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We need to jump-start the process of constitutional reform

April 27 2018

Source

Dear Editor,

I have time and again argued in several letters to the press that the current β€˜winner takes all’ model of governance has, over the decades, failed to advance the process of national reconciliation and social cohesion. One can, in hindsight, speculate what our political landscape would have looked like today had there been no split in the PPP in 1955 into two opposing factions. One consequence of that rupture was the emergence of race-based politics which, for all practical purposes, continues to bedevil us as a society until this day.

Nor can one stop wondering what could have been the likely outcome had Mr Burnham accepted the offer by Dr Jagan in the aftermath of the racial disturbances of the early 1960s, for a coalition government between the PPP and the PNC, almost on parity terms with respect to the distribution of ministerial positions.

Unfortunately, after over 60 years of bitter and at times acrimonious politics between the two major parties, we are still nowhere closer to a solution to the political crisis that has engulfed this otherwise blessed country of ours.

This year, the PNC would have completed thirty years in power which, incidentally, is the same for the PPP in terms of years in government. This could be an opportune time for serious political instropection by the two parties and hopefully commence in earnest, the search for a new governance paradigm that takes into account our plurality and more specifically, the issue of ethnic insecurity and racial polarization.

With the emerging oil and gas economy, the political stakes are likely to be much higher and the degree of competitiveness and rivalry even more intense unless a new governance formula can be ironed out to mitigate the fears of exclusion by significant ethno-cultural constituencies.

This is why it is so important to urgently commence the process of constitutional reforms with a view to arriving at a power sharing formula that will enhance the comfort level of opposing political camps. The level of distrust is much too ingrained in the national psyche to leave the management of the oil and gas economy exclusively in the hands of one or the other of the two major parties.

The current administration must, as a matter of urgency, put in place the necessary mechanisms to jump-start the process of constitutional reforms as promised in its manifesto. Guyanese are tired of the confrontational and adversarial politics of the past and are looking forward to a new governance mechanism based on genuine representative democracy, one in which everyone, regardless of race or political affiliation, feels integrally and organically connected to our national goals and aspirations.

The challenges to governance in plural societies such as ours could be enormous, and at times intractable, as past experience has shown. But I believe it is not beyond us as a nation to rise above these challenges and put the national interest before narrow partisan and individual interest.

Yours faithfully,

Hydar Ally

Replies sorted oldest to newest

How can you get meaningful constitutional reforms from the PNC which believes in racial dominance, rigged elections, and downright fraud on all fronts?  It takes more than just cheap talk and constitutional reforms to make Guyana democratic and free for all of its citizens.  Many countries have what you may see as the ideal constitution but people's rights are still violated. 

Billy Ram Balgobin
Billy Ram Balgobin posted:

How can you get meaningful constitutional reforms from the PNC which believes in racial dominance, rigged elections, and downright fraud on all fronts?  It takes more than just cheap talk and constitutional reforms to make Guyana democratic and free for all of its citizens.  Many countries have what you may see as the ideal constitution but people's rights are still violated. 

The PPP believe the same thing else they would have acted prudently to reform the system. That they could not  do so is convenient is bull crap. They actually made changes but reserved the dictatorial aspects of the constitution because they felt they would never be voted out. There are too many examples of constitutional reforms of one type or another that brought deep divisions in the society at an end...from Madagascar, to Singapore, to Malaysia to Taiwan, to Ireland, to Belgium, Sweden etc. The entire EU were competing warring nation until the middle of the last century where rebuilding included the creation of one community under the Maastrich treaty.

FM
Last edited by Former Member
Django posted:

Guyana needs electoral reform that was there prior to the 1980 Constitution.

Sooner that is accomplished the dominance of the PPP and PNC will be broken,there will be a level playing field for the smaller parties to form a government post election.I consider such more democratic.

The current list system have to go.

Would your loving APNU agree to that?

Billy Ram Balgobin
Django posted:

Guyana needs electoral reform that was there prior to the 1980 Constitution.

