Dear Editor,
After reading George Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’ I was moved to comment that Cuba is a typical example. Guyana was heading in that direction under the former regime and we now seem to be deep in under the present regime.
Though satirical in nature, it behooves every student of political science and every democratic thinking Guyanese to own a copy of this enlightening book. For it shows just what too much power can cause one to do and that many who claim to have the best interest of their colleagues at heart, many times are seeking their own aggrandisement at the expense of the masses. When Messrs. Burnham and Jagan fought for independence they put their all into it. But as soon as it was almost achieved they split. Why? One was a ‘smooth operator’ and the other a ‘vicious bulldog’ (all or nothing). This led to gradual impositions until we were like the animals on the farm.
Freedom of speech, association, press, control of the economy (by the masses) all went through the window. And whilst ‘nationalisation’ had its good points, nepotism reigned in every sphere of society; poor managers, party tickets, unqualified personnel and favouritism ruled the day.
Now we seem to be heading right back into the same position by a regime who pledged whilst in the wilderness to bring democracy to the people. The month’s salary is spent in about a fortnight and workers are worse off than before. Those who are better off seem to fall into the same category as those under the former regime.
The British overlords were put out and now it’s a local autocracy, square pegs in round holes, suppression of speech even though we have GHRA, AI etc.
Yours faithfully,
Amanda Murray
