By Mark DaCosta- Tensions are rising nationwide over the Central Government’s blatant sidelining of local democracy, highlighted by President Irfaan Ali’s recent announcement of a ‘City Revival Plan’ for Georgetown while bypassing the constitutional authority of the Mayor and City Council. Union leader Lincoln Lewis delivers a stark warning that the people demand more than empty words; their constitutional right to engagement in decision making that impacts their well-being must be respected. He insists the President must take real, decisive action that honors the Constitution and serves every Guyanese fairly. After all, the President’s salary comes from the pockets of all citizens, and with it comes an undeniable obligation to act in their best interest.
In his September 7th address at his second swearing-in, President Ali made lofty declarations that echoed the sentiments of various political factions and civil society. While imitation may be flattering, it falls short for the citizens of our nation, who demand authentic leadership and tangible results. “Attribution is not the issue; action is,” Lewis stresses, highlighting the gap between promises and actual governance.
Article 13 of the Constitution explicitly details the responsibility of the State to foster an inclusive democracy, ensuring significant chances for citizens and their organisations to engage in governance. It is a constitutional mandate, not a choice for the ruling party.
Lewis holds that citizens must hold both the Government and the Opposition accountable to uphold the constitutional obligation to promote inclusive governance. Those who exploit the concept of inclusionary democracy only when convenient reflect a grave misunderstanding of their duties and demonstrate a disconcerting indifference to the rights of all citizens.
The situation in Georgetown is of urgent significance, and the need for a collaborative effort with local democratic institutions has never been more pronounced. Historical patterns reveal a troubling tendency by the central government to strip local entities of their resources and authority, thereby undermining their ability to effectively govern.
Lewis notes, “Any plan to revitalise Georgetown must involve City Hall,” reiterating the absolute necessity of adhering to legal structures. “The functioning of local democracy and citizen participation must be respected,” he asserts, denouncing efforts that prioritise central governance over constitutional rights.
Supporters of the President must also remember the critical role of constitutional principles in nation-building. If the commitment to unity under the motto “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” is genuine, they must not hesitate to challenge actions that contradict this vision, the veteran trade unionist contends. He argues that the fight for self-governance and the right to vote by workers and communities must not be undermined by central actions disguised as development.
The Constitution is clear: Article 75 mandates the autonomy of local democratic bodies to make binding decisions, thereby empowering communities to manage development and governance transparently.
As Lewis points out, local governance transcends sporadic elections and routine meetings; it embodies a commitment to community management, revenue generation, and accountability to the populace. The legitimacy of local government derives from our Constitution, and any violation of this core principle is unacceptable.
Articles 76 and 77 clearly outline the responsibilities of regional democratically elected councils, including their authority to raise and allocate funds for community welfare. These constitutional provisions should serve as the foundation for governance; however, they face challenges in a system that increasingly favours centralised control at the expense of local autonomy. Lewis underscores that “development that comes at the expense of constitutional rights is not development. It is overreaching. It is contempt.”
He further observes that while Guyanese support progress, they reject any guise of advancement that undermines their democratic rights. The President’s decisions must be guided not by political convenience but by constitutional mandates. Lewis concludes with a powerful reminder: “That document is not a suggestion. It is supreme law.” Upholding and empowering local governance remains essential to the democratic principles and social justice that define the nation’s aspirations.
The outcome rests upon the willingness of the populace to demand accountability and assert their constitutional rights. As discussions about the direction of governance continue, the significance of keeping our local institutions robust and operational cannot be overstated. In unity and vigilance, we must ensure that the lofty promises translate into real, grounded progress for all citizens of our beloved nation.
