We must speak fearlessly. We want level-minded, law-abiding and decent people in society to speak out when there are violations, for it comes back to what we say: “a threat to one is a threat to all.” None must be scared to stand up and speak out when he or she sees issues that reek of lawlessness, discrimination, violations of rights — including the right to thrive — or efforts to falsely rewrite history. If we do not speak for ourselves, who will speak for us? We must speak out when things bother us, when we feel discomfort, and when matters affect us negatively as a people. Every case must be judged on its merit.
Today, I take note of fellow Black men standing unashamed in the hallowed halls of the National Assembly and misleading this nation because their political loyalty has shifted. The Black man has long been regarded as the head of the household and guardian of family and community, historically expected to protect and provide while carrying himself with dignity and responsibility befitting that role.
When persons approached me with surprise and said that James Bond, among other Black persons who were with the People’s National Congress (PNC), had gone to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), my response was that they have a right to freedom of association.
Given the performance of Mark Phillips; young Bond, Minister Keoma Griffith and a few others during the Budget Debates, I am compelled to question whether this right was exercised with any measure of free will and conviction, as was clearly intended. The dishonesty that spewed so freely would suggest that their association was not of free will but came with a price.
It appears to matter little to them the example they are setting in that sacred House, that their words will be recorded in the Hansard for posterity, and more importantly, what they are telling younger generations who should be looking up to them as examples. The price of losing their dignity in public life while carrying the chalice of dishonesty on matters that could have easily been fact-checked is disturbing.
It is worrying that these Black men feel, or accept the instruction that they must malign fellow Black men in order to associate at the people’s table — for that is what it is. The resources spent with reckless abandonment by the PPP, and to benefit only a few, belong to all the people.
I am surprised that Bond, a lawyer who understands the importance of evidence in prosecuting or defending a matter, stood in the National Assembly and denied that students were recipients of scholarships under the PNC government to pursue law and other professional opportunities. These were opportunities some within the PPP have benefited from.
Though some may say you cannot teach an old dog new tricks, Phillips failed to realise that when he stretched out his hands in the National Assembly to say that the less he spoke about the Forbes Burnham government the better, for that administration did little or no good, he was also indicting himself or telling the nation he is a living testimony of failure.
Philips personally benefited from academic and professional development under the Burnham government, paid for by the state. We must now revisit his leadership as Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, his role in the electricity sector and other responsibilities assigned to him, and question whether the state’s investment in his education and professional development has proven to be a waste.
Griffith is new to the national spotlight and is urged to distinguish himself with integrity, remembering to whom he took an oath and to whom he is responsible — the people, whether they voted for the PPP or not.
As these Black leaders trip over themselves to malign other Black leaders — which is different from offering factual accounts of their stewardship, I hope they take note that Indian leaders do not do the same to their own, whether past or present, including holding them accountable.
As a country boy, our elders always warned that “a liar is a thief and a thief is a murderer.” These men need to be guided accordingly, for the only thing that may distinguish them from the wayward on the street is that the latter does not dress in suit and tie or traverse the hallowed halls of governance. You are also setting an example to others, including your offspring and better half, that it is acceptable to be deceitful, to place dignity under your feet for association, and to accept being treated as less than.
Forbes Burnham, Cheddi Jagan, Desmond Hoyte, Janet Jagan, Sam Hinds, Bharrat Jagdeo, Donald Ramotar, David Granger and Irfaan Ali must be honestly examined and judged for their stewardship of this society. No one is sacred or above reproach. The litmus test used to judge one must be used to judge all. The double standards must stop.
To the Black men in the PPP leadership, let me say this: There is still value in standing on your feet and fighting with dignity rather than living on your knees. You must reach within you and find the gumption to say no to those who see you as useful utensils to degrade yourself, your ancestors and a proud legacy that, though fraught with oppression, saw a people rise up, fight back and succeed with their dignity intact. Do not trample on this legacy for a mess of pottage or merely to associate.
Use your association instead to say to the PPP that those who do not support that party are exercising their constitutional right to freedom of association, and what we as a government must do is respect that right, including ensuring protection from discrimination. You have the opportunity to go into the lion’s den and lead the charge to right the wrongs in society, not condone and perpetuate them.
As I am on the matter, let me address the pending closure of Stabroek News, particularly the huge debt owed to the newspaper by the state and the denial of advertising so the paper cannot thrive. These things cannot be right. How can the regime claim press freedom and respect for freedom of speech when efforts are being made to bring people to heel through economic deprivation? This is a gross abuse of state authority and should be addressed forthwith.
The economic marginalisation and discrimination of workers and their representative arms — the trade unions — are also of growing concern. Denying union deductions in accordance with collective labour agreements is intended to snuff out their lifeblood and deny workers representation in fighting for improved conditions of employment, promotion, remuneration and benefits. Even as the Ali/Jagdeo regime does this to some workers, it ensures the survival of politically aligned unions and their members through adherence to agreements and subsidies to keep the beleaguered GuySuCo afloat. Meanwhile, bauxite workers are still awaiting their rightful termination packages, an issue requiring ministerial intervention.
The above are issues the Black leaders in the PPP should place on the table, for they adversely impact the society; the dignity and economic wellbeing of the individual and communities from which they emerged. There should be a clarion call for parity in treatment and adherence to the Constitution and Laws of Guyana for all, without fear, favour or ill will. As our ancestors counselled, there is dignity in doing what is right — and now is always the right time to do what is right.
