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The Western world has long held the belief that peace is the human norm, an inheritance and an inalienable right. This ideal suggests that peace is something that every human being is entitled to, simply by virtue of being alive. However, this belief is fundamentally flawed. Peace, in reality, is not a guaranteed right; it is a privilege that must be fought for and continuously maintained.
The historical norm is not one of peace but of conflict. The relative peace enjoyed by the West in recent generations is an anomaly, a result of concerted efforts to uphold democratic principles and institutions. This period of tranquility should not be taken for granted, as it is a rare exception rather than the rule. Peace, therefore, is not an automatic condition of human existence. It is a wonderful aspiration, but it can easily be taken away. This is the inherent problem with the language of rights. Rights are often taught as if they exist independently, like the air we breathe, but in truth, they are fragile constructs that require constant vigilance and defense.
Rights only exist if they are fought for and upheld–for starters, ask the people of Syria, Ukraine, Palestine. They are no permanent fixtures of human society but rather temporary states that can be dismantled by those who seek to undermine them. The right to life, the most fundamental of all rights, is not immune to this reality. It can be threatened and eradicated if those who would violate it are not defeated.
For Guyana, these lessons are particularly relevant. Our nation, rich in cultural diversity and natural resources, has its own unique challenges. The notion that peace is a given, an unearned right, can lead to complacency. Guyanese society must recognize that peace is something that requires active effort to maintain. It involves building robust institutions, fostering dialogue among diverse communities, and remaining vigilant against those who would disrupt our harmony.
In this context, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government’s recent moves to consolidate power must be scrutinized and resisted. The attempts to control the University of Guyana, the Guyana Police Force, the courts, and other independent institutions pose a significant threat to the fragile peace and democracy in our country. Centralizing power undermines the checks and balances essential for maintaining a fair and just society.
The recent history of Guyana has shown that peace is fragile. Political instability, economic disparities, and social tensions are on the rise and have, at times, threatened our nation’s tranquility and will do so again. To believe that peace is a natural state, destined to remain unchallenged, is to misunderstand the very nature of human rights and societal stability.
All Guyanese who love our country must educate themselves on the threats on the horizon and must adopt a proactive approach to peace. This involves educating our citizens about the importance of defending their rights, promoting inclusive policies that address the needs of all communities, and ensuring that our democratic institutions are strong and resilient. Resisting the PPP government’s attempts to consolidate power is crucial in this regard.
The West’s experience demonstrates that peace is not a passive condition but an active pursuit. Guyana must learn from this and recognize that peace, like all rights, must be fought for, protected, and maintained. While the idea of peace as an inherited right is appealing, it is a dangerous misconception. Guyana must understand that peace is not the norm, but a rare and valuable state that we must strive to create and preserve.
