Guyana is the poster child of nepotism, corruption, under-development and insecurity

Nov 03, 2009 Letters

Dear Editor,
My grandmother taught me many moons ago that the more things change the more they stay the same.
Guyana is the epitome of this axiom, just ask many who were fortunate, I use this word with caution, to experience life in Guyana during the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and now.
Protractors of the government rightfully argue that they are short-changing the public, mis-using public resources, fraternizing with criminal elements, engaging in ethno-politics and the distribution of resources and opportunities along ethnic lines…basically doing what politicians do; that is to manipulate the public for their gain in power, money, wealth, etc.
On the other hand, supporters of the government rightfully point to improved conditions in material welfare such as housing, food, job and educational opportunities, health care provision and recently as Randy Persaud suggested, the expansion in the middle class.
This is not an academic contribution so I will only say that both sides are correct and that there are a number of unchecked assumptions, assertions and misleading conclusions.
Both sides are correct in the sense that every day in Guyana we witness micro and macro contradictions that should alert the un-willing and exploited majority of our population that we are being used for the benefit of the political elite, whether this is PPP, PNC, AFC, GAP, etc.
We struggle, they tell us why we struggle, why we should struggle and why they are better placed than we ourselves to determine of our life course.
Any functioning brain should realise that there is something profoundly disturbing about this and about living conditions in Guyana as well as international the “behind the smiles and handshakes” perception and treatment of Guyana and Guyanese nationals.
Recently, I’ve joined the cause, “End Racial Politics in Guyana now on Facebook and I encourage users of the social network to join and let their voices be heard.
I also encourage civil society to organise and lend their support to transform the political and culture of Guyana. We are the revolution we seek, we are the change we seek, we are the hope that we suppress and we are the effort that will usher in a productive and healthy political climate in Guyana. Our country is the poster child of nepotism, corruption, under-development, insecurity and politically inspired ethnic antagonism not because of the Government or political manipulation, rather it is the way it is because we, the people of this nation allow the government and political elite to manipulate us and use us for their gain under the pretense that we stand to benefit as well.
A certain Minister remarked about two years back that Guyanese are too pre-occupied with bread and butter issues…” this is a very powerful statement because it provides insight into government’s perception of the populace and the selfish, get rich quick by any means and unconcerned culture that’s reflected by us in our daily lives.
Politically, this reflects a strategy to keep us fighting each other, fighting to improve our livelihoods and deflect our attention from the central issues and actions that warrant our engagement. In just about every major sector of Guyanese life there exist visible and felt political division; the private sector, the religious, civil society, public, etc. you name it.
If it “ain’t bothering me, meh nah care”…everything that happens in this country concerns all of us and we have to recognise that when it all falls down, the only ones left standing will be the political elite and their confederates.
What we need is a revolution of our consciousness, a re-awakening of will to work together for change and to seek common ground where we are told that there is none or that to seek this is to invite defeat upon selves. Wake up Guyana, wake up and let’s make it happen!
Rawle Small

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