An advance in our evolving democracy

The festive season of Christmas and the New Year has dawned upon us. If there is one thing most Guyanese would remember for a long time, it is the no-confidence motion against this current APNU-AFC administration which was passed a mere three days before Christmas Day and which sent shockwaves across the length and breadth of the country.

This development, however, should not be any reason to detract from the significance nor the festivity of the season. Rather, it should be seen as an advance in our evolving democracy where all political parties are afforded a new opportunity to do some serious stocktaking on the way forward for Guyana.

I will maintain that the current ‘winner takes all’ model of governance has outlived its usefulness and should be replaced by a new governance paradigm where all political parties should be afforded an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to decision-making at all levels of governance. For one thing this current governance model has failed to address the issue of ethnic insecurity and the building of trust across party lines.

As we celebrate this festive season, let us put aside whatever political differences we may have and reflect on the true meaning and significance of Christmas.

I wish to take this opportunity to extend Christmas greetings to all Guyanese. Yours faithfully,

Hydar Ally