dec 23, 2016. Stabroek News - There Should Be Greater Consideration For Political Implications Of Decisions On VAT And Sugar; Mar 06, 2017. 7