-Our 2014 “Summer” has arrived
These brief notes on my lead subject are occasioned by both my involvement in and with a Non- Government, Civil Society Public Policy Group and two recent letters to the Press.
I’ll probably be bashed for claiming somewhat boldly, that it was the public emergence of “my” organization just over two years ago which increased the now popular usage that is “Civil Society Organisation (CSO).” Over the previous years we were accustomed to Non- Government Organisation – NGO. The difference is marginal but, depending on objectives structure and ideology could be significant. However, it is my happy contention that the concept and emergence of Civil Society has taken hold. For all sorts of reasons.
As I recently caused to be written elsewhere, I understand the older folks’ cynicism and difference when they hear current discourses surrounding the status, role and influence of this “new” civil society presence. For starters the definition of this component must be distinctive enough to illustrate some rigid “independent” adherence to and protection from the now much-touted Article 13 of our constitution. Just who and what constitute a civil society that is expected to be the People’s voice in between elections?
Present-day cynics know of Guyanese NGO’s/CSO’s being exclusive, ineffective and, worst of all, too compromised or affiliated to more powerful, political, “parent” entities. But I submit there are still other NGO’s, perhaps (too) traditional, which are bona-fide, registered entities quietly serving their constituencies as best they can. From Service Organisations to Trade Union to youth group and Community Development Association, there are civic entities needing to be more empowered. There will always be need for some think–tank, advisory academic types of CSO’s to inform the political system on all sorts of issues including public policy and programmes. Watch–dog scrutiny is also a function of Civil Society. Study the new approaches to contributory development now adopted by donors like the IDB and the EU.
Which brings me to the two interesting, even stimulating letters which appeared quite recently.
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“Civil strategy”: Gabriel and Gandhi
Commentator Gabriel H.K. Lall who, obviously, feels strongly on many societal/political issues and renders his views in somewhat literary/poetic prose, claims that Guyana’s Civil Society is (much) too civil.
He wants CSO’s “in the street”. He invites them to “think economic”; Gabriel gives Civil Society the charge: ”Sing loudly new songs where it matters; discard and depart the unsuccessful, choose the time and terrain, make the powers stop and listen; instil in them elements of concern – and perhaps dawning apprehension.”
Of course this is a concerned citizen’s call to arms for a more activist Civil Society in Guyana. He outlines the pervasive power of the governing rulers and suggests a more aggressive “procedures manual.” Frankly Speaking, it’s difficult to disagree with the observer. But Lall, who seems to speak from experience, must advise and resume participation more directly. Do you know, friends, that it is sometimes even possible to lead from behind?
Another “regular”, a Mark Da Costa, hopefully a real person, offers more caution (SN 20 June 14) when he discusses calls, via the Social Media, from Guyanese in the Diaspora, for “mass action against the government.”
Noting that “the diaspora is far from where the bullets and pellets will fly”, da Costa understands that “it is hard to stay calm amid increasing poverty and hunger while seeing the obscene lifestyles of the elite… when we see wealthy powerful people getting away with wrong–doing; it is human nature to want to fight to take back our country…”
He continues: “I agree that we need mass action to reclaim our rights… how we mobilise though and what actions we take, will determine the future of our country.” The contributor then outlines the consequences of the race–oriented riots of the sixties and implores “patriotic citizens” towards (peaceful) unified actions as we all succeed or suffer together. “Confronting our neighbours in the street is not the answer; our fellow – citizens are not our enemies,” da Costa concludes.
You draw the messages and implications of the latter quotes. Consider GHK Lall’s observations in comparison. Both concerned analysts know of the administration’s/ PPP’s strategy when “the streets are employed. So what is to be done?
The Mahatma, Mohandas Gandhi, as socio–political activist, employed passive resistance to oust the British from his motherland. Gandhi was able to inspire millions to confront injustice with non–violent confrontations. We here are dreadfully short of Gandhis and not many would want to face the whips and bullets the Indians did.
With deference and respect to adviser Ms Gail Teixeira, however I still advocate consistent physical, visible protest, in the street, against rampant injustice and illegality. Along with litigation, people – workers, students, the poor – must demonstrate. Even when their own leaders prevaricate. (The sugar workers seem good at this!) Debate, please. Then act!
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Our “summer” is upon us…
In Guyana brace for summer fetes/concerts, summer jam, summer classes and schools, summer sales, summer this, summer that…
For those Europe, Mediterranean, North American countries summer is often the warmest periods of the year – the season between spring and autumn. During the past decade, the current generation here has adopted the summer usage. As we mimic everything foreign culturally, – from American–accented advertisements to other peoples’ cultural observances, consider the following: Is it a question of national/individual self–contempt as the young strive to be somebody else some other place?
Or is it the Global Village closing in on a culturally–embarrassed populace with significant numbers abroad adopting foreign/global life–styles? Discuss, discuss, please! During the July– August holidays…
Until…
The still–new police “crime chief” seems to possess a reasonable vocabulary and a good grasp of language usage for his delivery.
Long time since I heard a senior police officer speak so well! Hope his facts are accurate and his positions lawful and honest.
`Til next week!
(Comments? allanafenty@yahoo.com)
