Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Joseph Harmon, has recently been executing an appealing strategy. Within the past two weeks, himself and Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, Member of Parliament and Leader of the Alliance For Change met with United States (U.S) Ambassador, Sarah- Ann Lynch. Based on the media release by the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change coalition that meeting sought to express the opposition’s concern to the U.S government about governance in Guyana and requested to be apprised of any change in U.S Policy towards Guyana.
Earlier in the week, Mr. Harmon communicated that he had requested a meeting with President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, to address matters about oil production and flaring. Since then Mr. Routledge has responded and this meeting is to be held today, Thursday. It is expected, as was done after the meeting with Ambassador Lynch, Mr. Harmon will communicate what matters were discussed with Mr. Routledge and decisions taken, if any.
These recent meetings of Mr. Harmon are not only new but newsworthy. Such interactions with international business operating in Guyana, and foreign countries that share diplomatic relations with Guyana, are suggesting Mr. Harmon has taken a decision he will not depend on any engagement with President Ali to discuss issues of national interest. They also suggest the apparent wait-and-see attitude to meet the President is no longer a deciding factor in carrying out some constitutional duties as Leader of the Opposition.
As Leader of the Opposition Mr. Harmon has a very influential position. According to the Constitution he is the second most powerful political figure in Guyana. It is for him to assert the power of the office and act in accordance with. The only person that could render the Leader of the Opposition ineffective and make the position look weak and be unsuccessful is the holder of the office. Guyanese have had the benefit of observing the performance of previous Opposition Leaders and Mr. Harmon should be aware that he will be judged by that standard.
He may not be a Cheddi Jagan, Desmond Hoyte, Robert Corbin and others, but he could surely benefit from their politics, experiences in dealing with issues of concern to their supporters and defending Guyana national interest. Obviously, Mr. Harmon may want to cultivate his own unique style. That style cannot ignore prevailing political conditions and attitude of the government in managing Guyana and treatment of coalition supporters.
An opposition is a government in waiting. A government in waiting must act in a manner that would influence the electorate to see them as the better alternative. Demonstrations of this ability include, but are not limited to, opposing when necessary, proposing when there is a better alternative or forcing an agenda, and supporting the incumbent when necessary. This is the political reality Mr. Harmon has to navigate, along with recognition that he is functioning in a society where supporters prefer militant not passive aggressive leadership.
