The demolition of the PNCR’s office in Lethem, in the wee hours of Thursday, under the directive of Region 9 Regional Executive Officer (REO) is a flagrant disregard for law and order, and a new low in political behaviour in Guyana.
There are some established universal unwritten rules in politics guiding behaviours of political rivals. These rules are sacrosanct. Government and political parties do not attack the buildings of their rivals.
The demolition of party’s office is a declaration of war by the PPP Government on the members and supporters of the PNCR.
It matters not whether the land on which the building was situated is owned by the state or the party.
What matters in this instance, as in every instance of governance, is how those entrusted the power of the people to govern in the interest of the people, consistent with established laws, protocols and principles, are disrespectful of the people and the laws governing the people’s welfare.
Last year persons of Linden were uprooted from their land with heavy duty machinery, their crops, livestock, homes, furniture and appliances destroyed.
Last January it was Caneview/Mocha. The PPP government moved in under the watchful eyes of members of the Guyana Police Force and dismantled homes, businesses, livestock and crops.
The demolition of the building not only confirms a cowardly and criminal act but also the length to which agents of the state will execute the directive of those who care not about the health and well-being of the state, the desire of most Guyanese to peaceful co-exist.
The PPP is deliberately stoking confrontation among the people of Guyana, a confrontation intended to deepen tensions and divisions, a confrontation that would do the nation only harm not good.
These are crimes against humanity and acts of dictators to smash and destroyed those who differ or appear to differ with them.
These barbaric acts, which President Irfaan Ali must take full responsibility for, serve as further confirmation the ‘one Guyana’ slogan is a myth to front and justify treating some Guyanese lesser than.
No Government should demolish persons’ homes and properties without engagement, providing them with comparative opportunities for relocation and securing their hard-earned possessions and investments.
The United Nations’ Commission on Human Rights, Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities report illuminated the “Twelve Misconceptions and Misinterpretations of the Right to Housing.”
That report dispelled the notion of ‘squatters’ being criminals and unworthy of meaningful engagement and respect. Article 154 of the Constitution of Guyana said, rights arising from international treaties “shall be respected…”
The psychologically toil and financial consequences have been heavy for the victims. Civilised society must therefore condemn these barbarity not look the other way.
There can be no justification for this barbarity irrespective of our political or apolitical involvement.
We are all Guyanese and in unison should resoundingly condemn and distance ourselves from President Ali ‘s brutish directives.
As citizens of this beloved country in light of what’s happening we must also concern ourselves with the questions:-
What kind of society are we building? What standards are the PPP setting for younger Guyanese and Guyana’s future?
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall S.C M.P, should inform the nation whether he advised the head of state these actions are legal, permissible, in compliance with good governance, and representative of Ali’s ‘one Guyana’ doctrine.
Guyanese must ask who is next? None is safe from the gnawing clutches of the PPP.
