Guyana: The longest war

Dec 17, 2013 Features / Columnists, Freddie Kissoon

I believe if there is any indication that President Donald Ramotar is not going to break, even in a minor way, with the long, ancient distrust and permanent tragedy that characterize the political culture of Guyana, was his refusal to invite the Opposition Leader to accompany him to Nelson Mandela’s funeral tribute.
In what ways could that generosity have dented or changed the policies of government that Mr. Ramotar have composed and has been implementing since be became President? The answer is none. It would have been no concession to power, just brilliant statesmanship. The statesmanlike gesture would have had symbolic importance for Guyana’s political culture. At least it would have told Guyanese that we don’t have to fight all the time.
In pragmatic politics, Mr. Ramotar would have been a winner in every conceivable way. In fact, Mr. Ramotar, as the person who offered the invitation, would have had more plaudits coming his way since he was the initiator. It would be interesting to find out (and I don’t believe we ever will) what was the argument against Ramotar emulating his Trinidadian counterpart.
I could only think of two. The Government did not have funds. This makes no sense since even if Mr. Granger wanted another opposition figure to accompany him, the expenses could not have been that intimidating. The second reason has more validity and all Guyanese need to reflect on it because it will send this country down the chasm sooner rather than later.
I believe the inflexible, hard-core elements (and that may include Mr. Ramotar himself) took the position that it is a war going on in Guyana – we versus them – so why should we taken one of them to South Africa. I want to believe in my heart that this was not the reason but the reality of Guyana’s political culture and the bold facts of the PPP’s behaviour in power point to this explanation.
I see the Mandela funeral snub as one of the largest signs, perhaps the largest to date, that the longest battle in Guyana’s history – the PPP versus the PNC – will not abate under Mr. Ramotar. If the PPP turned its back on such a small gesture, then it will not concede political space to the PNC and I believe the AFC too.
Every PPP word, every PPP action, every PPP political thought, every PPP instinct is driven by the religious dogma of we versus them. And it extends to even imaginary areas. By this I mean “the we versus them” scene is envisaged and given existence in areas of life in Guyana where it is an illusion.
I refer to the situation where a well known, learned city lawyer was groomed for the CEO post of a European investment company and the Government refused issue a license unless he was dumped. He was merely the chair of a civil society group that spoke out on corruption. He lost the job because he was seen as part of “them”.
This is what is so frightening about Guyana, and it is getting worse. Many stakeholders live in self-induced delusion that Guyana is going to go on and become a prosperous society and politics will not come in the way to haunt and destroy us. You wonder what it will take for a stakeholder like the private sector to see that Guyana is not your normal polity and normal country and things are going on in this country that should scare every citizen.
The most graphic fact that stands out more glaring than the sun itself is that with each passing day, the politicians in the PPP get more obdurate and inflexible in an age where power is now split between Legislature in the opposition’s hands and the Executive controlled by the PPP. In such a brutally realistic situation, only one road is available – compromise.
Everyday compromise receded like the tide after a big rush to the shore. The USAID governance project has been rejected by the Government. Any journalist or commentator could tell you why. Somewhere in the details there would have been some form of opening for the opposition and the Government got alarmed because why should they be allowed any space? After all is we versus them.
The Mandela funeral opportunity offered a tiny opening that the longest battle does not have to be fought on every front. For those who have been around long enough and even for those who may be young and live in Guyana, you cannot help but ask; where and when is it all going to end and will it end to the satisfaction of Guyana’s children?

Latest News

Guyana: The longest war

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | November, 20th, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey Festival returns for 19th edition

Louis 97, Athanaze 90 give West Indies slight...

Vladimir Woodroofe backs out of World...

Exciting Double-header bowls off today with...

YMCA and Hard Knocks battle for Futsal supremacy...

Sukhwa delighted to score most runs at GCB...

Features/Columnists

Let us not be silent witnesses!

Rising Gun Crimes in the Caribbean: Urgent Action required by all

Welcome, Mr. PM

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

Guyana: The longest war

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | November, 20th, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]