Dear Editor,
Guyanese have heard from a number of international and local organizations regarding the latest dictatorial act by the PPP/C regime, namely, to prorogue parliament. These organizations expressed their disappointment in the action of the President and the government and called for a return to parliament quickly. It has been almost five days since this repressive action was taken and Guyanese are yet to hear from the most important regional body, Caricom. It would, therefore, be interesting to know what Caricom’s position on this issue is. Is it that the Secretary General of Caricom and his team believe that this act is justified? Does Caricom believe that it is not that organization’s business to comment on issues which matter to Guyanese and other people in the region? Does Caricom believe that if it makes a pronouncement on the matter it will be violating its own protocols? What really is Caricom’s position on this issue? Does Caricom stand with the PPP/C and President Ramotar and supports the prorogation of the Guyana Parliament, or does Caricom stand with the Guyanese people as they resist this unhelpful situation?
Will Caricom join with Guyanese at home and abroad to denounce dictatorial rule and call for a restoration of democracy? Will the prorogation of the parliament help or hurt Caricom’s mission, hence it must remain silent? What does Caricom say about the statement by the Organization of American States (OAS)? Does it support that organization’s call for a quick end to this proclamation which was issued to prorogue the parliament? Is Caricom disappointed, excited, worried, sad, or remain ambivalent on how to approach this issue? Guyanese want to hear from Caricom; Guyanese are waiting to hear from Caricom. The earlier we hear from this most important body the less we will have to speculate. It is therefore time for us to hear from Caricom. It is not acceptable for the organization to remain silent; Guyanese are looking for leadership and respect from our leaders in the Caribbean Community. Or will we simply have another ‘cold shoulder’ experience from this organization which our first executive President, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, helped to create?
Yours faithfully,
Lurlene Nestor