Dear Editor,
There is a pattern developing in this country by drips and drabs. Though they may be of those tiny droplets, that dimness, their effects are far-reaching and enduring. Most of all, they are counter to the welfare of country and citizens. From a growing body of efforts and evidence, it seems that in the PPP Government, Guyanese have not a partner, but a rank betrayer. There was a judicial decision that could only be interpreted by the reasonable as what protects this country and its inhabitants, beneficial both today and tomorrow. The future is bright, but all that could change instantly with a drop of oil breaking free, then a barrel, then thousands of barrels. The pristine environment is devastated, the racing economy stilled, and the energies of Guyanese grinding to a halt, all coming to naught. The good folks from distant shores insist that the probability of such an occurrence is on the edge of the improbable. Unlikely to happen, and highly so.
The scientists and engineers, economists and visionaries, in the PPP Government then did something that was so radical as to be unbelievable, and within mere minutes of the court’s ruling. Investors spook easily and judicial decisions must be predicable. It was a valiant effort by the government and its leadership to come out in public and employ different words to camouflage where it really stood. Foreign investors’ interests first, come hell or high water; PPP ambitions second, selected private sector profits third, and Guyanese fears and possibilities in poignant last place. Said differently, Guyanese do not even feature in the priority of considerations. It is the canvas of an old government group enjoying a new term of life. But one now withered by its lack of ethics, courage, and its twisted ideas of what is held out as wisdom, patriotism, and any level of reckless capitalism that rings the cash registers of foreign investors. Since this is time of goodwill, no brother is challenged; they are only invited to be about what is prudent, what is right, as posed by a trio of short and simple questions: who should come first? Who should never be last? Who is for Guyanese?
Previous to that, there have been these running battles about radioactive fears from hazardous materials. Transportation, location, and accommodation were all highlighted, with mainly concerned Guyanese sisters leading the fight, and a few men joining in, but with the Government of Guyana fighting them tooth and nail every step of the way. Citizens are genuinely disturbed over what menaces their existence, and the PPP Government marshals the mighty arms of the State to stand in resistance. There is this side of the bridge, and then there is another that is named after crown prices, and a country known for its coal mines in the United Kingdom. An image comes and settles. It is of the PPP Government that is most energized when elections are involved, and almost as engaged and enraged when foreign interests are part of the mix. Of course, what would a US$2 billion project be without secrecy, and all of the leadership shenanigans that go along with it? It should not be any surprise as to who is most against its own people, who pawn them for a pot of pee. Strike two against the people. Add more strikes for a tax matter filed, and one that hangs overhead for a referendum. My position is unequivocal: because it is the PPP Government and its cherished foreign co-conspirators, a referendum just cannot be allowed to be.
Finally, there is the issue of acquisition of land for progressive purposes (or what could be any at all). Holding in abeyance such concerns as separation of powers, fair/just compensation (not “adequate”, as unilaterally and probably dubiously finalized), and a process that is robust, protective, and credible, there is this slavish representation that wended its way into public consciousness. Something about bringing what Guyana has in line with what pertains in CARICOM neighbours. Why is it that Guyana is always so delighted to be a follower, an imitator, a duplicator? For once, let there be the pride of developing something that is unique and sets Guyana apart. What puts Guyanese on a pedestal, and not as though they matter as much as criminal illegal aliens. The PPP Government can have its land, but Guyanese should have what is just, truly considerate, and instils confidence that in the incumbent regime, there is a government for Guyanese. It cannot be what is determined to be “adequate” by a mind probably already made up, and one that manifests some bias, if not deep-seated, ancient bigotry. No Guyanese should be reduced to the standing of a noncitizen. Every Guyanese must have the aura and substance of first citizens.
Sincerely,
GHK Lall
