Dear Editor,
These politicians have no stated vision or objective, no viable plan or direction. In a previous letter, just after the 2006 elections, I suggested that the politicians from all parties needed to sit down and decide on specific objectives and timetables to move Guyana forward. All this should be embodied in a new constitution and each succeeding government must be judged on their ability at advancing these objectives.
The PPP government, for the second time has failed to take advantage of the goodwill, the so-called olive branch, extended to them by the supporters of the opposition and the masses in general. The PPP enjoyed a calm and smooth transition of power in 1992 but long before the end of the first term it was squandered away by their unimaginative policies and witch hunting.
The period spanning 1992 to 2006 was witness to the worst crimes in Guyana’s history. Then came the calm after the 2006 elections. The PPP failed again to grasp the olive branch and are now confronted with two gruesome massacres and a population in absolute fear.
The PPP has now become famous for presiding over the bloodiest periods in Guyana’s history – pre 1964 and post 1992- but instead of PPP supporters forcing their party to make amends to solve the problems there are suggestions to ask Canada for asylum and refugee status.
I have serious questions about the purpose of the AFC. When two of Guyana’s supposedly brilliant and untainted young minds decided to come together to form the Alliance For Change I was elated at the prospect a new and different direction would have for my country. Later I became angry because I did not think they worked as hard as they could in ideal circumstances and when they had the momentum, to ensure a better showing at the last elections. A better showing would have limited the totalitarianism of the PPP in parliament.
For me change means a new direction, re-inventing oneself, destroying the old apparel and putting together a new outfit. It should not be about pouring the same old wine into new caskets. Every time the leader of the AFC gives his views I ask myself, “What is the purpose of the AFC?” What differences does the AFC make if the leadership feels deep down in its soul that the party cannot win an election in Guyana?
What am I to understand from this passage in an article in your Friday edition: “AFC Leader Raphael Trotman says a collective constitutional response is needed to resolve Guyana’s current security problems and mechanisms such as UN involvement and the devolution of power must be considered. Noting that democratic institutions do not always work where there are social cleavages, Trotman said some have recommended devolution along territorial lines such as federalism, power sharing or shared governance and inclusive democracy”. Didn’t Mr. Trotman know this before he formed his party? How much more leverage does being in parliament give towards inclusive democracy?
The AFC can enforce no change for Guyana if they share the same ideology as the Government, neither can they win elections by sitting in parliament and making philosophical statements. The AFC should be out campaigning right now. Let the people lay their troubles on your shoulders. Lend an ear of support, be a voice of reason and put forward a vision of hope and action so that you can get their vote. The country is now ripe with opportunities for this party yet they sit back and are leisurely asking for shared governance.
Even though the PPP and Government have experienced failure and more failure and have lost the ability to effectively say, “We run things”, the government continues with its highhandedness. The PPP must realize that they cannot take Guyana forward in isolation. They do not have all the answers and they do not have all the resources. I have been championing this cause for a long time now – they need the Moses Bhagwan approach. Sitting on a high horse and sticking to not talking to the “enemy” would not work.
The PPP has flouted approaches from two major sources of local help in the fight against crime – Robert Corbin and Oliver Hinckson. The article, “Gangs benefiting from ex-servicemen -Luncheon” in SN made me realize something – 20,000 “dispossessed, disenfranchised and disillusioned” ex-servicemen/soldiers in Guyana.
In a small Guyanese population, who in their right mind would want to be on the wrong side of this menacing talent? If one is to consider that the soldiers of today may not have had the superior training of old and assuming, as Dr Luncheon is, that the ex-soldiers have a hand in Guyana’s present problems then if one is to use the present strategy of the government – kill all the criminals and the problem will go away – there are quite a lot of killings to execute. Why arrest and question Hinckson? Chances are he is more qualified and experienced than the investigating officers. I doubt their ability to get information from him. Mr. Hinckson would do better fighting crime not being treated as a criminal. I would want a man of Hinckson’s ability in my corner.
In terms of intelligence gathering there is Robert Corbin. I do not think he is ideal as leader of the PNC but he will be great at carrying out the function of a Home Affairs Minister. Mr. Rohee has not demonstrated that he has the experience or know-how to compete with Mr. Corbin. Do I have to remind persons of his effectiveness as Minister of National Development? At this time when the technique of mass intelligence gathering and organization is necessary to curb the crime situation Mr. Corbin’s service will be invaluable.
An even greater challenge for the PPP and local Guyanese is to accept that there are qualified Guyanese in the Diaspora with the experience, skill, finances and the will to move Guyana forward. Foreign Guyanese are frustrated by the silly notions of not remaining home for the struggle and their treatment as outcasts. In reality the persons who are adopting this negative reasoning are favoring their own inadequacies and self-preservation instead of their patriotism.
But the good news is that there is room for everyone. Foreign Guyanese input should not be seen as replacing anyone. Instead it should be seen as being complementary. Working in ignorance and without the required qualifications, exper-ience and tools is similar to going around in circles.
There is a significance to be attached to many Guyanese leaving to pursue betterment and opportunities, which is similar to the biblical story of Joseph who was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Foreign Guyanese are now in a position to take care of the ailing brothers and sisters back home.. At the same time contributions from foreign Guyanese should not be thwarted by the anti-social remarks from siblings back home. Your assistance and input are needed. Give regardless; get involved in spite of their negativity. I appreciate the feeling of being unwanted but let’s face facts. Some persons back home simply do not realize your worth.
The PPP must appreciate that close to 50% of the population is against their policies. Added to that at least 50% of their followers are disenchanted and are on the verge of getting out. That means the PPP has a major problem.. They are in a dilemma. The PPP must introduce a uniting factor. For the sake of Guyana’s prosperity they must dismount from the high horse. Fear not to negotiate even at the expense of being seen as negotiating from fear.
Yours faithfully,
F. Skinner
