Dear Editor,
Because the Mayor and City Council has often been at the receiving end of the hubris of Minister of Works and Transport, Mr Robeson Benn and added to the concerns expressed by some of my colleagues that I am always attacking the government, I opted to make no public statement on the air traffic controllers’ tribulation.
However, after reading the well-written letter in sections of the media by Lurlene Nestor (‘Minister Benn mishandled the air traffic controllers’ strike,’ SN 9.2.09), I feel compelled to break my silence. It is heartening to note the existence of intelligent and courageous citizens willing to bring to the fore serious matters which hit at the core of what is clearly unacceptable behaviour by our leaders. The President must accept full responsibility for this ministerial bullyism. When I complained orally and in writing to our Head of State about the dictatorial behaviour of his minister, he mused that he was a good minister. What does such a response mean? What is the message? It is quite simple, for certain people, whether wrong or right, the minister is always correct. We the citizens must demand some form of action by our President to deal with unacceptable behaviour by a public figure who swore to uphold the constitution.
There are three recent examples concerning this Minister, which suggest a pattern of bullyism.
(1) He seized a money-earning municipal car park, which we had managed for over seventeen years. No consultation; no notice; no alternative; no compensation. There were inconveniences to stall holders, vendors and visitors to the Stabroek Market. His action was supported by the police.
(2) With heavy equipment, he stopped the erection of a monument at a spot where the General Secretary of the PPP and the Prime Minister had graced us with their presence one year before his sudden assault on the project at the very spot.
(3) Since the Mayor refuses to genuflect before the Minister, he seems to have determined that no much help will be forthcoming from his ministry.
There was not a murmur about the area identified being inappropriate, but only when work at great cost had started. Was the message, ‘Do nothing to bring glory or praise to the city council’? Out of respect for the Prime Minister who is his superior, he ought to have sought some explanation from him who by his presence we assumed, had endorsed the project at the spot one year before. An elder statesman back in 1953 said, “This confounded nonsense must stop.” I will not be silenced nor frightened by any mortal. Thank God for patriots such as Lurlene Nestor among many who tell the truth, and more important, speak up against the folly and arrogance now evident.
Yours faithfully,
Hamilton Green, JP
