Dear Editor,
Democracy, Decency and true Independence remain chameleon words and concepts. Look around the world and they are interpreted and executed differently by Leaders and people.
This issue of the question of Democracy, Decency and Independence can consume volumes. For the moment, a functioning democracy suggests that except for sensitive security issues, citizens, but in particular the representatives of the people in Parliament are entitled to answers from legitimate and reasonable questions. In our arrangements, the Commissioner of Information headed by Charles Ramson Snr, is an agency established to provide this information to members of the public.
The stubborn and arrogant refusal to give straightforward answers to citizens and organisations is a flagrant breach of the essence of democratic governance. What is worrisome is that in spite of Friday’s noon protest in front of Mr. Ramson’s and the Commission’s purported office, he has not budged. Some citizens on both sides of our political divide still have some faith in the promises of the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali.
We therefore look forward to him taking appropriate action to put an end to this demolition of a democratic edifice. If the well-intentioned President fails to use his authority to rein-in errant officials, history will not judge him kindly. In a small but extremely fortunate society, such as ours, the President and all of us must know that people in charge of important public policy must possess the final qualities of gravitas and not demonstrate bombast.
Dear Editor, this is the mighty problem we face in Guyana and people everywhere, young and old, cannot afford the luxury of silence. As a youngster, the old folks said “silence gives consent,” and “the little things mean a lot.” Speak by joining courageous men and women on Friday noon, at East Street between Quamina and Middle Streets.
Yours truly,
Hamilton Green
Elder