Sooner that is accomplished the dominance of the PPP and PNC will be broken,there will be a level playing field for the smaller parties to form a government post election.I consider such more democratic.

The current list system have to go.

We had a bicameral system before independence. We need a similar one with modifications that include direct constituencies. The senators can  come from overlapping districts to aid mixed electorate.

FM
Last edited by Former Member
Billy Ram Balgobin posted:
Django posted:

Guyana needs electoral reform that was there prior to the 1980 Constitution.

Sooner that is accomplished the dominance of the PPP and PNC will be broken,there will be a level playing field for the smaller parties to form a government post election.I consider such more democratic.

The current list system have to go.

Would your loving APNU agree to that?

Don't know where you pulled that from.

The people need to up the pressure,only then the PNC and PPP will succumb.

Django
Stormborn posted:
Billy Ram Balgobin posted:

How can you get meaningful constitutional reforms from the PNC which believes in racial dominance, rigged elections, and downright fraud on all fronts?  It takes more than just cheap talk and constitutional reforms to make Guyana democratic and free for all of its citizens.  Many countries have what you may see as the ideal constitution but people's rights are still violated. 

The PPP believe the same thing else they would have acted prudently to reform the system. That they could not  do so is convenient is bull crap. They actually made changes but reserved the dictatorial aspects of the constitution because they felt they would never be voted out. There are too many examples of constitutional reforms of one type or another that brought deep divisions in the society at an end...from Madagascar, to Singapore, to Malaysia to Taiwan, to Ireland, to Belgium, Sweden etc. The entire EU were competing warring nation until the middle of the last century where rebuilding included the creation of one community under the Maastrich treaty.

The PPP is right to believe the PNC is insincere about constitutional reforms to make Guyana a better place. You should also mention that the PNC is the architect of this infamous constitution.  Why would they want to change it?  Upon taking office as president, Granger immediately reduce the number days the opposition has to debate the national budget, encouraged the speaker of the parliament to frustrate the opposition by pulling the microphones and pressuring them to not criticize the ruling party. Do you think the PPP could have gotten the PNC to agree to a reforms?  I seriously doubt it.

Billy Ram Balgobin
Django posted:
Billy Ram Balgobin posted:
Django posted:

Guyana needs electoral reform that was there prior to the 1980 Constitution.

Sooner that is accomplished the dominance of the PPP and PNC will be broken,there will be a level playing field for the smaller parties to form a government post election.I consider such more democratic.

The current list system have to go.

Would your loving APNU agree to that?

Don't know where you pulled that from.

The people need to up the pressure,only then the PNC and PPP will succumb.

The AFC already whored out themselves.  Good luck with another third force. CHANGE AIN'T COMING SOON!!!

Billy Ram Balgobin
Billy Ram Balgobin posted:
Stormborn posted:
Billy Ram Balgobin posted:

How can you get meaningful constitutional reforms from the PNC which believes in racial dominance, rigged elections, and downright fraud on all fronts?  It takes more than just cheap talk and constitutional reforms to make Guyana democratic and free for all of its citizens.  Many countries have what you may see as the ideal constitution but people's rights are still violated. 

The PPP believe the same thing else they would have acted prudently to reform the system. That they could not  do so is convenient is bull crap. They actually made changes but reserved the dictatorial aspects of the constitution because they felt they would never be voted out. There are too many examples of constitutional reforms of one type or another that brought deep divisions in the society at an end...from Madagascar, to Singapore, to Malaysia to Taiwan, to Ireland, to Belgium, Sweden etc. The entire EU were competing warring nation until the middle of the last century where rebuilding included the creation of one community under the Maastrich treaty.

