Dear Editor,
Over the past week or so, I have tried subtle language and nuanced postures. I think that most understand; yet few are absorbing and processing wisely, with a view to a constructive and pragmatic passage out of the political paralysis and morass. It is both. So, today I seek indulgence to be blunt and harsh; perhaps, even a shade intemperate at times.
The coalition government cannot continue (as it is presently constructed and peopled). Along the same lines, the opposition cannot return (as it is presently constructed and peopled). This is neither puzzle nor paradox. However the courts interpret and decide on the matter at hand, will not matter in the long run. At best, it buys some time; delays the inevitable. However this or that pertinent article of the constitution is construed, understood, and handed down will find little receptivity on the part of the loser, and even less from its base. Here is the crux of the circumstance: PNC supporters will harbour ill-will over the immovable perception of being cheated too early. While the PPP constituency will be convinced and outraged that it has been tricked again. Passions, simmering right now, but subdued right now, are at a powerful, almost reckless pitch. Take the temperature of either side. Listen to them. Process the emotions, the fears, the suspicions.
There is a cauldron out there. Sizzling. It as though this place is awash in the flammable crude oil of the Corentyne. On the surface it may not appear so, but the environment and atmosphere are that intense, that searing. This is the raw truth, the stark reality.
Who cares about any constitution? This country has never placed it on the sacred pedestal that such things belong. It is merely another piece of parchment; a cheap one at that. Indeed, there are burning controversies about the document itself and many of its provisions; that it is flawed, weak, and crafty. That will neither point nor deliver to the straight path so vitally needed currently. For too long it has been trampled upon, manipulated, and used shamelessly by one crass politician after another. In other words, spat upon. It has no cerebral, visceral, or spiritual resonance with almost all citizens at the individual level. Collectively, the Guyana constitution is the equivalent of a will-lost and found, suspect, tampered with, and meaning different things at different times to different people. And all detrimental to the greater welfare. So, rather regrettably, despite all the arguments, chatter, and clamour, that might as well be in the dumpsite for all that it signifies.
So where does that leave matters? If the courts will be second-guessed, condemned, ignored, and ultimately dismissed, then I believe that politically this society is trapped at square one. It is an ugly, barbaric, heinous place. All the talk of democratic process, consequences intended or unintended (refer to appeal and caution from a Jamaican leader), staying in or vacating parliament, and the unspoken underlying menaces seems to have failed to register at any level and to the degrees required. Mistake number one: this is not a civilized society. Mistake number two: it has not (perhaps, never) been about equity and fairness. Mistake number three: young or old, educated or illiterate, urban or rural, or rich or poor all (for the most part) follow the herd. That herd paws the ground, sniffs the air, and gathers momentum to break out of its current confines. This is what is known and anticipated. Somehow, this time around, there is an almost palpable eagerness to test blindly the precipice and beyond.
There are many discontented forces waiting to be unleashed. They have many assets, none progressive, none with benevolence in mind, all destructive. For too long they have been stymied and corralled. They rear up against the bridles of discipline, of control, of rules. Opportunity is sensed. And politically that is known, as well as considered comforting. No side is on the defensive here; none passive. That was then, this is now. The government group think it is too abrupt, and too treacherous; from the opposition ranks the sentiment is that it is too delayed, and too ripe to go abegging.
There is persistence with the fallacy and fraud that 40% takes the cake -all of it. I get this sense: not anymore. Not by this one or that. Therefore, if the PNC ekes out a margin, it is meaningless. Similarly, if the PPP comes out slightly ahead, it is irrelevant. The respective constituents are neither conditioned nor ready nor willing to concede. Hell, no! Not this time! And each group believes that it has what it takes to bend the environment-hostile, raging, ruthless-to its punch and power. There is an abandon coursing through the veins. Courts? Constitution? Democracy? Parliament? Damn them all. This is the knife’s edge on which things are precariously, dangerously poised. It is the perfect storm for great peril; and a great opportunistic confluence to rethink the obvious that stares in the face and gnaws at the craw.
What is the answer? Where is the way out? When is the time to stand down?
It has to be a political partnership: an alliance, a sharing, a united front. Everybody knows what I mean. It demands two in a meeting of minds (not necessarily hearts). What could work? What is mutually acceptable? What can drive forward to anywhere but here? It is the only way; there is no other way. This is business, and as coldblooded as that; and the time is now. This vision and joke about one side or the other alone at the helm, and knows what is good and satisfactory for all is both hoax and the apex of foolishness, if not crass stupidity. I think that much is known, too. So what will it be? The Rubicon must be crossed.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
