Government’s continuous calls for inclusionary democracy with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Opposition will continue to fall on deaf ears unless it puts an end to the spate of witch-hunting and the persistent racial and political discrimination being perpetrated on scores of Guyanese.
This is according to PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee who reiterated that he does not buy the Government’s public performance in extending the olive branch and will continue to refuse the offer to engage in dialogue unless the Administration adheres to the concerns expressed by the Party.
He was at the time addressing the media during a news conference on Monday at PPP/C Headquarters Freedom House, Robb Street.
In fact, Rohee believes that responsibility lies with the Government to put their differences aside and make the first step to work with the Opposition towards the development of the country.
“The onus rests with the Government in the sense that they must stop the witch-hunting and arbitrary and whimsical dismissal of persons they perceive to be associated with the PPP and take cognizance of the demands made by PPP…” Rohee stated.
He posited that the whole issue revolves around trust, and until the PPP perceives a sense of trust and once Government puts measures in place to address the Party’s concerns, the invitation for talks will be making no progress.
“The PPP has said time and again that given the ongoing political, social and economic realities, it is not favourably disposed at this time to engaging at a Party to Party level in political dialogue with the APNU/AFC…” he emphasised.
It was previously pointed out by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo that it remains uncertain exactly what the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government is offering when it refers to the “national unity talks”.
President David Granger had initially requested the Opposition Parliamentarians to participate in a “National Unity Committee” however, shortly after, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo during an outreach in Whim, Berbice, extended an arm to the PPP/C for a “National Unity Government”.
