Dear Editor,
I wish to compliment Mr. Ravi Dev MP for his incisive article in Kaieteur News. Sunday March 4, 2007 titled ‘Moving on’.
There are some assumptions given the fact of racial voting in Guyana that require further debate, for example the assumption that the existing electoral arrangements are sufficient to produce a truly democratic State.
Democracy of course is a rather chameleon word in circumstances where many of us, consumed by the Westminster model, believe that national elections, whether rigged or free or fair, or money driven, or commercialised can by itself produce the main ingredients of a truly democratic state.
Elitist sociologists, Gaetano Mosca and Robert Mitcheis, said there is always behind the democratic fa?e an oligarchy, (a form of governance) where real power and decision making are in the hands of a few. According to my former English master ‘few’ really meant no more than three. In our case, this may even be excessive.
Mosca and Mitcheis continued: “even though its members take turns at playing the key governing role, now obviously, in every organization, leaders initiate action and followers concur but the power relation between leaders and led are not on that account always the same”.
The many points made by Ravi Dev are important, however for me number six is crucial. He states that “Government structures should be severely decentralized and development should be community focused. At the central level, executive power must be shared to deal with the African Ethnic Security Dilemma”.
I understand what he says, but this is not as easy or simple as it sounds. Indeed, for effective governance it may not be feasible in our lifetime.
However, the first part which recommends “severe decentralization” is desirable, feasible and urgent and with the extant local Government, it can be applied immediately. It is here the Government may not be inclined to demonstrate the essence of true democracy.
Speaking with Guyanese across our divide, at home and abroad, I am satisfied beyond the shadow of a doubt that, just as I dream and hope for us to exist in a society totally free from racial fear, or religious prejudices based on our history so do they. Based on our history, this is easily achievable within a few years if not a few months. All that is necessary is the courage by all, starting from the top, to end injustice and all forms of corruption.
Yours faithfully,
Hamilton Green JP
