Dear Editor,
The Private Sector Commission should not be involved in these elections except as an observer. The PSC should not be helping and providing logistical support to the police during elections. The PSC should stay out and keep out, plain and simple.
Now, I am not stating here that the PSC will be up to no good but in this political climate in Guyana of rampant suspicion, fragile democracy, relentless paranoia, fairness, integrity and transparency and the studious appearance of it trump good intentions, particularly when they come from a source that many regard with cynicism.
The PSC has not been the model of independence, fairness and impartiality. Accusations of pro-PPP bias and proclivity have hounded the PSC in recent times. Nor does the PSC or rather elements within it possess moral integrity and untouchability in the eyes of the Guyanese public. After all, this is a country where money-laundering has boundless freedom. History does not favour the PSC’s active participation in an electoral process that demands spotlessness in these crucial times.
Allegations of some in the private sector being involved in funding phantom squads and renegade criminal gangs still continue to resonate.
To marry the PSC with the police force not only opens festering wounds but plants a sense of unease.
Policemen should not be chauffeured in the vehicles of private business individuals on Election Day. It tarnishes the independence of the police force during the electoral process and eliminates the little trust the voting public had in the police to begin with. There are 2000 polling stations in election 2011. The armed personnel were enough in 2006, our most peaceful elections. They are more than sufficient now in 2011. They have more vehicles now in 2011 than in 2006. Their logistical position is better now in 2011 than in 2006. They acquitted themselves creditably in 2006.
There is no evidence 2011 would be different. We had a peaceful election in 2006. We have had a peaceful campaign in 2011 and all indications point to a peaceful poll on November 28.
I can’t recall any party asking for this kind of help or specifically asking the PSC for this assistance. It is not needed and should not be used. Sorry PSC but no thanks. Keep your assistance to yourselves.
Why is the PSC ‘forcing’ itself into the election process when all indicators show the PSC is not needed?
The PSC will be providing transportation and other assistance and resources to the police. Who are these businesses offering transportation and in which districts will this transportation be offered? What exactly are the other resources the PSC will be offering the police apart from transportation? Will the PSC be feeding the police force? Will there be a stipend for their work? Any way you slice this, the PSC’s role here raises more questions than answers.
The opposition parties should ensure the PSC stays away from the polls and from the police. There is no fervent and urgent need or propitious circumstance that warrants their involvement except as an observer.
Finally, first a water cannon and now the PSC and the police working hand in hand in what is supposed to be another peaceful election – could somebody please tell me what is really going on?
Yours faithfully,
M Maxwell