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Wherein lies our democracy?

Dec 08, 2011 Letters

 

 

DEAR EDITOR,
When a people has to seek permission from its government to protest against the policies and the mandates of that government it manifests a clear travesty of democracy. Inherent in the democratic process is that each voice of the citizenry should be attended to with equal gravity of interest and governmental attention. Consequently, the collective expression of those voices in a peaceful and systematic manner to capture a singularity of concerns should propel the government to act promptly in a tactful and civilized manner to remedy the material concerns. Any government which acts contrary to this necessary response runs the risk of undermining its credibility and commitment to democracy. The Guyanese government has done nothing to insulate itself from such scrutiny. Actually, it has invited it.
His Excellency, the late Cheddi Jagan, who has epitomized the concept of democracy, did so upon the pillars of protests. Back in those days it was not even branded a peaceful march. He has led innumerable protests and his fervor and commitment to change culminated in our first ‘free and fair’ election, ascending the People’s Progressive Party to governance. The essence of his character not only demands the label of Excellency but implores those who regard him as such to feel honoured to attach that label. The post-Jagan administration has brutally butchered the ideals of this notable politician and has invited upon that administration wavering confidence in its integrity.
The Guyanese populace have been promised a reinvigoration of the fight for peace and equality. The peace has been exhibited in the PIECES of flesh of peaceful protestors/marchers pierced by UNEQUAL numbers of pellets. The irony lies in the fact that Afro Guyanese are being used to inflict injuries upon their Afro Guyanese compatriots so that our country can be plunged into civil disobedience whereby Afro Guyanese can be used to execute our genocide.
The electoral process should not encourage and at times even demand that we vote only to attempt to silence us when we question the transparency of that process. It is our RIGHT to; and that is the right the Guyanese people are seeking to exercise. If the government is convinced that the process was transparent then why be opposed to proof of this transparency being furnished? That is all it takes to quiet the people.
The question has to be asked that if the PPP supporters had called upon the government by virtue of peaceful protests to facilitate comparison of the statements of poll so that its victory can be firmly grounded and governance proceed without objection, would those protestors/marchers have been shot at? Would the women and children in the mix have been shot at?
My observations are not aimed at fueling any racial hatred as I am firmly opposed to racial politics; I am merely stating the obvious. I am a firm supporter of inclusive governance and I believe that every Guyanese should benefit from the decency and humility of our politicians. But such decency and humility is either always slanted in one direction or not in existence at all.
The opposition and its supporters have demonstrated evident maturity in their peaceful conduct. The government should regard this and treat it with a measure of respect and not seek to infuriate the people to bring about devastating consequences. The young people have shown their solidarity to the possibility of change by coming out in their numbers to vote and by calling for their votes to be potent through a process of transparency. The most dangerous thing the government can do at this time is kill the hope and confidence of the young people, especially in our most decisive election since our independence.
Ronald Daniels

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