Desperation breathes dishonesty and manipulation

Mar 28, 2013 Letters

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Dear Editor:
Desperation breathes dishonesty and manipulation. And this reference is made to Freddie Kissoon’s letter “Lincoln misses a basic requirement of life” (KN 25/3/2013). This issue which attends to “the right and the duty to work” for Guyanese consistent with Article 22 of the Guyana Constitution, has nothing to do with Ramon ‘Rambo’ Gaskin, et al, the lies and irrelevant excursions Freddie is pursuing.
Let me say to my friend he will not be allowed to get away with it. And while it is his prerogative to disagree with the Guyana Trades Union Congress (TUC)’s engagement with the Government side in the National Assembly, such does not extend to him giving a message to society based on deception and manipulation, and one which violates the rights of citizens and the responsibility of office holders and organisations.
He applied this attitude before with Desmond Hoyte in his struggle to end executive lawlessness and my claim of economic genocide in the African community and holding the government responsible for even-handed management. Today he is one of the loudest proponents of the very things he earlier sought to destroy. But let me say to Freddie, while I appreciate his current contribution for a better society, I am forewarned by his past behaviours and concerned that he is again seeking to apply it.
And while in furtherance of his interest he is making a case that Sam Hinds, as Leader of Government business in the National Assembly is powerless to act, he is reminded the president is not in the National Assembly and the TUC, in this instance, was targeting this institution and its representatives. It is unfortunate that he cannot demonstrate respect for this constitutional structure.
Every citizen who wants to work must have this right protected. And while Freddie took no umbrage to the TUC’s talks and engagements with a PPP-packed University of Guyana Council to secure his right to work, he is today prepared to say to the TUC that it must abrogate its responsibility to society, and not engage the government in ensuring the right to work, for every Guyanese, is secured. For this is what this issue is about. And if it was good for Freddie when he was a personal beneficiary, it is selfish and wicked of him to take umbrage to the utilisation of the same strategy towards the national good.
Guyana’s environment is not one of active civil war, so why is he arguing for no talks? We are in an environment of active conflicts, poor governance, marginalisation and oppression, but there is a situation where talks are still happening, as in the National Assembly and civil society.
Further, his mixed references in response to my request for him “to cite for this nation any political event in history, other than armed removal of governments/political authority, where the oppressed have not talked and engaged the oppressors” ought to be exposed.
He cited three instances – 1) removal of government through armed struggle, e.g. Cuba and Grenada, 2) attempt to remove government through armed struggle, and 3) armed struggle and talks, as in the IRA and Britain situation, where talks were happening even as guns were being pointed at each other and these talks brought about the Good Friday Agreement. He is still to provide evidence where talks do not happen outside of armed removal of government/political authority.
And with regard to his interpretation of the Guyana Constitution on the role of the president, executive and parliament, this is most disappointing. The presidency is not above the people, parliament or the constitution. Article 50 of the Constitution expressly states, “The supreme organs of democratic power in Guyana shall be – (i) the Parliament; (ii) the President; and (iii) the Cabinet.
The so-called supremacy of the president over everything, including the constitution, started as political theatre, became political folklore, and is now peddled as mainstream thinking by persons society least expect to peddle this foolishness. The demonisation of this office was also couched that an executive presidency is bad and unique to Guyana. Yet Venezuela and the USA, for example, are headed by a President who has executive duties.
Further, this very constitution vests the power in the hands of the people to watch over their wellbeing, as evident in: 1) elections, 2) free speech 3) group representation, 4) an independent judicial system, and 5) the president’s conduct can be brought before the National Assembly.
Rather than use these provisions to hold the president and executive accountable and ensure good governance, Freddie seems to have a penchant for destroying and attacking institutions and structures that are intended to safeguard the people’s wellbeing, and by extension, offers the PPP an escape from being held accountable.
Finally, Freddie is playing a dangerous game, and in pursuit of his end, he is ascribing to me statements I have never made. And on the matter of Robert Corbin and Bharrat Jagdeo I don’t understand why he is insisting on dragging me into this sissy behaviour (no offense to the womenfolk).
But let me state, the reference he is using about conversations on Mark Benschop’s programme is dishonest. For on those programmes the matter that was being discussed was internal to the PNC. When my opinion was sought, I said this is a matter for the membership of the PNC and not persons who are not members of the Party – let him play the tapes. Neither have I, at any time in my previous letters, stated anything about the state media or hailed any such coverage.  It is Freddie who misses the most basic requirement of life – honesty!
Lincoln Lewis

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