POWER TO THE PEOPLE

Apr 12, 2009 AFC Column, Features / Columnists

By Raphael Trotman

At this time of Easter when we reflect on the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made to ensure the salvation of all those who believe in his Gospel, let us examine whether those who claim the right to rule over us have any desire to truly serve, or instead want to be served.

Jesus of Nazareth was indeed one of the greatest revolutionaries of all time as he spoke the language of the people, came from the people, and served the people. Today, as we survey the local political scene, we find too many of the players involved in a game of one-upmanship, particularly as it relates to local government reform and the elections that were meant to follow.

Once again the process is mired in controversy and difficulty; failing in a sense to undergo that ultimate sacrifice for the people by placing into their hands the powers of knowledge and governance. Instead we see GECOM hiring and training staff for elections when the long awaited reform process is not over. GECOM obviously knows something the rest of us don’t because as yet, no laws have been passed to say how the new electoral system is going to be designed, how the people are meant to participate and to benefit, how revenue is going to be raised, and how the stranglehold of central government is going to be broken. What a farce!

For eight years, the people have waited for the Local Government Task Force, comprising representatives of the PPP/C and PNCR, to conclude their agenda. This agenda was intended to deliver a promise made to them of a new system; a new dispensation of local governance that would see ordinary people taking control of their affairs in a truly democratic and transparent manner. It is the kind of shift in the balance of power that I have described as the replacement of the influence of a few with the power of the multitude.
In the past I said “We in the AFC believe that simply having Local Government, and later National Elections, without fundamental changes will keep us tied to the past. This is the kind of change that the people of Guyana have to demand.”

Those who were involved in crafting the 2001 Jagdeo/Hoyte Accord understood that in this country, dogged by political tensions, distrust, claims of discrimination and underdevelopment, that there had to be a devolution of power from the centralist system of having political parties and a Minister of Local Government making decisions, to a new system where the people would make the decisions for themselves as to what schools would be repaired, and how much money would be spent on roads.

The overarching intention of President Jagdeo and former President Hoyte, at the time of signing their Communiqué in 2001, was the reconstruction of the local government system so that whenever the elections were held it would provide the foundation for a new dispensation of peace, harmony, and development in our communities. This dispensation of peace, harmony, and development would hopefully eliminate, or keep to a minimum, the traditional bitterness and squabbling, confusion, and manipulation of local affairs as practiced by government.

Among the stated terms of reference of the Task Force are: to ensure the conclusion of the constitutional reform process and give effect to the new constitutional provisions regarding local democracy; to monitor and guide the drafting, passing and implementation of legislation to give greater autonomy to local government bodies, including the establishment of the local government commission, and the formulation and implementation of objective criteria for the purpose of the allocation of resources by local democratic organs. Once again we learn that the process is being terminated unilaterally by the PPP/C.

Today, eight years later, the people continue to be shafted by a series of games being played by those who place little value on their lives, and more on their personal advancement. As I listen to those who say “there will be local government elections in 2009”, I am reminded of the admonition that Jesus gave to the people: “Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts.”

What is important is not simply the holding of local government elections, but elections that deliver to the people real change from the system that has paralysed them for the past four decades. Without a doubt, the delays are the direct result of the parties trying to gain the upper hand on each other so that when the gun is fired for the race to begin, they will enjoy a greater advantage. This is the political game that defines politics all over the world, and has been seen recently in the U.S., the people have started the long, but necessary, trek towards regaining control over their lives. Why should a community in Bath Settlement, Berbice, or the people in Bartica be denied greater autonomy simply because some group of persons in Georgetown can’t stop fighting?

Last Monday, I read a very interesting, and certainly stimulating, letter written by Eric Phillips about a people’s exercise that took place in Agricola on Palm Sunday. It was most refreshing to read that the people of Agricola decided that enough was enough and that they would not wait on politicians to begin their re-birth. I read that “While some dutifully celebrated Palm Sunday in the traditional manner, Agricola residents of all races, creeds, colours, ages, and shapes took to the streets to clean up their community. Over 800 residents participated in the cleansing exercise.”

This was achieved with the help of corporate support from Namilco, Sol, Caribbean Containers, and Two Brothers, and from institutions such as ACDA, Food for the Poor, the Georgetown City Council and even the Guyana Defence Force. What was most remarkable and refreshing was that there were no politicians present jostling for attention and votes.

Eric Phillips urged that the spirit of Agricola should spread like wildfire throughout the nation. I hope that in every community that the spirit of Agricola takes over, and that beginning in every yard, street, village, community and town, the people say that the time has come for the old political way to be cast off and that those who serve them are people of their choice and not placed over them to demand respect and reverence.

It has become quite clear that the PPP/C intends to hold local government elections without far-reaching and meaningful reforms. It appears that to the PPP/C the ancient mindset that says that people must be governed and not be involved in governance remains intact. This is 2009 and not 1919. It will be for the people ultimately to decide whether they want control of their lives, or remain to under the control of others from birth to death; a form of bondage as it were.

Whenever local government elections are held in Guyana they must not be held simply to meet someone’s notion that elections are the beginning and ending of democracy, but they must be held to bring empowerment. I too join the call for people to organize themselves and to let their voices be heard saying that the reforms must come before any elections are held in Guyana.
Happy Easter to all Guyanese!