The PPP is right to believe the PNC is insincere about constitutional reforms to make Guyana a better place. You should also mention that the PNC is the architect of this infamous constitution.  Why would they want to change it?  Upon taking office as president, Granger immediately reduce the number days the opposition has to debate the national budget, encouraged the speaker of the parliament to frustrate the opposition by pulling the microphones and pressuring them to not criticize the ruling party. Do you think the PPP could have gotten the PNC to agree to a reforms?  I seriously doubt it.

The PPP should not care what the PNP believes. The PPP should care what the people believe that ethnic politics is the source of our eternal woes.

They had the opportunity and the international community behind them and an agreement with the PNC to initiate changes by may 99. They waited until january 99 to start the process and rushed through cosmetic changes.

The PPP did not want reforms because they felt they can always win. The PNC will not do it now because they think it is payback time.

FM
Last edited by Former Member
Nehru posted:

Stormy, like a silent HO, Granger is a silent RACIST PIG. I agree with you that the PPP had 22 years to get the process at least started but Political POWER when gained is a game changer.

At the least you agree the PPP had the chance to change the current electoral system  by the illegal 1980 Constitution.

Unfortunately they choose otherwise,one of the reasons i blame the current cabal.

Django
Nehru posted:

Stormy, like a silent HO, Granger is a silent RACIST PIG. I agree with you that the PPP had 22 years to get the process at least started but Political POWER when gained is a game changer.

Let me see if I can solve this using your math:

Grainger = Silent HO on constitution reform[3 years]

  "          = silent Racist Pig on constitution reform[3years]

PPP        =  silent on constitution reform [22 years]

PPP      = = bigger silent ho and racist pig..  

 

 

sachin_05
Billy Ram Balgobin posted:
Django posted:
Billy Ram Balgobin posted:
Django posted:

Guyana needs electoral reform that was there prior to the 1980 Constitution.

Sooner that is accomplished the dominance of the PPP and PNC will be broken,there will be a level playing field for the smaller parties to form a government post election.I consider such more democratic.

The current list system have to go.

Would your loving APNU agree to that?

Don't know where you pulled that from.

The people need to up the pressure,only then the PNC and PPP will succumb.

The AFC already whored out themselves.  Good luck with another third force. CHANGE AIN'T COMING SOON!!!

Have you heard of power of the people.

Django
sachin_05 posted:
Nehru posted:

Stormy, like a silent HO, Granger is a silent RACIST PIG. I agree with you that the PPP had 22 years to get the process at least started but Political POWER when gained is a game changer.

Let me see if I can solve this using your math:

Grainger = Silent HO on constitution reform[3 years]

  "          = silent Racist Pig on constitution reform[3years]

PPP        =  silent on constitution reform [22 years]

PPP      = = bigger silent ho and racist pig..  

 

 

Oww bhai sachin,give that chap a break.

Django
Last edited by Django
Stormborn posted:
Billy Ram Balgobin posted:
Stormborn posted:
Billy Ram Balgobin posted:

How can you get meaningful constitutional reforms from the PNC which believes in racial dominance, rigged elections, and downright fraud on all fronts?  It takes more than just cheap talk and constitutional reforms to make Guyana democratic and free for all of its citizens.  Many countries have what you may see as the ideal constitution but people's rights are still violated. 

The PPP believe the same thing else they would have acted prudently to reform the system. That they could not  do so is convenient is bull crap. They actually made changes but reserved the dictatorial aspects of the constitution because they felt they would never be voted out. There are too many examples of constitutional reforms of one type or another that brought deep divisions in the society at an end...from Madagascar, to Singapore, to Malaysia to Taiwan, to Ireland, to Belgium, Sweden etc. The entire EU were competing warring nation until the middle of the last century where rebuilding included the creation of one community under the Maastrich treaty.

The PPP is right to believe the PNC is insincere about constitutional reforms to make Guyana a better place. You should also mention that the PNC is the architect of this infamous constitution.  Why would they want to change it?  Upon taking office as president, Granger immediately reduce the number days the opposition has to debate the national budget, encouraged the speaker of the parliament to frustrate the opposition by pulling the microphones and pressuring them to not criticize the ruling party. Do you think the PPP could have gotten the PNC to agree to a reforms?  I seriously doubt it.

