Dear Editor,
Our situation in Guyana demands deep thinking and philosophical introspection, if many of us are not to end up in the psychiatric ward of one of our medical institutions. The first contortion is that we have an administration in charge of just about everything we can think about. The lynchpin of a viable democracy is the separation of the Executive, the Parliament and the Judiciary.
Thanks to some folks who do not mind being complicit with what is inappropriate, we seem to be witnessing an executive that, in sometimes not subtle ways, trample upon and take over the roles of the two other branches of governance. Examples are numerous.
By way of example; we learnt from officers testifying before the commission of inquiry, into the Barima tragedy, of a number of administrative shortcomings, such as the absence of regular joint training, and outdated operating procedures. Yet, with great alacrity three Transport and Harbours employees have been charged with murder, and efforts to address this injustice have so far proved futile.
Even though responsible members of civil society have identified at least five decision makers who, reasonable people would assume, ought to have been charged in the same way that Captain Price and two others have been placed behind bars. On a lighter note, but a serious matter, there was a comedy program title; “different strokes, for different folks”. It is clear Guyana has arrived at that place of reckoning.
Another sad situation was revealed a few days ago, where Guyana has declined on the ‘rule of law index’. What makes this situation a national tragedy is that it is happening at a time, when we are receiving unprecedented massive sums from our natural resources.
Today, we are following the foot prints of ‘big brother’, by talking about and signing agreements about a pernicious drug trade. Back in the late 80s I recall making a case for massive programs of music, painting, sculpture and competitions in all forms of sport, that would consume the energies of our young people and so reduce the likelihood of them becoming attracted to harmful drugs. Of course, along with parallel programs to educate youngsters about the dangers of these drugs which serve to shorten their lifespan and weaken them physically and mentally.
It is amazing how throughout human history leaders in every corner of the globe continue to make steps of sheer stupidity. Why did the Trojans, not recognise a Greek trick when the hauled that suspicious looking large wooden horse within their city, breaching the fortress which had kept them safe for generations? Why did Samson reveal his secret to Delilah? Why did the Americans get involved in Vietnam? And this week in France, the leaders seem not to appreciate the anger caused by a rising cost of living.
All of the above relate to today’s Guyana in different ways. Why are we persecuting the leader of the opposition, making him into a modern day ‘folk hero’. Silly steps of sheer stupidity. Never before has a government had access to this super abundance of money, yet we are plagued with ‘black-outs’ and dirty water in some areas.
The latest charade, the recent joke is this talk about ‘consensus’ politics. Earlier, it was customary to hear, after lengthy debate and discussion, that the person who control the purse strings, and the levers of authority was the person who found and determined what was the consensus.
I say to WIN, PNC, and others; beware, be wary of Messrs Tricky and Tranny. I do not know what literature is popular these days, but as an old Shakespeare fan, I pause with this bit from Hamlet, made popular by Thomas Carlyle, “we are creatures that look before and after; the more surprising that we do not look around a little, and see what is passing under our very eyes.”
Yours truly,
Elder Hamilton Green
