By GHK Lall- Guyana is either the mother of all backward countries, or the best relative to its sublime law-abiding character. Without pronouncing on which one it is, I submit for the consideration of Guyanese of all complexions and spots, three situations with the recommendation that they decide for themselves. Thereafter, they can examine themselves in the mirror to determine whether they resemble Freddy Krueger or Sir Thomas Moore.
First, I present GECOM, the national agency standing close guard on the bridge of Guyana’s elections. GECOM has the power to decide who passes on that bridge, who shouldn’t. Apparently, GECOM’s only objection to the sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed of WIN fame was whether his jaguar was a local lion, or an alley cat. He was already walking around with the weight of US sanctions on his head when he ventured near the elections bridge. GECOM afforded free and full passage after the feline festivities were settled.
One of the most crucial and powerful institutions of this democratic Republic first held up its hand, slowly reviewed Mohamed’s credentials, then waved him along. The sanctioned individual is greenlighted. But not his unsanctioned comrades, who are censored and slammed by first Demerara Bank and later GBTI.
They came in for Guyana style sanctions. No bank accounts, no job. GECOM, an arm of the State, has approved a US sanctioned Guyanese for elections activities, who could run Guyana’s highest office, or run into parliament. But unsanctioned members of his team, full citizens with, I take the leap, the fullest compliance with this country’s laws, fall afoul of two banks. Guyanese can take things from here.
Second, the spotlight has been shone on former Permanent Secretary, Ms. Mae Toussaint Jr. Thomas, another US sanctioned Guyanese. Apparently, Ms. Thomas had resigned from the Central Executive of the PPP. I’m sorry. With many eyes focused on Ms. Thomas and her probable local banking relationship(s), another senior Guyanese public servant, one more US-sanctioned local, slithered under the radar.
I regret having to identify Senior Superintendent of the Guyana Police Force, Mr. Himnauth Sawh. He was sent on leave, is subject to every facet of due process that the Constitution of Guyana allows, alongside public/police service rules and procedures, as such apply. I say he is entitled, and that he should maximise the value of those facilities for his full benefit. Now there’s his monthly pay-cheque. The monthly buckets of cash are over, with Direct Deposit almost universal.
Even if the senior superintendent is paid by cheque, he still has to utilise some financial institution. I pass no judgment on the standards and practices that the banks may have employed to deal with the unique situation of Mr. Sawh, one that is now becoming commonplace. But if they are in a relationship with him, like maybe Ms. Thomas, what message does that convey? Again, Guyanese have been appointed by me to be referees. I trust in their balance, adherence to high standards of consistency and basic principles.
Meanwhile, Guyana’s private sector, and other umbrella bodies, have sounded the alarm about risks, and that local commercial banks are caught in a difficult place. I nod. But what about that old wisdom of better sparing a thousand guilty than one innocent sent to the gallows? And, what about innocent until proved a rogue, some early amnesia? Or there is recollection, but it doesn’t apply to some in some circumstances? Elections in Guyana are the perfect opportunity to test that out. I commend to Guyanese hands, minds.
Third, and last, child molesters and rapists, serial killers and other mad dogs, are all given the widest coverage of the best defense that is constitutionally permissible. The worst of worst, often from the dregs of depraved societies, are treated to the best that a society can offer, and all in the pursuit of fairness and justice. In the past, this has even been extended to grisly Nazi war criminals.
A Werner Von Braun of Nazi Germany industry and infamy, could have been condoned by America, but unsanctioned Guyanese have their feet roasted by fire. Guilt by association is seemingly what is at work. In Guyanese, I present show me, yuh companee. But there are risk fears, as claimed. Then there was also that FDR Churchillian and Baconian moment: “the only thing we have to fear… is fear itself -nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyses….”
I leave it to the Guyanese people, including my well-wishers and admirers in the PPP, to dive deeply, then to expound sensibly, fairly, and publicly on what really is at work in relation to the approximately 20 up to recent Demerara bank account holders. Don’t forget that one fired GBTI employee. For exercising their sacred right to choose their political company. Is Guyana a country rising, or a society decaying? I take the easy way out. No position.