The PPP should not care what the PNP believes. The PPP should care what the people believe that ethnic politics is the source of our eternal woes.

They had the opportunity and the international community behind them and an agreement with the PNC to initiate changes by may 99. They waited until january 99 to start the process and rushed through cosmetic changes.

The PPP did not want reforms because they felt they can always win. The PNC will not do it now because they think it is payback time.

Put aside everything... what is your position on constitutional reforms?

Billy Ram Balgobin
Django posted:
Billy Ram Balgobin posted:
Django posted:
Billy Ram Balgobin posted:
Django posted:

Guyana needs electoral reform that was there prior to the 1980 Constitution.

Sooner that is accomplished the dominance of the PPP and PNC will be broken,there will be a level playing field for the smaller parties to form a government post election.I consider such more democratic.

The current list system have to go.

Would your loving APNU agree to that?

Don't know where you pulled that from.

The people need to up the pressure,only then the PNC and PPP will succumb.

The AFC already whored out themselves.  Good luck with another third force. CHANGE AIN'T COMING SOON!!!

Have you heard of power of the people.

Yeah! The Amerindian people will have to take hostages from both parties and demand constitutional changes.  This is the only way we can get the two elephants to work.

Billy Ram Balgobin
antabanta posted:
Nehru posted:

AMEN Billy!! I volunteer to teach GNI FILTH HEADS about the PNC, RACISM and the Sophia University!!1

You want to teach people how to Caps Lock and write SHIT all day? .. every day.. week in, week out.. year after year .. decade after decade.. Damn! how can one person be full of so much shit?

Get a brain Surgeon to look in your head and show you the FILTH in there, FILTH HEAD!!

Nehru
Billy Ram Balgobin posted:
Django posted:
Billy Ram Balgobin posted:
Django posted:
Billy Ram Balgobin posted:
Django posted:

Guyana needs electoral reform that was there prior to the 1980 Constitution.

Sooner that is accomplished the dominance of the PPP and PNC will be broken,there will be a level playing field for the smaller parties to form a government post election.I consider such more democratic.

The current list system have to go.

Would your loving APNU agree to that?

Don't know where you pulled that from.

The people need to up the pressure,only then the PNC and PPP will succumb.

The AFC already whored out themselves.  Good luck with another third force. CHANGE AIN'T COMING SOON!!!

Have you heard of power of the people.

Yeah! The Amerindian people will have to take hostages from both parties and demand constitutional changes.  This is the only way we can get the two elephants to work.

It is already beginning to happen. The amerindian tribal council already disassociated itself from both. My advice to them is to use their voting power and take four seats. That means they will get all they want or no one gets anything.

FM
Billy Ram Balgobin posted:
Stormborn posted:
Billy Ram Balgobin posted:
Stormborn posted:
Billy Ram Balgobin posted:

How can you get meaningful constitutional reforms from the PNC which believes in racial dominance, rigged elections, and downright fraud on all fronts?  It takes more than just cheap talk and constitutional reforms to make Guyana democratic and free for all of its citizens.  Many countries have what you may see as the ideal constitution but people's rights are still violated. 

The PPP believe the same thing else they would have acted prudently to reform the system. That they could not  do so is convenient is bull crap. They actually made changes but reserved the dictatorial aspects of the constitution because they felt they would never be voted out. There are too many examples of constitutional reforms of one type or another that brought deep divisions in the society at an end...from Madagascar, to Singapore, to Malaysia to Taiwan, to Ireland, to Belgium, Sweden etc. The entire EU were competing warring nation until the middle of the last century where rebuilding included the creation of one community under the Maastrich treaty.

