| By Zena HenryThe Guyana National Council on Public Policy (GNCPP)’s latest television discussion under the theme “Guyana Human Security and Insecurity”, as well as “Civil Society’s Initiatives to promote Poverty Alleviation,” prompted lengthy discussions on the pervasiveness of “fear” in Guyanese society, and modern-day social culture.The panelists and host Allan Fenty (far right) during the recent programme.Both panelists and studio-audiences listed the imposition of fear by executive authorities, whether subtly, openly or by way of sanctions – or the threat of sanctions – available. It was related during intense debate, that, “from public servant to single-parent to aspiring contractor; there exists anxiety, stress and outright fear of rejection or discrimination.”This issue of “fear” at various societal levels has threatened to dominate civil society, participants of the awareness programme agreed. It was noted however, “that the role of Civil Society including the GNCPP itself must include the challenge to such a national malady.”Moderated by talk show host and media veteran, Allan Fenty, the hour-long presentation, that is now being aired on several television channels, is the sixth Civil Society Education-and-Awareness programme launched by the Guyana National Council on Public Policy (GNCPP). It is also the second interactive televised panel-and-audience session to explore rights issues under the Human Security and Insecurity theme initiated by the United Nations (UN) in its 1994 Human Development Report.The GNCPP is a non-Governmental Rights and Policy-oriented Group with the background, credentials,Cheap Wholesale Jerseys, and long-term programme which also positions it to become a ‘Think Tank’ of largely political Guyanese patriots committed to representing Guyanese in terms of their constitutional rights, roles and responsibilities.Led by Guyanese International Corporate Lawyer and Civil Society mobiliser, Dr. Philip H. Mozart Thomas, the GNCPP is structured to mirror key governmental/cabinet departments but is also dedicated, “to mobilizing Guyana’s Civil Society Non-Governmental Organizations to continuously pursue their own agendas in a manner that all Guyanese would experience economic liberation and social justice through fair and equal opportunity.”“Recognizing that some local Civil Society Groups have been lethargic or ineffective because of their competing loyalties and compromised status,” the GNCPP has proposed a mid-year National Civil Society Conference to assist in defining the NGO’s overall roles and responsibilities and a collective defensive and developmental posture that is in keeping with Article 13 of the Constitution of Guyana. That provision, it was noted, speaks of inclusionary democracy.The GNCPP also highlighted a welcomed development in neighbouring Paramaribo, and suggested such an approach for Guyanese authorities.“The GNCPP is now more energized to persuade the local political system to recognize and respect Civil Society’s constitutional role. (A Suriname Civil NGO – the Climate Change Expert Group (CCEG) has just presented the country’s Parliament with draft legislation which addresses urgently the need for Suriname to adopt Climate Change/Environmental laws and policies. Parliamentarians there have welcomed the citizens’ Initiatives.)”Panelists currently on board the GNCPP awareness forum are Magda Pollard, Shibaki Fernandes, Orette Cutting, Patricia Bhojdatt, Norris Witter and Dr. Philip M. H. Thomas. Another such discussion in the education and awareness series is planned for month end, and within that time the GNCPP plans to open its new Georgetown headquarters. |
