This ‘Messenger of Doom’ cannot thwart a PNCR victory

Dec 21, 2010 Letters

---

Dear Editor,
I take this opportunity to wish readers and employees of Kaieteur News a blessed and joyous Christmas!
Peeping Tom’s article of December 19th, “Change is on its way?” gives me great cause for concern, as he appears to predict the demise of the opposition and the glorious victory of the ruling party in the upcoming general election; but try as he may, this ‘Messenger of Doom’ cannot thwart a PNCR victory.
By Peeping Tom’s own admission, “From 2006 onwards what we have had in Guyana are policies being implemented that have caused those with wealth to become richer. This term of the PPP administration has been good for the rich. They have reaped great rewards as a result of the policies of the administration.
This is shocking when one considers that the ruling party is supposed to be working class in orientation.
It is shocking when one considers that there is still absolute poverty in Guyana. It is shocking when one considers that there is a growing gap between rich and poor within the society.” (Kaieteur News, December 17)
And in another article where he insinuates that progress in Guyana is compromised because of the President’s direct involvement in the decision making process of lower-lever problems, he wrote, “… what is taking place is that most of the decision-making is being done at the top and therefore only one thing at a time can be done. This is not how modern governments are run.
This is Stone Age governance which is going to always see Guyana trying to catch up with the rest of the world rather than moving forward. A country today simply cannot be run like a cake shop.” (Kaieteur News December 13)
Then there was the classic call from President Jagdeo for the United Nations to set up “accountability indicators”, which Peeping Tom supports, but rightfully observed in his column of September 27, “… But our good President would have had a stronger case if he could point to his own domestic policies to show what an excellent record his government has in establishing the record of such indicators in his own country.
It is not that there is an absence of such indicators in domestic policies. Rather, it is that on critical issues, the government has a poor record in responding to public calls for specific actions that would improve public transparency and accountability.
“One of the important domestic indicators needed is for public inquiries into major disasters and crises in the country. This is an acceptable course of action that responsible governments follow in democratic countries.
“In 2005 there was a great flood in Guyana. The government has stoutly resisted a commission of inquiry into this incident. We therefore have no investigation that would help us to avoid the problems associated with such a disaster should it occur in the future.
“Then there was the crime wave in which many innocent Guyanese were killed. There have been calls for an inquiry into various aspects of the crime wave, including the performance of the security forces and the possible political links of those committing atrocities against the Guyanese people.
“Two years ago, this country hit rock bottom with a number of massacres in which many Guyanese were slaughtered. Included in the carnage were children.
“Yet, there has been no commission of inquiry into any of these incidents, something that would not have been acceptable in any other country of the world.”
Mr. Editor, the Guyanese people are experiencing the same fears and concerns so eloquently expressed by Peeping Tom above, and they will conclude that it is indeed time for change unless, of course, he feels that most Indo-Guyanese are still drinking the PPP kool-Aid, and are incapable of making the right decision at the polls.
I have tremendous faith and confidence in the electorate to replace this government with one that will work in the best interest of all Guyanese… not just the privilege few.
With such severe problems facing this country: High unemployment, low income rate; high taxes; nation-wide corruption; misuse of taxpayers’ money; deadly criminal activities; lack of accountable, transparency and progress among others, why would someone who is obviously as politically astute as Peeping Tom, not join forces with the opposition to finally put an end to the PPP/C dictatorial rule and the sufferings of the Guyanese people, rather than giving the PPP/C advice on how they can “deflect from the massive claims of corruption by going on a spending spree next year and by pointing to its record of rescuing Guyana”. Why?
Although I am torn apart at the sudden loss of Winston Murray, I have not given up on the PNCR to choose a winning presidential candidate, for the national development of Guyana is much bigger than any one man. It is not only premature, but very naïve for Peeping Tom to say, “Whoever the PNCR identifies as its next presidential candidate is not going to win the presidency.”
Admittedly, Guyana has a tradition of voting race, but the Jagdeo Administration has stepped on too many toes this time, and has provoked the wrath of his own supporters. Many of whom are now openly critical of the regime.
And as Peeping Tom wonders “why the PNCR is exerting so much effort and resources in trying at this stage to identify a suitable presidential candidate. To what end?” I can perhaps answer him this way:
The PNCR is being very meticulous in choosing the right candidate because they are aware of the uphill task the next administration faces in cleaning up all the mess they will inherit.
They’re being careful not to make mistakes in a process that must be transparent and democratic.
Whoever they choose must be able to lead from day one and to lead by example, as there is no time for ‘on-the-job’ training.
He/she must be a uniter not a divider; a person of impeccable character with great vision and dedication to undertake the responsibilities trusted upon him/her.
The PNCR are proven veterans in the field of politics, and they know what needs to be done. Anyone who chooses to write them off, do so at their own peril.
Harry Gill

---

---