Dear Editor,
As citizens of Guyana we believe we have a right to expect a certain standard of behaviour from those persons who seek and are given positions of leadership; and from whom we must expect conduct befitting role models for our young people. It must further be noted that public statements from persons who accept high office can be considered policy statements, which makes their personal attacks on private citizens for voicing their opinions, whether opposing or contesting, an unfair and unacceptable use of power.
We therefore say: the abusive utterance of Guyana’s Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, calling an Executive member of the Alliance for Change, member of Parliament and former Minister of government a “low life” is disgusting and disrespectful. We condemn this language.
When criticism emanates from a former head of state and a sitting Vice President, the entire society is cautioned and intimidated from making a criticism of any kind. It must also be said that Mr. Jagdeo is not the only one in high office to react in such a ridiculous manner, it seems that this has now become the norm.
It would appear that as long as you ask hard questions or you don’t agree with or speak the language of the government, you have to be prepared to get a cussing. This is the most recent example of abuse of individuals and organisations who dare to ask questions, but it is not the only one, and it is a form of silencing. Governments seem to think they are above any kind of criticism. Is this acceptable behaviour for high office bearers? Are we then to become a nation of yes men and women? Governments, whether this one or any other must understand that they are placed in that position to serve the people of the country and are therefore accountable to the nation. As free thinking citizens we will not agree on everything and therefore have a right to voice our concerns. As leaders you have to listen, and you are expected to lead by example. You have to be prepared to accept criticisms which are most times for your own good. Criticism can be used as a self-examining /evaluation tool.
This atrocious, disrespectful behaviour and bellicose manner of addressing citizens must stop.
We call on Mr. Jagdeo to respect the position to which the people of Guyana have elected him and to make a public apology to Mrs. Cathy Hughes for his disgraceful remarks.
In addition, we call on all leaders, government, opposition and others to respect yourselves, your office and everyone else and therefore conduct yourselves appropriately.
Sincerely,
Joy Marcus,
Halima Khan
Wintress White
Susan Collymore
For Red Thread.
