– Other people’s views
Today and this weekend should conclude some 10 weeks since the “new” PPP government assumed office.
Interested in “politics” or not, most citizens would have experienced by now – directly or vicariously – the traumatic, no-honeymoon characteristics of the government’s two-months–plus uncomfortable operationalising of office. Protests-turned-Race Riots and killings. An Emergency Budget boldly removing numerous licence fees and taxes and not touching the initial Oil Revenues; the scourge of COVID; industrial disputes with shades of political opportunism; squatting and the beginning of political hell from a furious, sidelined, disgruntled, power-hungry opposition ably led by one of the Brigadier’s “military men”. The “new PNC” now like a wounded serpent, is bound to unleash, relentlessly, that sting in its greedy tail. Persistent Protests and Petitions (PPP)!
But now for brief reminders and context. A few columns ago, I outlined just how many years Cheddi’s, Janet’s and Irfaan’s PPP (People’s Progressive Party) had been denied their legitimate tenures of offices. Most unjustifiably by the People’s National Congress (PNC) – a Party which hoped to perpetuate itself in power partly to empower African-descended Guyanese, their loyal tribal supporters. Alas! After Burnham’s and Hoyte’s 28 years reign Afro-folks were no better off here. They found more redemption in exile in the Caribbean and North America.
Fast-forward now to March 02, 2020. To me Frankly Speaking, the Brigadier was just getting started, after his five-year settling-in (2015-2020), to implement his own Burnham- promised-Afro-Guyanese Empowerment through some shrewdly-contrived programmes. But the Americans – who “facilitated” Burnham in 1964 and Cheddi in 1992 – balked at blatant rigging and intervened forcefully. Again it was the PPP’s turn to be “facilitated.” Justifiably.
So the Brigadier’s Bubble Buss! After defying democracy for 17 months! So the simple question remains, hovers: Should the PPP be expected to accommodate and deal lovingly with those who were hell-bent on denying them office?
What? Politics and political survival is about give-and-take and forgiveness? Says who?
Frankly Speaking to me it remains to be seen just how this PPP will attempt to fashion inclusive (and inclusionary) governance. Even their “pedigree” – Cheddi’s ancestral line of now-deferred ideology and some political morality – seems absent these days. The more “military Granger/Harmon arrogance” hardly helps.
It is my view that a new breed of brokers, as well as the fair implementation of existing constitutional provisions – and guaranteed safeguards – are necessary to usher in a period of peaceful, productive co-existence. Does the PPP have it in their political DNA? Will the “new” greedy, hurt PNC allow such? Discuss…
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Don’t perpetuate any FB (racial) hostility
As elsewhere in this digital computerised Dot.com world, the Social Media platforms dominate popular information and communication landscapes in Guyanese Society. I call the under- forties – most Guyanese alive – the Dot.com Generation. Many young folks tell me, assure me that they cannot do without their cellular phones for more than an hour – if that long. Of course it’s a given that the digital, social-media internet world produces an abundance of good – and bad. Really bad! Especially Facebook (FB) – so easily accessible. So my simple cautionary advice, especially to the well-meaning, law-abiding, a-political: avoid repeating, discussing the racist, incendiary, inciteful posts which evil destructive beings wish to have perpetuated.
Those attempts at ethnic disparaging; political provocations; lewdness; violent protests, community division; even triumphalism by “victors” – all must not be given social fuel. Do not support the haters. Knowingly or innocently.
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Some interesting views…
Unashamedly, I quote here other persons’ views, articulations on sensitive issues. I couldn’t state them better. Depending on your own (political) perspectives consider.
Lincoln Lewis (TUC): “It is folly to think any group will be allowed to peacefully govern at the exclusion of others. It is a violation of the Constitution for any government to administrate at the exclusion of others. It is not a requirement of the Constitution that any has to accept any government as being “legitimately elected” in order to execute what one has sworn to. i.e. to uphold the Constitution and Laws of Guyana without fear, favour or ill will.
Is Mr Lewis’ contention open to concern?
Stabroek News Editorial: “There is something else too. The AFC is not dealing with a traditional political party, even by seriously flawed Guyanese standards. There is a certain militarised element creeping into the PNCR in the form of ex-officers, who have displaced some of the old party hands in Parliament, and another of whom has now been elected chair of Region Four. The lesson from the approach of Messrs. Granger and Joseph Harmon is that in their view ends justify means, and those ends involve winning at all cost. Compromise is something of an alien concept…”
GDF Chief-of–Staff Brigadier Bess: “These attacks, though being observed, were expected to be short lived. Unfortunately however, these commentators are seemingly and uncontrollably descending into the depths. Of lewdness. Though the true intention is not known at this time, one can certainly infer an intent of countrywide breakdown in law and order…” Are those three quotes food for troubled thought?
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Reflect, ponder…
● (1) I do hope it won’t take one full year to construct/complete the new Wismar Police Station.
● (2) When there is targeted blockages, burnings, beatings, are they spontaneous? Or organized?
● (3) Former Attorney General Basil Williams S.C. just had his (new) law offices blessed. Will he abandon them if his Party wins its two petitions?
● (4) The protesting nurses on Monday utilized colourful, creative language: “Working like donkeys but paid like junkies!” “Dressed in white like angels but earn burial ground salaries”! “Nurses are priceless, yet penniless!” What is to be done? Lenin asked.
’Til next week!
