When will we ever collectively lay blame where blame is due?

Jul 18, 2010 Letters

Dear Editor,

I respond to a recent letter, captioned “Open letter to Mr. Corbin”, in Kaieteur News by one, Mr. Harry Gill.

Mr. Robert Corbin’s earned right to lead is best represented, not only by virtue of him winning elections for leader of the Peoples National Congress Reform (PNCR), but also by his record as a member of the, Young Socialist Movement (YSM) then youth arm of the PNC, where his service as a National executive member from 1967 continued until chronologically he was no longer eligible.

His performance within this organisation as a team player and a leader was exemplary, meeting the standards required by the party thus enabling him to become the National Chairman and subsequent party leader. He has demonstrated that leadership is best exemplified through service and loyalty. Today this shines out as the hallmark of his personality and many cadres whom he led still speak of the discipline and love for the party which he nurtured in each cadre and those whom he touched.

Under his leadership the youth arm of the PNC give its most vibrant support to the party becoming the vanguard youth movement in Guyana.

Both Hoyte and Corbin rose to leadership level within the party following the deaths of sitting leaders. The constitution (4) (a) states If the Office of Leader becomes vacant due to death, incapacity, resignation or other circumstance, the Chairman shall assume the functions of the Leader for the time being. (b) In the case of death or resignation, General Council shall meet within 60 days to elect an Interim Leader who shall function until Congress elects a Leader. Both Hoyte and Corbin were subsequently elected as leaders. Corbin On February 1, 2003 at a special Congress after Hoyte died and then subsequently at Biennial Congress in 2004, 2007, and 2009.

Losing an elections does not mean that one is incapable of winning one, as Guyana’s electoral history will reveal. The reader is reminded that the Peoples National Congress, under Robert Corbin lost one national/regional election, that being the national election of 2006. Mr. Harry Gill in his letter, a few days ago seems oblivious to this fact. However, that is beyond the point. Fact is, only the very naïve will believe that the loss of elections can be attributed only to the presidential candidate, as some wants us to believe. It is proven that there are greater dynamics at work in any election campaign, and that the interplay or non-interplay of each of these will ultimately determine the final outcome of the results.

The non-controllable factors must also be examined, it is only as a result of the understanding and appreciation of the existence of these issues that political parties are able to retool, strategize and reposition itself for the next battle. I believe Dr. Cheddi Jagan understood this well, so after 28 years in opposition he and his party were able to strategize, albeit, utilizing the vile tactic of demonizing Burnham and the PNC.

Since Mr. Gill seems unaware, or is deliberately engaged in pedaling misinformation of the PNCR leader, Mr. Robert Corbin, I believe that it is apposite to educate him on some of the achievements of Mr. Corbin, in his comparatively, brief period of being Guyana’s Opposition Leader/Leader of PNCR. Does Mr. Gill knows that, under Mr. Corbin’s leadership the National Assembly unanimously endorsed a motion to give due recognition to the work and contribution of Guyana’s first Executive President, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham? I guess not!

Mr. Gill went on to blame Mr. Corbin and the PNCR for the plight in which Guyana finds itself. He should, however, know that neither the PNC nor Mr. Robert Corbin can be held accountable singularly or as a group, for the work of government or its failure to implement decisions made in the best interest of the nation. The writer is reminded that the Office of the Opposition does not dictate the collective nor individual responses and attitudes of the Opposition Parties represented in Parliament.

While the opposition has its role to play, Gill must understand that those who claim to have the mandate to govern, given to them by the people, have a responsibility to implement government programmes and policies that serve in the best interest of those people. The PNC delivered while in office, why are we excusing the PPP/C? Or are there actions so off target that we cannot determine who the government is? This, I must say is a strong possibility.

Additionally, each individual has a civic responsibility to hold this government accountable and to resist any measure that runs contrary to National Interest. The writer has taken time out to lay the burden of this Nation’s failure at the feet of the PNCR and its Leader while ignoring those responsible – in this case the PPP Government. In so doing, he unwittingly confirms to the PPP strategy of blaming the PNC for the Nation’s State of affairs. Mr. Gill has clearly been sucked into he PPP/C’s propaganda theme, which is premised on a belief that the PNCR should be blamed for their many shortcomings as a government. I believe that party must be happy with the likes of Gill who will be using their pens to scribble every rumour and untruth, possible, to malign the PNCR and its leader. Twenty-eight years of blaming the PNC and now turned into 28 plus 18, even thought these 18 the PPP/C regime is in power.

