The Government and the Opposition need to work closely together in order to ensure the development of not just Guyana but the Guyanese people as well.
This is according to prominent Guyanese businessman, Nazar Mohamed of Mohamed’s Enterprise.
During a recent interview with this publication, the businessman, who widely known for his philanthropy and humanitarian work across the country as well as in the Guyanese Diaspora, ruled out any aspirations to join the political arena.
However, while he has “absolutely no interest in politics”, Mohamed expressed his desired to see Guyana transformed into a thriving nation with its people living a better quality of life in peace and harmony with each other.
“What I want to see in this country is a cohesion between the two major political parties, between the two major races, I want to see closeness. I want to see us moving beyond this gap, this barrier and work together to develop our country and develop our people in an environment of justice and fairness,” the business mogul explained.
Contrary to popular belief, Mohamed pointed out that he supports all political parties.
According to the businessman, “…that’s our business obligation but I have absolutely no interest in being a politician”.
Nonetheless, Mohamed went on to laud the work of the Dr Irfaan Ali-led Administration for the work they have been doing to propel the country and its people. However, he was particularly in high praises of President Ali’s brainchild initiative – Building a “One Guyana”.
“You can see from everything that he’s been doing, he’s extremely interested in having this ‘One Guyana’,” he asserted.
Moreover, the businessman also commended First Lady Arya Ali for the work she has also been doing to match the President’s drive to enhance the quality of life in Guyana.
“She has a lot of energy just like President Ali and I’m confident that together, and with the cooperation of the Opposition – [when] we have a new Opposition Leader – because I think times have changed [and it’s now] for us to move away from ‘one party’ kind of politics, where we can work together for the benefit and the betterment of the people of this country,” Mohamed posited.
He further stressed that the country’s newfound oil wealth should serve as a catalyst, and motivation, for stakeholders, especially political leaders, to get together so that everyone can have a hand in the country’s journey of unprecedented economic transformation.
Earlier this month, President Ali, while addressing more than 50 religious leaders from North America, explained that his Government’s “One Guyana” vision is about promoting greater inclusion at the legislative, political and social levels.
He said, “No Government has all the answers. It is my wish to be able to benefit from the viewpoints of all, including our political parties, trade unions, Private Sector, workers and social organisations. ‘One Guyana’ is, therefore, a social contract of inclusion”.
The President reiterated that the “One Guyana” vision is about creating a more equal society, guaranteeing that everyone is afforded the opportunity to lead productive and happy lives as well as reducing inequality in access to education, health, employment, income and justice.
Following the resignation of Joseph Harmon from the post last month, there is currently no Opposition Leader and there is uncertainty over the APNU/AFC coalition’s plans to appoint one.
People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Leader, Aubrey Norton, had indicated that the party’s Central Executive wants him to take up the role of Opposition Leader. The PNC is the largest party in the APNU fraction of the coalition Opposition.
Since then, Norton has also taken up the position as Chairman of the APNU after his predecessor, former President David Granger, resigned.
While Harmon was initially adamant about remaining Opposition Leader, he eventually stepped down from the post but did not resign as a Member of Parliament.
However, earlier this month, Opposition MP Dr Nicolette Henry indicated during the 2022 Budget Debates that it was her last presentation in the National Assembly, leading to the assumption that she was making way for Norton to become a parliamentarian in order to take up the role.
But no move has been made in this direction by the Opposition.
Nevertheless, both Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips have indicated that President Ali will meet with the new Opposition Leader whenever that post if filled.
“We are ready to work with whoever is appointed or elected Leader of the Opposition in the interest of Guyana…what we ask in return is for the new Leader of the Opposition to accept the legitimacy of our Government. This is a Government that was elected by the people of Guyana,” PM Phillips had stated during his contribution to the Budget Debates earlier this month.
