Should we simply settle for this inept bunch?

May 28, 2009 Letters

Dear Editor,
Ever since Dr. Richard Van West Charles has returned to Guyana with a view to attaining the leadership of the PNCR, he has been relentlessly attacked. Party members, as well as the PPP, have repeatedly made the following points:
(a) Dr. Charles had been away for too long
(b) He was associated with the Burnham Administration
Rather than seeing these as negative signs, I think these are both positive facts. Intelligent Guyanese should simply be allowed to think for themselves. Many countries, including China, India, Israel and others could not have made the strides they have, except with the help of the Diaspora.

Countries with large overseas populations draw on the knowledge, skills and financial resources to help accelerate their development. Data shows that 80 percent or more of Guyana’s college graduates leave the country. Our teachers, nurses and tradesmen are all over the Caribbean. If all the Guyanese living abroad could settle in any one place inside or outside of Guyana we would transform that space unbelievably in under five years. Dr. Charles lived abroad, and worked for the UN. He has returned with a wealth of experience, concern and commitment.

Many Guyanese politicians who claim to have stayed at home, simply stayed home. They have done precious little to improve country. Those in government brought about the decay and those in opposition were powerless to stop it. As Guyanese, let us ask ourselves, “Should we simply settle for this inept bunch?” Even the law which stipulates residency is more self-serving than anything else. There seems to be very little justification for this practice.

What amazes me is that every one of these politicians troop up to America and elsewhere begging for money. The message seems to be, “Send me your money, keep your advice, and stay where you are. Maybe we should come up with our own seven-year plan. No help to the politicians three and a half years before they hold office and three and a half years after they leave.

With regards to serving in the Burnham’s administration, the question is, “What is the problem with Burnham?” Burnham was not perfect. Neither were/are your parents. I still love my parents. One may disagree with Burnham but the entire record should be on the table. When one stacks up the records of the two Jagans, Hinds, and Jagdeo on one side Burnham’s record outweighs the others.

The South Africans, who suffered tremendously under apartheid, seldom mention Botha administration like the PPP does of the Burnham administration. The Germans seldom talk of the bad old days of East and West Germany. The PPP uses events in the Burnham era as scare tactics to cover for their own dismal performance. What I find disgusting is that the PPP has lied to this country repeatedly. They lack the courage to put Burnham’s entire record on the table.

Even when one examines the state of the economy under Burnham, research shows that the British and Americans were highly offended by our efforts to help free our brothers and sisters in Southern Africa. We paid a heavy price and it is indeed sad to hear people talk of these years without considering all the factors.
Many of those now loudly condemning Burnham benefited from many of the sensible programmes he developed. Many of these hypocrites would make Judas look like a saint.
Aubrey Retemyer

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