Dear Editor,
Please permit these few words in reference to two distinct sentiments made in the public domain recently.
In one, a well-known journalist in Queens, NY said that there has been gross misrepresentation by a well-known columnist in Guyana, as to what an “elected dictatorship” meant as described by the CNN personality who popularized the phrase.
The journalist made his corrections, one of which was that a little dose of dictatorship is often necessary before systemic democracy can exist.
I do recall, not long ago, when asked about anti-Indian violence by PNC supporters, a senior PNC leader saying: “We have had some unfortunate incidents but I don’t know that social development is ever without price. Whilst I do not look forward to paying a high price the fact is in the long term these things add up to the general good of the society” (SN, August 2002.)
Of course, the senior PNC leader only said this because he and his supporters were safe from these “unfortunate events.”
This brings me to one little question now that we are again faced with this old utilitarian trick played by those riding high in a saddle; that for Mr. Napoleon to get past Waterloo, it is necessary that 1,000 soldiers die. When will Mr. Napoleon dismount from his great height, let the 1,000 soldiers pass Waterloo, and live for a change? My second comment refers to this sentiment that Guyana is on the move. This brings me to my next little question: in what direction is this great Salt March? I do recall, not long ago, PPP writers in the likes of Mr. Prem Misir and Mr. Robert Persaud, providing statistics and citations, none of which saved lives on the ground, to justify the party’s view that the criminal disobedience witnessed was nothing unusual. Such misinformation was a meticulous meddling with fate, for it left both people and place, in some cases separated only by burnt tires, bramble, and makeshift zinc fences, one step closer to communal strife. To those marching out to sea, think well upon what I write; the tide rose once but receded. It may not do so again. Be sure that instead of salt, this Great March does not lead to more mud.
Yours faithfully,
Rakesh Rampertab
