Editor,
I am penning this short response not because the content of his missive is of much interest but to avoid being disrespectful to my friend, former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds.
Sam said he differs with me because rather than answering the question I was asked by the host in relation to the leadership of the PNC, I should have instead, or in tandem, taken the opportunity to repeat a contention I have that Guyana needs ‘a historical narrative to which we could all (ethnicities) subscribe’ (SN:29/09/2021). He claimed that an important element of such a narrative ‘ought to be a plan to win elections fairly and squarely: proclaiming an end to rigging’. Let me suggest that there are many more controversial issues in PPP/PNC historical relations than elections rigging. However, I have also been insisting that both the PNC and PPP should refrain from manipulating elections, and given the fiasco of the 2020 elections, I am suggesting that Sam could try to convince the PPP for there to be a joint ‘Proclamation to End Rigging’.
Second, and more importantly, Sam does appear to have a difficulty with the concept of elections manipulation and/or Guyanese history. The British colonial authority and its international and local supporters were manipulating elections against the PPP long before Forbes Burnham joined their ranks. They were wantonly gerrymandering constituencies, unilaterally changing the electoral system to suit themselves, bribing voters, etc. Remember the PPP’s response to its 1964 elections defeat; ‘cheated not defeated?’
As in 2020, elections are best rigged long before elections day, and this is one of the most important issues the new leadership of the PNC will have to address. Sam is Guyana’s ambassador to the United States and I expect him to use the access that position allows to help to counter all undemocratic and unfair elections maneuvers by any political party in Guyana.
Sincerely,
Henry Jeffrey
