Dear Editor,
The words “Love, Peace, and Truth”, have different meanings and have had a variety of interpretations over time.
Recently, the PPP with their well-oiled machinery have continued their explanations about 1992, claiming that their victory at the Elections signaled a return to democracy in Guyana, and more recently, clever claims have been made about a democratic trajectory. Hogwash. A viable democracy is the way a society is managed everyday of every week and every month. A society, where a Government ensures justice for all, where citizens enjoy a reasonable level of safety and several sectors are allowed to function including the viability of local government organs as required by our Constitution.
The word ‘democracy’ remains a chameleon meaning different things to different people, and is sometimes used by those who believe that democracy is ‘their’ way alone. A blatant example of this misnomer is the fact that you have a state-controlled media that only publishes statements praising the PPP and demonising all others. For us, Editor, a living democracy means shared traditional values of decency, the rule of law, balanced reporting, and the fair treatment of citizens. Based on our history, democracy also establishes clear lines of responsibility and authority between the executive, the parliament, the judiciary and that vital other segment – the media, or, as we say, the fourth estate.
We have seen recently, the executive and its long arm behaving, or better put, believing, that they are the alpha and omega of everything under the sun. They say little things mean a lot. For now, I’ll share two personal experiences.
In every civilised society, including the Commonwealth, former Presidents and Prime Ministers are accorded certain entitlements such as the use of the VIP Lounge at the country’s International Airports. Some time ago, a senior Officer from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs called me to say that with immediate effect, former Prime Ministers would no longer be accorded that privilege. As the boys say, this is no big thing, but I write because of a deeper principle which does violence to this talk of democracy: Since that telephone call, I have written letters to the Chief of Protocol, Foreign Affairs, informing them of the details of a proposed trip. After two such letters, I have not had the courtesy of an acknowledgement, much less a reply. Three cheers for our democracy. They say little things mean a lot.
The second is the observation of an activity on a public open space in the Lodge Housing Scheme, where I reside, and which a small community is. We’ve maintained this open space since 1971, and this included the construction of a building intended for community use. After noting an activity on the ground, on December 11, 2023, I wrote to His Excellency the President relating the history of that ground, our ongoing contribution to its upkeep, and our concern regarding the works being done without any effort to determine the history of its evolution nor consulting persons or organisations in the contiguous community.
On December 29, 2023, the President’s Senior Confidential Secretary replied, and stated inter alia that ‘It has been noted that the maintenance of the playfield has always been the responsibility of the community. However, you were recently informed that works on the playfield are being implemented by a person who has been contracted by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport in which neither you nor the community were informed. Please be advised that His Excellency President Mohamed Irfaan Ali has noted your concerns and have forwarded your matter to Hon. Charles Ramson, MP, Minister of Culture, Youth & Sports for his attention.”
Some three weeks ago, a group of persons, all alien to the Lodge Housing Scheme Community, approached a family member who was working in our yard. One of the persons had the gumption to approach that family member asking if they will serve on a committee to manage the facility. Shortly afterwards Minister Ramson turned up and with imperial haughtiness, spent a few moments on the ground, did not engage with anyone, such as the institutions near to this open space and left. Clearly, another example of a pattern of behaviour inconsistent with the requirements of decency, democracy, and even the notion of consulting.
Little things mean a lot, and I write this letter because Editorials and others have raised issues suggesting the rape of our democracy.
Sincerely,
Hamilton Green
Elder
