THE ‘‘ROOP’’ COLUMN – The Voice of Dissent – A true mark of democracy

Jul 20, 2008 Features / Columnists

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Introduction:
I have resurrected this 2005 column that was published in this newspaper given the recent events that have brought about unprecedented results by the Office of the President.

1. Mark Benschop’s pardon from Prison after five years of wrongful incarceration and without a conviction.
2. Withdrawal of Government Advertisement from Stabroek Newspaper because they believed the newspaper was not on their side
3. Recent front page comments by this newspaper on high level attacks
4. Shutting down of Channel 6 when only one programme was in question causing many people to lose their jobs.
5. Slamming of a very prominent businessman and stalwart of our nation for his criticism on recent concessions
6. Banning of a senior reporter for alleged criticism of the President

The health of any democratic state can be measured by the degree to which its citizens feel free to voice their dissent against the government without fear of punishment or reprisal. Guarantees of free speech, free press and free assembly mean absolutely nothing if the people live in fear of retaliation should they choose to speak their minds regarding their politicians. The question is when will we achieve the true mark of democracy?

Did We Achieve Democracy in 1992 or was it just Free Elections?
Many of us have asked that question over the last sixteen years. In the US, when one enters the bookstore, one can expect to find over 30 books against the current President, even putting his picture on the cover.
Oppression comes in many shapes and sizes. It hides its evil motives in the pretences of supposed honourable acts, all the while bullying the naysayer into silent submission with unspoken threats of retribution.

Free political discussion and the right to disagree with those in political power are the cornerstones of a free country.  Without the right to dissent there is no way for the people to unite in thought and purpose regarding the process that decides their lives and futures.

When the people are free to discuss their feelings about the government, they have at their disposal the first platform necessary to accept or reject the government and even, if desired, replace the government. I personally do not believe we have achieved democracy.

Un-responsive Government
Truly, a responsive government is simply a natural by-product of citizens who do not fear reprisal from disagreeing with their politicians.

The will of the people should be the foremost concern of the government and when that will is ignored or denied, the people have a responsibility to voice their dissent and to expect changes in a timely manner.
Any element that creates a political climate that produces a fear in the people to speak their minds is anti-democratic and dictatorial.

There are so many avenues by which a government can create such a climate. Some methods are more drastic than others, but the end result is always the same – silencing the voice of the people.

The more aggressive and less apologetic oppressive governments usually choose very public methods to make examples of one dissenter in an effort to curb the disapproving appetite in other would-be dissidents.
These methods usually include such atrocities as shutting down a newspaper that has printed dissenting material, sending harassing messages via the media to warn its enemies and even murdering anyone who opposes the government.

We have seen this type of behaviour in our dear Guyana 25 years ago when Dr. Walter Rodney was killed for voicing his dissent of the then administration.

Other less public, yet often just as sinister, methods include social ostracization, yanking of government contracts from businesses run by political dissenters and, here in Guyana, total disregard for dissent originating from the race that is not in power.

Disregarding the views of the “other” race is certainly one highly efficient technique to summarily dismiss a large amount of dissent while further perpetuating the racial division in our country – a division instigated and sustained by vitriolic politicians who would chip away at our democracy for a chance to sit in parliament.

So what is Guyana’s democratic temperature? To what degree do the citizens feel the freedom to voice their dissent?

Happening upon a conversation here or there will show there is much political condemnation and the people will talk about it with their friends and acquaintances. However, there is also a noticeable undercurrent of fear that runs deep into the veins of the citizens. Whispers of dissatisfaction and low condemning murmurs consistently fill the streets, doorways and rum shops of our country and fear reigns in the place of freedom.
 
How does a country facilitate dissent?
In today’s modern world, we have so many new avenues available for free discussion. There are Websites with forums formatted specifically for political discussion.

There is also the radio, television and newspapers as a means for expressing dissent. Other avenues include providing town meetings, encouraging the formation of political activist groups and, if a situation requires drastic measures, a petition.

However, the most effectual means by which a country can facilitate dissent is to replace every unresponsive politician with one who better understands the role of a democratic leader. It really is that simple.

Such politicians are not fit for the service of the people and should have no place in making decisions that impact the people if they cannot listen to the will of the people.

Conclusion:
Beyond doubt, it is extremely difficult to overcome a fear of political reprisal when there is even a small nagging feeling that one’s opposition might bring retribution to family, business or self.  However, if the people of Guyana do not take the necessary steps to restore a healthy climate of free discussion to our country, then who will? Quite frankly my fellow compatriots, there is no one else.

With the same mouths we use to kiss our children and eat the sweet fruit of our land, we should be demanding the will of the people and declaring the freedom for political discussion.

It is time to exchange our whispers for bellows and our doorways for podiums. I ask for a second time, if not us, then who? Once again, Guyana expectantly awaits our reply.

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