Open letter to PNCR supporters

Sep 22, 2008 Letters

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DEAR EDITOR,
Today, we are entering a phase of profound social, political and economic uncertainty punctuated by increasing separateness among the various races. Ethnic polarization is real and alive in Guyana, and the PPP/Civic regime is the beneficiary of the racial intolerance and division.

Many PNCR supporters across North America are cognizant of the widening chasm between the two major ethnic groups. As Guyanese in the Diaspora anxiously observe the retrogression of our society, it behooves nationals to become more involved in collective efforts that would positively impact the daily lives of citizens.

Concomitantly, it is imperative that PNCR supporters fully comprehend the stark and disturbing drift to pauperization of Afro-Guyanese hastened by prolonged economic stagnation. Equally repulsive is the blatant disregard for the Rule of Law by this government. Opposition groups appear impotent to curtail this regime from solidifying power through anti-democratic practices, which have led to pervasive political and social apathy.

Many citizens have become disillusioned with an administration that has ignored their plight and suffering. Malaise and discontent have been manifested in the wide use of illicit drugs, a high rate of teen pregnancy and record-breaking unemployment, especially among Afro-Guyanese males.

Moreover, inadequate HIV/AIDS treatment and limited access to proper medical care certainly pose a serious health threat to the nation generally, but young people in particular. Further, the education system, like the judiciary, has deteriorated to the point where meritocracy no longer prevails over mediocrity and incompetence.

These appalling conditions along with other incommodious changes are occurring even as PNCR supporters everywhere recently observed the 23rd death anniversary of its Party Founder Leader, the late, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. Maybe in death his displeasure with the current morass would be palpable and obviously abhorrent.

Why have his followers denied him in death the Republic he strived so hard to establish? What are the compelling reasons which drove some comrades to betray the Party? Who among us is willing to step forward and with honour move our people beyond their existing subjugation? When will comrades recognise that ‘Party Unity’ is more important than narcissistic individuals seeking self-aggrandizement while failing to lead by precepts?

The current state of affairs in our country dictates that courageous Guyanese in the Diaspora coalesce to reverse the prevailing pathetic conditions. Indeed, we are witnessing the destruction of our society in ways never anticipated following the attainment of political independence. Within the last 11 years Guyana’s political landscape has undergone unparalleled transmutation engendered by the PPP/Civic regime to assert absolute power in the country.

As PNCR supporters, we should be committed to, and guided by, the democratic values of human rights, justice and equality for all citizens without exception. Our collective mission must demonstrate that Guyanese abroad are prepared to advocate for a change in the status quo and leverage their accumulated assets to effectuate national development and balance governance.

A common-front or united approach is needed to restore confidence in our electoral system, after years of racial voting. Generally, Guyanese must place country before party affiliation or ethnicity to rebuild shattered lives, deteriorated infrastructures and expunged the demons of religious and racial bigotry from our society.

PNCR supporters must rise above insignificant personal differences, stop asserting or validating frivolous areas of disagreement as justification for walking away from the Party and focus on winning the next general election. We have to avoid operating in groups with less than clarion objectives and instead bolster the party by offering more financial, material and intellectual support to maintain its effectiveness.

All affiliated groups abroad should continue to advocate party unity and improve working relations with associated groups at all levels. Our political identity should not be compromised to appease those willing to accept being relegated to an opposition party.  

If we are to succeed in our thrust to resuscitate the PNCR, then it is necessary that Party leaders embrace opposing viewpoints. I believe when dissenting opinions are muzzled, or retaliatory action is taken against individuals, the consequences usually become rallying cries for reprisals and counter measures.

I am convinced that until and unless PNCR members are permitted to express their views and opinions freely and without recrimination, the stronger our party will become. In democratic institutions dissent is perceived as constructive criticism and often encouraged.

The fact is that there are many so-called PNCR supporters or more succinctly ‘political yard fowls’ among our ranks, masquerading as leaders but at the same time surreptitiously undermining attempts to transform our party. There are also known individuals that derive satisfaction by preventing positive initiatives from being implemented. Unfortunately, there are also those that have aligned themselves with opposition groups, and working assiduously to decimate the PNCR so as to prevent it from re-emerging as a viable political alternative to the PPP/Civic.

Comrades! We must not allow ourselves to be bamboozled by discredited charlatans or political prostitutes seeking fame and fortune. It is incumbent upon us to make a conscious effort and decipher appropriate tactics to confront these miscreants.

In the past we have challenged many of their ilk and neutralized reprobates operating in similar fashion. The change in locale does not negate embracing the very acts that allowed us to remain firmly entrenched in our pursuits of placing Guyana on a progressive path. 

Party members should be mindful of our primary goal to return the PNCR to power and ignore the naysayers and faint-of-heart. We must intensify efforts aimed at liberating and empowering adherents. Our cause is noble and success can only be achieved if we cast aside negativity and together strive for victory at the ballot box. 

On November 8, 2008 dedicated comrades could reverse the missteps of our leaders and attend the Annual Regional Conference in Toronto. This is an opportunity for PNCR supporters to rally behind a group of hard core, credible comrades.

This gathering of faithful comrades will begin the process of re-establishing ‘Party Unity’, amplify plans going forward and illuminate strategies for regaining power in the next general election expected sometime in 2011.

Tony Jones

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