– to initiate national conversation to curb problem
Bishop Juan Edghill
The ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) plans to launch a national conversation aimed at ironing out societal issues, with a keen focus on indiscipline. The party, on Monday, said this was necessary to curb the issue. The party said the conversation will seek to inspire all citizens to work towards eliminating indiscipline, which it believes is affecting Guyana’s social fabric.
Junior Finance Minister and PPP/C member Bishop Juan Edghill said there was need for a more active approach towards addressing the issue. Edghill said such an approach will need the support of all citizens from all communities countrywide.
“The PPP/C makes the call once again for all civic-minded Guyanese to play their part in ridding our communities from the culture of indiscipline affecting the social fabric of society,” he said.
Active involvement
The PPP/C member believes that there should be constant vigilance by all stakeholders of society.
The party, he said, is of the firm belief that the active involvement of the citizenry in the governance of their communities is integral in the fight against indiscipline.
The party said there has been a general tendency to disregard laws, customs, and norms in some quarters. It is of the view that the general population has a crucial role to play in supporting and adhering to laws.
“The PPP recognise that the challenge will be monumental, especially when consideration is given to the fact that senior members of society are the guilty party in encouraging and being complicit in disregarding the laws of our nation,” he added.
According to the party, leaders from all sections of society, inclusive of the religious community, must not only use the opportunity to build upon this and come up with suggestions on how Guyana can move forward, but they must also initiate campaigns, either at a school, in a community, in houses of worship and public areas, etc.
The party noted that it was an opportunity to break away from this culture of indiscipline.
Reckless
Alluding to the phenomenon of road rage, the PPP/C said: “Laws have been enacted that prohibit the use of cell-phones when driving, the use of helmets by motorcyclists when riding, and the use of seatbelts by all those in the front seats of any vehicle.”
The party said it has also noted that some in the opposition afflicted by petty and vindictive habits would publicly encourage anarchy in society, while claiming they are committed to law and order in society.
“There is the unfortunate tendency where some individuals would resort to the schools as an area for political competition by either blocking our children from accessing classrooms or encouraging the students to disregard classes and participate in unlawful protest action.”
The PPP/C said the Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) must be encouraged to take a more proactive role. Similarly, teachers who are accused of taking a lax approach in delivering on their mandate must be dealt with.
“We encourage the creation of student representative bodies within the schools, as our children must also be taken seriously and their concerns addressed as they have a major role to play as well, and it also helps to develop their leadership skills for the future.”
Against this background, the party said there must be greater partnerships forged within and outside of the education sector, in this case between the Education Ministry, the Guyana Teachers Union, teachers, PTAs and student representatives among others.
Similarly, in the health sector, the party said recipients of services must be empowered to be the watchdogs to ensure that quality and effectiveness services are delivered to the satisfaction of the public.
