Jagdeo willing to give talks with Granger “a fair shot”

Though he is skeptical that long-awaited joint political talks will materialize, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo says he is willing to give the initiative a fair shot in the name of national interest.

Jagdeo and President David Granger agreed to engage in dialogue when they met at State House several days ago to discuss constitutional appointments.

But the pair did not agree on a follow-up mechanism to ensure the conversation actually happens.

Jagdeo explained that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), is currently in campaign mode for the Local Government Elections in November and that Granger’s party, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), is gearing up for Congress in August. They too will be subsequently focused on Local Government Elections.

It is assumed that talks will take place later this year after the events would have concluded. Jagdeo told reporters at a news conference Wednesday that he is concerned that the talks may not happen, however, he remains hopeful.

“We will give it a fair shot, we will give it a fair shot,” he repeated.

He made it clear, however, that engaging in dialogue with the Government does not mean that the PPP will stop criticizing the administration.

“We can’t be muzzled by talks,” he posited.

President Granger had proposed that the duo have constructive discussions on issues in relation to crime and security, oil and gas, and the environment. Jagdeo said when the time is right, he will make some proposals for discussions on other matters of interest to him and his constituents.

Previous attempts to initiate talks with the opposition have been dormant over the past three years as Jagdeo refused to engage Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who was put to lead the activity.

But the Opposition Leader believes Nagamootoo is a lightweight and that President Granger’s decision to take over validates his opinion.