Dear Editor,
So, with accustomed fanfare, pomp, and political gimmickry we recently learned of the Thomas Street project designed by the King’s Foundation in collaboration with the Government of Guyana, not a word of any level of involvement nor consultation with the Georgetown municipality. A flagrant breach of a principal provision and the spirit of our constitution, which speaks of inclusionary democracy.
Article 13 is crystal clear; “The principal objective of the political system of the State is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens and their organisations in the management and decision-making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well -being.” This clearly alludes to the Local Government system. I am disappointed and surprised that his Majesty’s government could be complicit in this unfortunate and ill-advised adventure.
Why we are destroying the foundations which our fore-bearers built in our journey to independence, is beyond belief. It appears that our government has no time for the little things that constitutes a viable democracy, such as the involvement of persons at the local level. When will we stand up to be men and women and not mice? When will we occupy the front line so that our children will be proud of us? When will we be men and women of courage and not spineless cowards?
Yours sincerely,
Elder Hamilton Green
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