Are we that foolish?

Dear Editor,

Reference was made in  Kaieteur News to a poll that was conducted by a group of students from the University of Guyana. That poll concluded that respondents had three major concerns. One was inflation and the cost of living. A second was weakness in the police force and rising crime. Third was endemic corruption in the public service. That those three things were of greatest concern to respondents and the majority was still willing to leave the reins of government with the PPP/C was mindboggling.

No one else but the PPP/C was responsible for the economic hardship and misery of Guyanese over the last five years. Yet, it is being suggested that, the majority are prepared to have the family, friends and favourites of the PPP/C continue to enjoy life while they remain suffering. Therefore, I am left to wonder how they expect their situation to improve if the PPP/C remains in power. Are citizens trapped in a place where mentally they recognize and revolt against the Guyana reality while feeling pressured to ‘soft soap’ the PPP?

Editor, interestingly, they also saw the police force as weak and by inference unable to control crime. I wonder if these people realize that it was the PPP/C government that deliberately demoralized and weakened the police force? Do  they recognize that it was the PPP that caused the existence of the crime infested environment that exists. You can, therefore, imagine my amazement that there exists a public position that suggests that most Guyanese want to continue with a government that deliberately put us in that situation. So, I must ask. Does crime really matter to them? Perhaps, they have become so immune to the situation that they do not realize there will be no change in the frightening crime situation if the PPP/C was not removed from office. 

Just as alarming is the failure to recognize that corruption is a problem directly connected to the ruling party. The government is not the public servant alone. It is obvious to me that the respondents do not realize that the masterminds behind the corruption schemes are the political heads and not the humble public servant. Alternatively, the publishers may have either avoided presenting the appropriate questions or may have coloured the published information. How else does one explain the recognition of corruption and its attendant negative effects, yet embrace its enablers and practitioners?

Editor, the most perplexing of the conclusion of that poll is the fact that Guyanese are prepared to allow two parties that are linked to crime and corruption to control our country. Are we that foolish? I am frightened by this prospect and the physical and economic harm that will befall this country because of voters granting nearly two-thirds of parliamentary seats to these two parties known to be associated with crime and corruption. Could it be that those polled are all freedom house residents? 

Editor, as I thought of this published outcome, the analogy that came to my mind was that of a battered spouse who preferred to stay with the abuser instead of seeking a place of safety.

May God Help Us All.

Sincerely,

Mervyn Williams,

Former Member of Parliament.