Guyana: Dr Irfaan Ali assures, “Civil society’s involvement is key objective to development”

Guyana: Dr Irfaan Ali assured members of the Civil Society Forum (CSF) that civil society’s involvement is key objective to Guyana’s development.

During a discussion today at the Office of the President, the Head of State noted that the role of civil society has now evolved. As a result, there is more involvement in discussions regarding national advancement. In addition to this was the important role of civil society in advancing ‘One Guyana’.

The President also emphasised the importance of dialogues and discussions being a “two-way street”.

The Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall and the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, who was also at the meeting, affirmed that consultation with civil society organisations is an important step not only in the legislative process but with regards to fostering inclusion and participation.

Good consultative relationships, they stressed, will augur well for national development.

Minister Nandlall also pointed to several key legislations that will require civil society organisations’ input, including the constitution reform process.

Members of the CSF expressed gratitude for the dialogue and assured that they were willing to engage moving forward.

CSF is a coalition of organisations, including Electoral Reform Guyana (ERG), Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Heal Guyana, Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO), and the Roman Catholic Church and Transparency Institute Guyana Inc.

CSF representatives present at today’s discussions included Sharon Lalljee-Richard, Lawrence Latchmansingh, Bishop Francis Alleyne, Vanessa Williams, Ronald McGarrell and Maulana Tasdeeq Aabidi.