Dear Editor,
Now that the Commission has issued its report, its denunciation of Desmond Trotman’s unapologetic support of Lindeners’ action shows an inadequate understanding of the facts.
On October 22, 2012, Desmond Trotman boldly defended the action of Lindeners in blocking the Wismar-Mackenzie bridge on July 18, 2012. Mr Trotman testifying before the Commission of Inquiry maintained that the blocking was intended to have the “ maximum impact” in registering the people’s discontent with the government treatment of Linden.
Both Commissioners Lensley Wolfe and K D Knight, eminent jurists from Jamaica, in their questioning indicated that a member of parliament ought not to take the stance he had. The emphasis on the conduct of Lindeners on the bridge has raised the ire of some Guyanese, particularly those who have witnessed the government’s unceasing neglect of these proud people.
According to Justice Wolfe, the head of the Commission, the terms of reference dictated an examination of both the actions of the people and the police on that infamous day.
The reprimand of Trotman and now the direct criticism of the organizers’ conduct evoke memories of Bustamante and Manley who marched for freedom for Jamaica, Butler and Williams for Trinidad and Tobago, and Jagan and Burnham for the then British Guiana.
They refused to accept what they reasonably thought was wrong and engaged in acts of civil disobedience. And Gandhi in India, Mandela in South Africa and Martin Luther King in the United States flouted laws to rid their countries of injustice. Law loses its usefulness when it is not informed by social conditions.
When the Commissioners heard and reviewed the evidence scant attention was given to the aspirations of the common people whose voices must be heard in moulding a just society. They regrettably overlooked the consistent use of legally prescribed means by Lindeners of all races for fair treatment from their government.
In no way should lawlessness be the norm of behaviour in Guyana. All will suffer as a result. But Guyanese seek law which respects everyone’s fundamental rights equally, and order which promotes their initiative, creativity and human dignity.
Yours faithfully,
Derrick Arjune
