Dear Editor,
The PPP has rightly and loudly proclaimed that with their victory in the 1992 elections, democracy was restored to Guyana. 2009 marks the 17th year since “democracy” was returned to the people, but with great powers come great responsibility. In a true participatory democracy the exchange of ideas and constructive criticism are encouraged and welcomed, but this government sees every form of question or criticism as a challenge to its grip on power.
It appears that the Minister of Home Affairs now has a new portfolio as Minister of Letters to the editors of Kaieteur and Stabroek News, news organizations he has derisively termed the “opposition media” in his most recent missive that they graciously printed. This is the same minister who hasn’t mustered the courage to brief the nation on more pressing matters, such as allegations of torture, theft, murder for hire, the status of the investigation into a missing ten-year-old boy and an endless list of wrongdoing by members of the GPF that has tarnished its reputation, and have citizens living in fear of those who are sworn to serve and protect them.
While the good minister is now filling his new role of media critic, it would be nice for him to answer the following questions on behalf of enquiring Guyanese:
After careful and honest assessment can he cite two or three specific examples of errors that transpired under the Ministry of Home Affairs in the past five years? Same question for the Ministries of Agriculture, Finance, works and education. What is being done to deal with the slothful bureaucracy combined with corruption that has seen justice delivered at snail’s pace or not at all? Justice delayed is justice denied. Further, will the nation ever see the army return to its traditional role of protectors of the territorial integrity of Guyana versus that of a poorly supervised law enforcement agency without a clearly defined mission?
While credit must be given to the President for having Guyana identified as Heavily Indebted Poor Country and working energetically to have the nation’s debt burden eliminated or significantly reduced, can he have the Minister inform the nation of what the national debt currently stands at and how much has been borrowed since Guyana’s debt was reduced? It appears that the President has become such an expert at begging with cup in hand that Iran is next on the tour. The national mindset is that India built the cricket stadium, the Brazilians built the Takutu Bridge, Uncle Sam built a health clinic, “we need steady light so somebody else can help we.”
This is where the AFC comes in. No person or country gets something in exchange for nothing. The development of Guyana rests with all Guyanese working hard together to honestly achieve what is best for the nation. No country will build a road, a bridge, a dam, a deep water port without getting something greater in return. Trade and development are important and necessary but development must not come at the price of compromising your morals or territorial integrity. The AFC must sign a compact with each Guyanese to get them and their country off their knees and off of the list of corrupt countries and take pride in building their nation. Promise, and then deliver a country where justice is no longer delayed and denied, and provide an atmosphere where each person can reach his full potential. Look each constituent in the eye and tell them they see them as Guyanese first and that merit and qualification will trump race. Promise that there will be no Minister of Letters, their government will handle criticism even when it’s not constructive.
Yours faithfully,
Nigel Jason
