The PNCR is convinced that Guyana will not move forward unless a new system of governance is introduced. The party is however quick to note that the idea was not born from within its ranks but was an unequivocal recognition by civil society and a wide cross-section of people that Guyana needed a more inclusive form of governance.

This, the party maintains, would ensure that no section of society is alienated and the energies of all Guyanese could be harnessed and resources pooled for development.

In a wide-ranging interview with Stabroek News in New Amsterdam during a recent three-day visit to East Berbice, party leader Robert Corbin spoke about a new system of governance, local government elections, the crime situation, investment, differences with the ruling PPP/C and the May 6, 2003 Communique signed by him and President Bharrat Jagdeo, among other issues.

Corbin accompanied by a team of senior members, including chairman, Winston Murray, visited the region last week. Two Saturdays ago he toured the Port Mourant and New Amsterdam markets and later held a public meeting at the Port Mourant Market Square. On Friday he visited Williamsburg and on Sunday he met with residents on the East Bank and spoke at a youth forum in New Amsterdam.

"The National Development Strategy (NDS) Paper also recommended as a pre-condition to accelerate development the need to review the system of governance. So the PNCR did not invent the idea of a new system of governance but accepted it as a solid idea and the only way to break down divisions and move the country forward." This was his response when asked to comment on claims by the ruling PPP/C that his party was attempting to attain power through the back door by insisting on a new system of governance.

The PNCR, according to its leader, has no fears that it cannot win a fair election since it secured 42% of the votes at the last elections while the PPP/C continues to lose support because of its performance in government. "However, the model of governance we have used over the past 50 years has not helped to bring about cohesion and reconciliation but we have merely continued in a cycle of ethnic and political conflict. Instead of Guyana moving forward we have only been going around in circles," the politician/lawyer posits.

The party, he says, has not taken a dogmatic position on shared governance. "The PNCR, the PPP/C, the private sector and the Guyana Manufacturers' Association have all tabled proposals on shared governance. What we are saying is that we should all sit down at the table and try to find a solution and one common position with the NDS being the best starting point."

Corbin who has spent most of his life as a leading member of the party in and out of office is of the view that a culture of intolerance has affected the initiatives of business persons. "Private sector people are afraid to express opinions which may be seen as critical of the ruling party for fear of victimisation. A new system of governance will create an enabling environment where people feel they would not be left out and investment would come."

He agreed that there is need for political stability in order to attract foreign investment. "However investment will also come if you have rules which will apply to all and not just a few. Because of micro-management a lot of business persons have a lot of sad stories about attempting to invest in Guyana. It is partly because of political instability that we are advocating a new system of governance."

Corbin disagrees that there is a deadlock between the two parties over an electoral system for Local Government elections saying the deadlock is only in the minds of the PPP/C. "The PPP/C has refused to come to the table to discuss proposals for an electoral system submitted by the two parties. We had a delay of some two months after (Local Government) Minister Clinton Collymore said the Task Force had nothing to discuss. It was obvious then that the PPP/C was reluctant to move away from the old system."

According to the PNCR leader, "the diplomatic community had to stimulate some action after President Jagdeo was embarrassed at a meeting at his office. At that meeting which was attended by members of the diplomatic and international community, Corbin notes, the PNCR was accused of stalling the process.

"However after an intervention by Mr. Vincent Alexander, Minister Collymore admitted that he had our proposal but had not submitted it to President Jagdeo." Corbin is optimistic that the Joint Task Force which has resumed meetings will soon resolve the outstanding issues.

The PNCR leader also accused the ruling PPP/C government of abusing the state media. "Every time you turn on your television set you hear Guyana is 'Going Places' with gross misrepresentation of facts. One decision of the May 6, 2003 Communique was that there should be equitable time for parliamentary parties on state media. But this is not happening, instead the political party in government has been dominating the state television station."