The long-awaited Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC) has been called to order. Examined in a kind manner, this CRC could be like the aerosol product of the same name. That is, clear away what has corroded, ease out what has been immovably stuck, and pave the way for the introduction of what is new, as in what represents genuine reform. Progress. On the other hand, also like the pressurized can that is commercially sold as CRC, this can burn the mittens, assail the nostrils, and cause blindness in the eyes. For those Guyanese who were expecting a CRC goose, the PPP Government gave them the equivalent of a CRC serpent.
The CRC is overloaded with identified and unidentified PPP operators. Some of the unidentified PPP stealth presences have the right covers: spiritual, industrial, agricultural, social. Nothing unexpected, should surprise. Not I, sire. At my first count, I arrived at nine PPP CRC presences; this is inclusive of SC Nandlall’s specifically named people. I think that there are more proxies, for the PPP as a party and as a government does nothing that is in the twilight zone by half measures, leaves it exposed.
A point to note: this country is embarking on constitutional reform, and there are presences on the CRC that the Guyana Police Force would label known characters. Regarding what kind of reform is possible under such a scheme, Guyanese can hope and grope. I suggest that they pray. The simplest of reasons is advanced for the skepticism: several members of that CRC are in dire need of personal reform before they can begin to be involved in constitutional reform. Those given the great responsibility of participating in reform with national implications must first reform what is deformed in themselves. I recall presenting a public note to newly minted CRC member Anil Nandlall on this. Obviously, that fell on rocky territory.
In the normal manner, President Ali found the swearing in moment as an opportunity to make a speech. If the president dismounts from his broomstick, he is sure to realize that most of what he says these days make Guyanese want to puke. My constitution is made of rougher stuff; hence I rise up, roll along, cast about, and fight on. The president waxed smartly about indigenous rights, people rights, fundamental rights. Conspicuously, he made no mention of women’s rights, which may explain the presence of so few women on the CRC. Perhaps, he forgot women’s rights out of deference to two senior female Guyanese jurists. Or, maybe, people’s rights were his universal tent that bowed to the rights of women and their presence.
Something must be said, no matter how unpalatable it is to his people. President Ali has manifested greater and greater inability to distinguish between right from wrong, so he is not the fittest and most proper person to expound about rights. Rights on anything. Right for anyone. I know Guyanese who have had their rights repeatedly violated by the president’s own people, and he still talks about rights and reforms with a straight face. I exhort my fellow Guyanese to examine the CRC closely and enlighten me as to what reforms and rights could emerge from a body as politically skewed as that one, and as morally tainted in spots and smudges.
In the same breath, President Ali pointed to reforms needed in the areas of race relations and that ugly one involving discrimination. Whatever the returns from the CRC, the president should reflect on the treatment meted out to the people of Mocha and Linden, and then continue his introspection with how his government has sought to cripple and criminalize the Guyanese who are a part of the IDPADA-G group. Clearly, reform is more than about what is finalized and put on paper. Reform must encompass people, and it starts upstairs.
When a leader presides over the revulsions that have been dumped on the IDPADA-G body, then there it is best to start with him for reforms of the mind, reforms of attitudes, and reforms of practices (largely odious) that now dominate the local landscape. When there can be repeated public displays of naked discrimination foisted on IDPADA-G, then the first reforms must begin with those responsible for them, however so. Whatever happens in this country, be such good or bad, President Ali is in no position, not the best person, to pontificate about reforms. Where needed, the kind needed, and how much is needed.
In view of the PPP dominated CRC (proxies), it promises to be long on deliberation, longer on provocation, and the longest on what is the most favorable consideration for the PPP. The government has the force of numbers on its side. This explains the presence of some fanatics in the CRC: it is to shore up the shaky, hold the line. The party must not be made to suffer from any noble sounding reform. And this brings me finally to electoral reform. Can any optimist see the PPP relinquishing some of its advantages, any of them?
Can some willing and ready hopeful conclude that any of the other political groups agreeing to do the same, especially when they begin the local game in a condition that is wrongfooted, shorthanded, and heavy-headed. The entire elections system demands more than reform. It demands breaking it up and blowing it away. Start from scratch, refine the new system based on bitter experience. What we have builds towards an explosion. Time for Guyanese to be honest with one another. Reforms must roll out what is fresh and new, what offers hope, has national substance.
Unequivocally, President Ali’s CRC is dead before it arrived. The deck is marked, stacked, fixed. There are too few CRC members with conscience to influence the day, carry the tide. The
PPP made sure of that helpful (proxies) state. Nothing new. Usual business.
