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Who would have believed that, in this period of Guyana’s history, with Billions of dollars flowing from oil, and extremely significant changes in the global village, we, Guyanese, would have witnessed the high level of political corruption, in this beloved country, demonstrated by the PPP/C, a few days ago
We, all Guyanese, witnessed the partial demolition of the PNC/R building, by the PPP/C, on two Saturdays ago, in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo). A building that was owned and occupied by the PNC/R since 1975. In civilised societies political parties don’t attack the property or person of their opponent unless with intent to signal a declaration of war.
In his attempt to downplay the despicable and lawless action, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall said that the Regional Executive Officer, (REO) was complying with recommendations of the Auditor General on the illegal occupation of state properties. The Minister expressed the view, and wanted everyone to believe his illogical and unsubstantiated argument, that the party- PNC/R, was occupying the building illegally. Further, he said that, the building is part of government’s inventory, and that the land was needed to construct a health centre.
Subsequently, as is to be expected, Vice President, Bharrat Jadgeo, hosted a press conference. At that conference, the Vice President said notices/letters were sent to PNC/R party officials, by the Regional Executive Officer. He said that the action to dismantle the building which houses the office of PNC/R was not centrally directed by the PPP/C. The Vice President said, sarcastically, that the PNC/R can apply to government for land to build its office. He said that if the PNC/R did that, then the incumbent might consider that application. Let us distil the truth from the PPP/C political fluff about this issue.
First let me make this initial point: Apparently, it has not yet, dawned on the PPP/C that all right- thinking Guyanese are seeing through its evil intent. Guyanese are not fools. They might not have the power to act against the wrongs committed by the government, but they are fully aware of those wrongs and will take the right action at the appropriate time; it is just a matter of time.
The illegal action of the government is part of a wider plan to act against those, who dare to challenge its discriminatory, unfair and unjust policies that are generally underpinned by a philosophy of control and domination. According to Demerara Waves Online News, the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development said: “This government will not be bullied by the PNC into condoning its historical and contemporary illegalities. And we are unequivocal about that.”
Those words betray the government’s pretense of ignorance of the barbaric action to tear down the building. There is strong evidence that it is the PPP/C government that is constantly attempting to bully minorities and those, who appear to be unsupportive of its policies. A few weeks ago, the government demolished the homesteads of citizens in Mocha, who have been living and farming, there, for many years. The government used the police to force those people off lands under the guise of infrastructural development. It is believed that residents of Mocha are strong supporters of PNC/R. Certain members of the police force are being used to intimidate citizens, and to take other political actions, on behalf of the regime. The Minister’s warning is not only malicious but also misdirected.
Second, the party has been using this building for over 46 years. This public space was created by the PNC/R to allow Guyanese to meet and share information about their local communities; empower people to take action to secure their rights; and to participate in the political life of this country. It is a normal part of a democratic country. No government that truly embraces inclusivity, and democracy would dismantle a building used by the minority. It is preposterous and downright wicked for the ruling party to attempt to push the narrative that the PNC/R is occupying space illegally.
The PNC/R created and developed that space to encourage people to participate in the governance of their communities, region and country. Even if it were the case that the building was occupied illegally by the PNC/R then the government, if it had truly believed in the rule of law and good governance, would have adhered to the requisite procedures, which are specific and adequate, to deal with such issues. It could not be right for the PPP/C to break the law and dismantle the party’s office; the PPP/C went too far. Of all the transgressions committed by the incumbent, this one is the most despicable because it goes right to the core of the body politics of this country and democracy.
The Vice President tried unsuccessfully to whitewash, the callous action of his government, and to convince Guyanese that the action was not centrally directed; we know different. But even if one were to believe the Vice President the government is every bit as culpable as its agent who dismantled the building. The REO has reporting responsibilities to the PPP/C Minister of Local Government and Regional Development. He could not have dismantled a building occupied by the main opposition party without reporting to his boss- the Minister; if he did then Guyana is in serious trouble.
Given the history, ideology and style of the governing party, where all political activities are centrally directed, we doubt that the REO would have taken that risk without consulting with his boss. If he did take that action to dismantle the building without communication with the government then he should be disciplined because he, an appointed officer, has unnecessarily created tensions between the ruling party, minorities and other stakeholders.
However, if the government was wholeheartedly committed to working with all Guyanese, then they would have used a different approach that would have allowed the rights of minorities to be protected. But its actions are at variance with its utterances.
Third, the SPIN [ the selective assembly of fact and the shaping of nuance to support a particular view of a story] by the government, that the land is needed to construct a health center is nothing more than a ruse. Even if we were to accept this as true [ it is not] then why dismantle a building used by the PNC/R for over 46 years. If the government is willing to process an application for land by the PNC/R then what is preventing the PPP/C from providing land to construct the health centre, in that region? It stands to reason if the government can make land available, as the Vice President has suggested, at his press conference, then there is no need for the PPP/C to indecently tussle with the opposition for a piece of land it has been occupying for more than four decades.
Notwithstanding, it is very clear, that government’s action to reduce the presence of the main opposition on the political landscape is indicative of the political rot in this country. The government has been misusing its powers to get its way, to repress minorities, to dominate and control every aspect of our society, and to sustain political power. In this instant case, the government is indulging in political repression.
The PPP/C is attempting to restrict or prevent citizenry’s ability to take part in the political life of our society. And its members and operatives are targeting those, who are challenging its actions. If we allow this government to continue on its campaign of lawlessness, repression and brutishness, then ultimately, we all would be entrapped by their intentionality. We cannot allow that to happen. We have to rout the government and hold it accountable for its every action.