The PPP is right to believe the PNC is insincere about constitutional reforms to make Guyana a better place. You should also mention that the PNC is the architect of this infamous constitution.  Why would they want to change it?  Upon taking office as president, Granger immediately reduce the number days the opposition has to debate the national budget, encouraged the speaker of the parliament to frustrate the opposition by pulling the microphones and pressuring them to not criticize the ruling party. Do you think the PPP could have gotten the PNC to agree to a reforms?  I seriously doubt it.

The PPP should not care what the PNP believes. The PPP should care what the people believe that ethnic politics is the source of our eternal woes.

They had the opportunity and the international community behind them and an agreement with the PNC to initiate changes by may 99. They waited until january 99 to start the process and rushed through cosmetic changes.

The PPP did not want reforms because they felt they can always win. The PNC will not do it now because they think it is payback time.

Put aside everything... what is your position on constitutional reforms?

Search the board and you will find hundreds of posts from me about what I want. I do not have the time nor do I care to state them to the disinterested. Caribj, TK, VJ etc and I had long conversations on this going back to 98...

FM
Django posted:

We need to jump-start the process of constitutional reform

April 27 2018

Source

Dear Editor,

I have time and again argued in several letters to the press that the current β€˜winner takes all’ model of governance has, over the decades, failed to advance the process of national reconciliation and social cohesion. One can, in hindsight, speculate what our political landscape would have looked like today had there been no split in the PPP in 1955 into two opposing factions. One consequence of that rupture was the emergence of race-based politics which, for all practical purposes, continues to bedevil us as a society until this day.

Nor can one stop wondering what could have been the likely outcome had Mr Burnham accepted the offer by Dr Jagan in the aftermath of the racial disturbances of the early 1960s, for a coalition government between the PPP and the PNC, almost on parity terms with respect to the distribution of ministerial positions.

Unfortunately, after over 60 years of bitter and at times acrimonious politics between the two major parties, we are still nowhere closer to a solution to the political crisis that has engulfed this otherwise blessed country of ours.

This year, the PNC would have completed thirty years in power which, incidentally, is the same for the PPP in terms of years in government. This could be an opportune time for serious political instropection by the two parties and hopefully commence in earnest, the search for a new governance paradigm that takes into account our plurality and more specifically, the issue of ethnic insecurity and racial polarization.

With the emerging oil and gas economy, the political stakes are likely to be much higher and the degree of competitiveness and rivalry even more intense unless a new governance formula can be ironed out to mitigate the fears of exclusion by significant ethno-cultural constituencies.

This is why it is so important to urgently commence the process of constitutional reforms with a view to arriving at a power sharing formula that will enhance the comfort level of opposing political camps. The level of distrust is much too ingrained in the national psyche to leave the management of the oil and gas economy exclusively in the hands of one or the other of the two major parties.

The current administration must, as a matter of urgency, put in place the necessary mechanisms to jump-start the process of constitutional reforms as promised in its manifesto. Guyanese are tired of the confrontational and adversarial politics of the past and are looking forward to a new governance mechanism based on genuine representative democracy, one in which everyone, regardless of race or political affiliation, feels integrally and organically connected to our national goals and aspirations.

The challenges to governance in plural societies such as ours could be enormous, and at times intractable, as past experience has shown. But I believe it is not beyond us as a nation to rise above these challenges and put the national interest before narrow partisan and individual interest.

Yours faithfully,

Hydar Ally

Make your house to house visit Mr. Hydar Ally.  You had 23 years to do this but you DID NOT.

The guys cannot accept your word.  You had a chance to fix and you sodomized the people?  Nah suh?

FM
Nehru posted:
antabanta posted:
Nehru posted:

AMEN Billy!! I volunteer to teach GNI FILTH HEADS about the PNC, RACISM and the Sophia University!!1

You want to teach people how to Caps Lock and write SHIT all day? .. every day.. week in, week out.. year after year .. decade after decade.. Damn! how can one person be full of so much shit?

Get a brain Surgeon to look in your head and show you the FILTH in there, FILTH HEAD!!

What's a filth head? Teach me.

A

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