Politics of division and exclusion have overshadowed Guyana’s image and prosperity

Jun 04, 2013 Letters

Dear Editor,
Guyana’s fragile democracy, as well as its so-called Westminster parliamentary system, has been compromised by what can be termed “the politics of division and exclusion”. In essence, this can best be defined as a scenario in which, when one political party is in power, it is expected by many that the supporters of the losing party will have to “suck salt through a wooden spoon.” In other words, the “we time now” syndrome takes over and reigns supreme until the ruling party is defeated and this vicious cycle repeats itself.
This age-old practice has divided Guyanese in a most insidious and deleterious way, and although the spectre of political violence is no longer prevalent, a certain portion of the population has been marginalized and continues to be victimized mainly because of their race and the party they support. This type of racial and prejudiced politics should no longer be tolerated. They have not only divided the two main races but have done irreparable damage to our culture and our motto.
We urge all Guyanese not to allow the two major political parties to use them as pawns. Race bait politics is largely responsible for Guyana becoming one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere.
Of course, there are those who abandon the principle of good governance and join the ruling party and proudly display their support. Those persons who can be described as “turn coats” quickly align themselves to the ruling clique in order to ensure that they partake in the soup drinking. And, interestingly, these individuals are to be found in every stratum of our society, from top to bottom. This level of hypocrisy and opportunism is most nauseating, but that is the nature of politics in Guyana.
Having gained Independence more than four decades ago, one would have thought that Guyanese would have moved away from this silly and ugly partisan politics. But this has not been the case. The politics of division has not only stifled Guyana’s economic growth but led to massive corruption which has ruined the country and destroyed its image and reputation among its Caribbean neighbours. It has also led to contempt for the constitution and disrespect for the people.
Following the 1992 elections, the PPP moved quickly to get rid of all PNC members in government positions and in some cases has replaced them with persons who were not qualified for the jobs but were simply placed there in their capacity as well-known political activists. So how can one expect Guyana to develop? How can one expect corruption not to take place when relatives and friends are placed in positions without any measure of accountability?
Foremost is the issue of contracts and sub-contracted work, most of which have to do with road works projects. This is one of, if not the biggest area where corruption takes place in Guyana. The unwritten law is that all contracts, sub-contracts and works to be done must be given to supporters of the ruling party. Transparency, competence, probity, expertise and the ability to complete the job on time and in good stead are not necessarily the main criteria.
Intrinsic in all of this are the perennial practice of kickbacks (money under the table to those who gave the contracts) and the funding of the PPP. It is a quid pro quo situation that is accepted and pursued with much alacrity and no sense of guilt. This is the primary reason why so many persons in position have moved from rags to riches overnight.
When all is said and done, the politics of division and exclusion, which is largely based on racism and includes the divide and rule concept, has led to the underdevelopment of Guyana, increased poverty among the masses and the lack of jobs for the youths. In the final analysis, the political leaders must find ways or should be forced to end partisan politics, corruption and kickbacks, and the marginalization of a large section of the population.
Dr. Asquith Rose and Harish S. Singh

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