GTUC presses Government and Opposition to engage civil society groups

In a statement, the GTUC said it looks forward for broadening of the national conversation with the involvement of civil society, adding that "It is time to meet with civil society, the representatives of the people whose lives are to be directly affected by what is happening. They have concerns. Society must be included”.

GTUC presses Government and Opposition to engage civil society groups

Given the recent political developments which could see early General and Regional Elections, the Guyana Trades Union Congress believes that it is imperative for the government and the opposition to meaningfully engage civil society groups if the concerns of citizens are to be addressed.

In a statement, the GTUC said it looks forward for broadening of the national conversation with the involvement of civil society, adding that “It is time to meet with civil society, the representatives of the people whose lives are to be directly affected by what is happening. They have concerns. Society must be included”.

The Union called for respect of the Constitution, particularly Article 13 which outlines the Principal Political Objective of the State that mandates an inclusionary democracy.

Meanwhile, the GTUC lauded the efforts of the government and opposition to meet and hammer out issues related to the recent passage of a no-confidence motion in the National Assembly.

With the possibility of early general elections, the two sides met on Wednesday to discuss several critical issues, including the functioning of the government and the legislature, and the preparedness of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

This engagement was facilitated even while the government has filed legal actions in the courts, challenging the outcome of the no-confidence vote.

“It is encouraging that they are engaging even as they await the court’s deliberation on matters brought before it on the confidence vote. Both Opposition and Government have a responsibility to ensure the day-to-day administration of the State where peace and order prevail and the governmental functions are executed” GTUC wrote.

The Union said too that the meeting between the two main political bloc was “a step in the right direction” since it opened the door for continued dialogue, and presented an opportunity to demonstrate political maturity.

It further stated that both sides have an opportunity to break the path which leads to conflict instead of working for the common good.

“They have an opportunity to go down in history to a peaceful process and resolution of our difference; down to the interpretation of the confidence vote. They have the opportunity to demonstrate to their supporters, the people of Guyana, and the world that we can change the course of history of unnecessary confrontation and conflict…” the Union shared in its statement.

 

 

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