Dear Editor,
Bharrat Jagdeo’s public utterances that the APNU + AFC has no idea for a national programme and is therefore using the projects initiated by the PPP/C, crime is at its worse, and that freedom is being challenged today need to be addressed frontally.
The thinking that the construction of a road or any project that commenced under one government must be terminated under a succeeding government is a lack of understanding that any project initiated by any government must be to the benefit of the people. The projects that commenced under PPP/C governments are expected to be examined by the APNU+AFC government and must be brought to fruition if possible with necessary adjustment. The moneys invested in these projects belong to the taxpayers not the PPP/C or APNU+AFC, and for this reason it will be foolhardy for the current government to abandon projects already in the pipeline and billions of dollars invested.
On the issue of crime, it is instructive that Jagdeo is being allowed to lecture this society about current criminality. During his period as president citizens across the country were fearful to sleep, be it day or night. Drug lords and phantom squads reigned supreme and its members had association with officialdom. Buxton was held under siege and innocent people lost their lives.
Massacres happened on Jagdeo’s watch and these unfortunate situations were used to escalate racial tensions and divide the country to advance political ends. Rights were trampled with impunity and the rule of law treated with contempt. The Consolidated Fund was violated and the resources of the nation plundered without conscience. Jadgeo is the last person to be talking about crime.
Having said that, crime is an anti-social behaviour, its cause and effects must be addressed, and while the statistical reductions are noted and commended we must continue to strengthen our crime-fighting techniques and putting systems in place not only to arrest but avoid criminal activities. And this brings me to the issue of white collar crime.
This government must not continue engaging in acts of violating the rules that guide withdrawal and accounting for the moneys in the Consolidated Fund. This society must too hold this government accountable as done for previous ones for conducting the nation’s business within the confines of the laws, universally acceptable standards and best practices. Wrong is wrong and right is right. Development can only happen when we remain consistent in demanding and upholding these principles.
On the issue of freedom in this society it is reminded that during the Jagdeo presidency fear stalked this land, individuals and leaders of non-governmental institutions were fearful to speak out of recognition that the reprisals from him would have been harsh and deadly. The society needs not forget, for it was only yesterday, he must be held accountable for his stewardship. The nation needs to be reminded that Stabroek News and Kaieteur News were denied state advertisements and private businesses were pressured to do likewise. Media personnel were banned from attending press conferences held by the Office of the President or Jagdeo.
Relative to the report in Kaieteur News that he is seeking to limit or deny the paper the opportunity to question him at his press conference, he needs to be reminded that he is Leader of the Opposition which is a constitutional office and is therefore answerable to the people. Where he continues to treat any media personnel or media with contempt the media is called upon to collectively treat with him by boycotting his press conference. Arrogance and contempt for the people by public officials who are paid by the people must have no place in our new political environment.
Yours faithfully,
Lincoln Lewis