One wonders if or when will we ever collectively lay blame where blame is due? When will we hold each person, each party accountable for their own sins and take responsibility for our own shortcomings? When will we stop passing the buck?

There is no need to list the many achievements and efforts of Mr. Robert Corbin as I doubt those who are bent on their lawless excursions into power grabbing, those who choose to be blinded and those who chose to engage in a smear campaign and cheap politicking will appreciate these.

Readers will however remember that the Gajraj Commission of Enquiry and the Discipline Forces Commission of Enquiry were as a direct result of PNC agitation; to the extent where today, the International Community in the United Nations Revised Periodical Review is now calling for a Commission of enquiry into the phantom squad.The PNCR is on record coming out against VAT and leading public protest on many issues of national importance even as many who are affected directly are afraid to stand up and struggle for what is just and fair.

One wonders if the writer who finds it opportune to accuse the PNCR and its Leader of failure has cast similar stones at the other Parliamentary Parties which have debunked protest as a political weapon and whose very action some claim, is intended to weaken the PNCR and lend support to the PPP/C retaining power.

From all appearances, Gill has overlooked the role and responsibility of the other Parties in Parliament and even the projection by one of being the main Opposition force and therefore by virtue of its analytical frame should be held accountable for the actions and inactions of the government and the plight of Guyanese.

Will we see a passionate call for the resignation of their leaders? Will we hold civil society accountable and will we hold all those members of the electorate who voted for the PPP/C, accountable for the current state of affairs of the government, because they continue to suffer in silence?

Mr. Gill, this issue of passing the buck of a highly criminalized state, on the PNCR and its leader is very premature, short sighted and lacks direction.

The PNC has a proud record before Mr. Corbin and during Mr. Corbin’s reign. Unfortunately the chain is as strong as the weakest link and those who now seek themselves, and no one else. Their boldness to promote a view point which seeks to absolve them from any blame is indicative of their questionable intent. I am waiting to read an “open letter” to some other people.

Even with limited resources, the PNCR, party, continues to provide social and welfare services to as many citizens that it can reach. These range from children projects, handout of kites, literacy projects, legal assistance, Human Services, even to those who attack us, a vibrant meet the people day held at its Congress place headquarters among other community and service projects. To those who demand more aggressive assistance, these might not be enough, some might also argue that these are not important but what is significant is the fact the people appreciate and extend gratitude each time.

Can the party do more, yes it can, but like I said our resources are limited and we, without, much media “hype and fanfare”, undertake to provide services that the government have deliberately refused to provide to many communities.

Mr. Gill must know that, the leader of the PNCR remains accessible to all and sundry and never one day has he forgotten that the people who need him most are often those who are quiet in our midst and whose voices are not heard. These are the people who participated in the national elections by turning out to vote, thought not necessarily for the PNCR. The PNCR, therefore, views every Guyanese as important and critical to the developmental process, and nation building, it matters not what colour, class, race or political persuasion. This task of working in the interest of every Guyanese continues to be the hallmark of the party, nurtured through successive leadership.

This is the only mandate Mr. Corbin and the PNCR serve.

Members and supporters of the People’s National Congress Reform are encouraged to stay focused and channel their energies at debunking the mischief of the enemies of the party. As a people we must resist the wicked lies and machinations of those who seek to divide us. The PPP/C knows that time is running out so their dangerous schemes is already in the over drive mode, you will see more claims of “a Jagdeo Third term push”, which the people will not allow to happen, you will see more of the likes of Mr. Gill and more “open letters to Mr. Corbin”, many outrageous claims. Some of these ruthless plans will even be spewed by people whom you least expect will be caught up in this mode, but all will be exposed, if only for a few dollars more or just in the name of “some revenge”. The PPP/C knows their time is up so all the tricks out of the books will be pulled. Don’t be distracted!

Lurlene Nestor