Da Silva’s understanding of true democracy is seriously flawed

Oct 19, 2008 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
My friend, John Da Silva’s reply on the question of whether we enjoy a true democracy is seriously flawed. The burden of his contention all hark back to allegations of the dictatorial practices of the previous regime.

That Dear John is not the point. Let us, for the sake of argument, say that the previous regime was all that you claim.

We are concerned about a Party that said all these things over and over again, but has not demonstrated the essence of democratic governance, given their charges; we have seen no substantial change.

To begin, this administration inherited a free press but you know what the State controlled media would not publish (my letters to start with). The PPP took the PNC, or more specifically Burnham to task for only one Radio Station.

After 16 years, same story, one State-controlled Radio station and no change in site.
But let us look at the last set of words in your letter – you talk about bullies.

I know of no instance in the previous regime where a minister would just seize with the help of the police, a car park managed by the Local Authority for 17 years without consultation, or notice – just give me a similar example. Is this not bullyism? And that is not the only instance.

Then look at the Air Disaster Monument – no discussion – no question – just stop the work. What else is this but the work of a bully – your words?

John talks about political assassinations. If killings are assumed to be the work or brainchild of a top political personality, then such killings constitute political assassination.

The same type of evidence or perception that led you to refer to Walter Rodney and Father Drakes is the same by logic that can be asked the assassination of the Bacchus brothers, Minister Sataydeow Shaw, Brother Ronald Waddell and a host of others are not political assassinations. Tell me the difference from either available evidence, or some set of assumptions, or even hearsay.

You know why Local Government reform is taking so long – those in power are not willing to share any power with others. That is the long and short of the matter.

“Tek all” – lock up those you don’t trust, is that a return to democracy? You talk about the past, is Mark Benschop or Oliver Hinckson different from Arnold Rarnpersaud? You tell me.

For the life of Guyana, we have had more extra judicial killings that at any time in our history. For the life of Guyana, we have had more money cover-up than any other time. How about our Democracy?
Hamilton Green, J. P.

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