Last February, I had cause to address the matter of speaking out and standing for what is just and fair. Today, I return to this in light of what is happening in the country. I must admit that if national activism continues, the future bodes well for good governance and our common pursuit of living in peace and harmony. For too long, the Jagdeo/Ali regime has been allowed to run roughshod over the people, believing that threats and other forms of intimidation and economic coercion will achieve silence and complicity.
In last week’s article, I applauded the young generation for finding its voice and sincerely hoped this would grow louder, not become a whimper.
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 continue to take note of fellow Black men taking unprincipled stands in order to politically associate or to financially benefit. In the month when many of our ancestors paid the ultimate price for us to be free, we must stop and take stock of ourselves.
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 I look at some Black men in the political hustings, the dishonesty that they spew 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 the halls of power 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—being bad dogs on matters that could have easily been fact-checked—is troubling. As these Black leaders trip over themselves to do their masters’ bidding, they must take note that history will be harsh on them and their descendants, for what is a man without a spine, pride, and decency?
They appear unconcerned that they are setting an example to others, including their offspring and better halves, that it is acceptable to be deceitful, to place dignity under one’s feet for association, and to accept being treated as less than. This is unacceptable and should not be countenanced.
There is still value in standing on one’s feet and fighting with dignity rather than living on one’s knees. Persons must reach within themselves and find the gumption to say no to those who see them as useful utensils to degrade themselves, their 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 also on this matter, I take note that the regime has threatened to go after social media operatives. From statements uttered, the ones that will be targeted are those whose comments the regime finds offensive. Let us not allow this new encroachment on our rights to be met with silence.
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 society, as well as the dignity and economic well-being of individuals and the 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 time to do what is right.
