– UN Resident Coordinator, Mikiko Tanaka says
The electoral crisis has intensified social divisions and has shattered confidence in Guyana’s political and institutional systems. However, if the country – divided into two with its political views — is to move on in a progressive direction, its leaders must put aside selfish political gains and put its people first.
This is the opinion of United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Guyana, Mikiko Tanaka who shared her views on Parliamentary decision-making in Guyana on the 75th Anniversary of UN Day observed on October 24, 2020.
“When the margin between the government and opposition is one or two seats, parliamentary decision-making should entail consensus-building and compromise to be inclusive of all Guyanese citizens. Parliamentary oversight should go beyond opposing and defending, and genuinely serve to improve accountability and performance of the public sector in the interest of every citizen. Parliament would not be viable if no-confidence motions and judicial actions become political instruments,” Tanaka said.
There is much ongoing debate about the Guyana’s political and judicial matters which currently surround the tug of war between the two major political parties, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic and the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC).
Tanaka said that Guyana, in its favorable position of becoming a new oil producing nation, has the potential to reshape its economy, society and governance, but those at its helm must first be willing to do so.
“It would take the full participation and collaboration of government and state institutions, private sector, civil society and citizens to make this transformation,” she began, adding:
“The last two years have exposed fundamental issues in citizen participation and representation. Protecting the integrity of elections and ballots is critical, but the ability of citizens to participate in public policies and decision-making in between elections is also important.”
She pinpointed Parliament as the supreme institution of citizen representation and noted regional and local governments as able to bring decision-making closer to citizens. The UN Resident Coordinator underscored that public services are accountable to citizens who have the right to access education, health care, social protection, police services and more.
Tanaka also noted that there must be consistency and integrity throughout the public sector; all persons should have equal opportunities to decent jobs in Guyana; doing business for locals should see the fair provision of opportunities; there must be no sexual harassment, power abuse and discriminatory practices; and there must be professionalism and quality of standards across board.
She reminded that the UN will continue to work with Guyana to ensure that it overcomes these hurdles and achieves the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“In UN75 conversations in Guyana, young people wanted to contribute to national development and be part of shaping a future that is equal, just and in balance with nature, free of violence and discrimination, with equal access to services, opportunities and jobs and where people respect and understand each other in dialogue. The Preamble of the UN Charter still resonates 75 years later. The work is hard and far from over but worthwhile for a better world,” she said.
