Oh dear, here I go breaking and breaching my own self-imposed rule: “try not to join in offering comments on current robust issues and controversies which are attracting the daily attention of those much more analytical, erudite and intellectual than I can ever hope to be, or become”.
However, one aspect of the government’s response to criticisms over the President’s recent “visit” to Buxton, East Coast, Demerara, irritated the old-time propagandist in me. Even though the PPP General Secretary essayed to remind interested or uninformed citizens of the aspect, the response was soft, allowing the “opposers” to triumphantly bludgeon their collective perspective and lopsided version into the minds of the innocent, indifferent audiences.
So, I’m also intruding into the discussion to repeat my disgust over cosmetic local democracy and the non implementation of constitutional recommendations. Unfortunately, I suspect that my perspective(s) will upset, perhaps outrage, a few Buxtonians, Pan-Africanists, African Rights Activists and good old PNC faithful. Here goes.
Origins, background, my views
On a personal level, I have vicarious connections with four East Coast Demerara villages – Ann’s Grove, Cove-and-John, Plaisance and Buxton, in that “order”, even though I’m a Georgetown –born and bred fellow.
Childhood visits and vacations, relatives, research and “lady-friends” constitute the connections which might be too trivial or unnecessary to detail here. Suffice to record for today’s offering – I am quite aware o f Buxton’s History, personalities and contributions to Guyana. From its masters and maestros of achievement to its mangoes, that community has stamped its socio-political – cultural imprint on Guyana’s national identity. (The pride, even egos, of Buxtonians can be surpassed only by “Berbi-cians”?)
In the mid-seventies, I interviewed, on site, teacher George Younge, Eusi Kwayana and others for a piece I was encouraged to write, regarding how Governor Francis Hincks’ train stopped to facilitate his meeting with Buxton-Friendship villagers, including a few pregnant ladies. I used to work with then Archivist Hugh “Tommy” Payne and I know other proud Buxtonians like the Parrises, the Persauds, et al.
All the relationships however, cannot prevent me from recording these views, most based on solid, evidentiary facts: 1) after the 2002 jailbreak murderous bandits did hole up in Buxton 2) the killers carried out numerous fatal robberies, expanded their gang and base, occupying safe homes provided by Buxtonians, either by force and fear – or voluntarily 3) one headmistress told me during Buxton’s tainted occupation by the criminals, of some of her young female students’ travails at the hands and homes of the brigands and of female parents’ complicity with the crooks 4) then Minister Gajraj confided in me his frustration at the alleged connivance between a few key policemen and soldiers and the bandits go-betweens. (“Fenty, as soon as the TSU party leaves Eve Leary, the Buxton Gang is informed; Fenty, one GDF Officer who led a Joint Services raid found that one ring-leader thwarting access to inner Buxton was his brother-in-law!”)
(5) After Shaka Blair was killed by police, a handbill “Shaka lives” was a communication clarion-call to arms and reprisals which can all be listed, even today (6) Some foreigners and so-called Phantom-Gang raiders did attempt to confront the Buxton-based Bandits, but failed miserably (7) A young policeman friend of mine (Ronald) was gunned down in Buxton just for being a cop (visiting his girlfriend) (8) alleged informers had their Buxton homes burnt and relatives killed. Need I go on?
Proud Buxton became “a state within a state” with all commerce and utilities shunned, a bandit garrison which attracted a real military garrison! This is not the time or space to analyse what the GDF Garrison experienced – or caused – there, then; nor should I mention the politicians’ roles played out in the village, even as youngsters traded guns for school books.
So let not facts be manipulated to merely chastise the PPP and the Government. Even though contrary to some opinions, I’m no fan of the PPP or its administration. But who dare (s) deny what Buxton became. It was right to clear the backlands in the interest of security even if the government could be faulted for “compensation” and not subsidizing opposition or village based economic projects.
Village democracy stifled, stagnated
In denouncing the style (and/or perceived motives) of the President’s visit to the historic community, opponents and detractors should consider two issues: Election Campaign or no electioneering, any funding now being offered to Buxton – to its NDC or genuine Development Committee(s) – is the nation’s (taxpayers’) money; that includes me, you and Buxton taxpayers. Take the money, other offers – and ask for more! (No “voting” comes in here!)
Secondly, Victoria, Belladrum, Anns Grove, Dochfour, Hope, Wis-mar, Crane, Vauxhall, Dartmouth, Lusignan, Wismar, Sophia and another one hundred villages all need visits, outreaches and urgent assistance. Why? Consistent neglect and mismanagement. Along with the perennial, fundamental failure of our regional system and its so-called “Local Democracy”.
Recall that, beginning last July, I’ve been directing attention to the farcical nature of the non-operationalising of all the fine provisions of our constitution with respect to local government. I quoted Articles 71 and 75 which define what should be. Like “Parliament shall provide that Local Democratic Organs shall be autonomous and take decisions which are binding upon their agencies and institutions, and upon the “communities and citizens of their areas”. Ha!? Can’t happen! Money comes from Central Government – from time to time. Which region attracts how much – and why? Certainly no self-evident “truths” here …
President has just reminded the villagers of Bath Settlement (WCB) of the nexus between national success, national development – and village problems – and “village economies”, the latter a sub-theme of Amerindian Heritage Month observances.
The point of all the above? Whatever the ethnicity of the community; whatever the “politics” of the village, national funding is a democratic economic right for all. Now you tell me of the discrimination, the favouritism and corruption which attend these decisions. Tell me too, how funding and human capacity could be guaranteed before, during and after national elections.
Believe these?
*1) Suriname’s President Bouterse is to be with us. Both Government and (leading) opposition.
*2) Senior Member of the PPP, Ralph Ramkarran is “not aware of the government as it relates to the placement of advertisements”. This senior Party functionary needs to inform himself. Right?
*3) “I love Leguan, Wakenaam, Mocha-Arcadia – beautiful romantic under-developed homelands to which I send remittances – from abroad…”
*4) That American sound and accent! Hear the radio/tv ads; the deejay in demand. The American sound sells?
*5) You can guess what type of (light) election Campaign we’re in for when CN Sharma’s talk-show colleague compares CN with Gandhi and Mandela!! Brace yourselves!
*6) Speaking of Suriname’s Bouterse, one Sunday newspaper advertises “Spiritual work done in Suriname” and “Suriname High Djuka … healing …”
`Til next week!
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