Dear Editor,
I am a frequent viewer of Catholic Media Guyana’s Facebook page because of the many informative posts of activities around the Diocese and bits of knowledge shared on the Catholic faith. However, I was enraged when I saw that the foundation had been laid for a parking meter to be installed directly in front of the Cathedral. My feelings about the parking meters go far beyond the obvious fact that our city is allowing itself to be ripped off by a foreign company. Moreso the deal was struck without adequate consultation with those who would have to bear the cost of such a burdensome means of revenue for the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown. The issue here is way more profound than these obvious problems that are not even being addressed.
It is clear that the parking meter issue is not in keeping with what our constitution outlines. There was no concerted effort and broad-based participation in the decision-making process, and in fact the whole parking meter issue is a total disregard for democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights.
My understanding of Catholic social teaching is that at the heart of this teaching is the preferential option for the poor and vulnerable. This is where the Church must through words, prayer and deeds show compassion for, and be in solidarity with such persons. Catholics are called to look at public policy decisions in terms of how they affect the poor.
Where policies from institutions like M&CC put mechanisms in place that hinder people from freely practising their faith, could this not be considered an attack on religious freedom? On special feast days like Ash Wednesday, first Friday, and even at funerals where the parking facilities in the Cathedral compound are inadequate, do we now have to pay the local government $200 or more to celebrate our sacraments and other liturgical celebrations?
A mechanism such as the high priced parking meter system which is being introduced is a means of social exclusion, insensitive and may even be unethical.
Additionally our country’s Constitution states that Guyana is a sovereign state in transition from capitalism to socialism, however it seems as though this state of ours, now more than ever, is on a trajectory to capitalism only. It would appear that the Guyanese people’s role is to serve the system when it is the system that should be serving the people. It is when issues like these raise their heads that the Church should speak, especially through it leaders. I am of the firm belief that people are very willing to support any system once they can recognize and feel the benefits of that system in their lives.
I urge the Church and its leaders, as well as the Justice and Peace Commission of the Church to not pass on this opportunity to provide strong leadership on an issue such as this and to be in solidarity with all Guyanese.
Yours faithfully,
Gibion Moonsammy
