Degeneration of governance and leadership has led to gross disrespect

Jan 12, 2014 AFC Column, Features / Columnists

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By Sheba Thomas

“The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis” – Dante Alighieri.
If this is true then we all as Guyanese know our destination based on our decisions, past and present.
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has been in governance since October 5, 1992, when it won the General Elections. This victory was once described as a, “psychological revolution for all Guyanese” by long-serving Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon who then further stated, “it was a change from the expectation of fear as a policy position from the government (PNC/R), to a position of trust and freedom with this new administration.”
I am not a fan of making comparisons between governments, as I was only raised under one, the PPP/C, and the tales of the elderly tell a different story from what is written in history. It is from this statement and through the analysis of the PPP/C governance that I will outline the party’s failure and that of Guyanese to put an end to childish games.
It was once believed that this defining moment (October 5, 1992) marked the starting point of a period that would positively impact the quality of life of all Guyanese. It was expected that the PPP/C administration would have worked to make the future better. The question is better for whom, those that are seeking power, for some Guyanese or for the entire Guyana?
It was once said by Thomas Sowell that, “If you have always believed that everyone should play by the same rules and be judged by the same standards, that would have gotten you labeled a radical 60 years ago, a liberal 30 years ago and a racist today”. This statement becomes true when it pertains to PPP/C governance.
The PPP/C constantly reminds us of the governance of the PNC/R and uses this as a measure to justify or gain fragmental trust from some Guyanese on certain issues. It is through reflecting on the past and failing to move forward that the PPP/C administration has kept Guyanese in mental slavery, thus, the psychological revolution continues.
The foolish attempts of the PPP/C administration to rewrite history are ridiculous, but what is even more ridiculous is their inability to create a legacy that is worth remembering, and for the right reasons. Seeking to out-do the previous government by destroying the legacy created by these very persons – that benefitted all Guyanese – such as the destruction of the Critchlow Labour College and Linden, has left the PPP/C entrapped in a racial war that seems to have no ending.
The PPP/C under leadership of former President Bharrat Jagdeo further eroded, when the final dregs of any morals that remained were dashed through the window, as the said president went on a “cuss-out” rampage. Such is the degeneration of leadership in Guyana. This practice now seems to be even more rampant as our current president Mr. Donald Ramotar continues to entertain such acts by his administration.
Has the PPP/C government forgotten it is there to serve the people and not itself? How dare this Government spit in the faces of person who elected it to that position. Is there no remnant of proper decorum left?
The PPP/C administration has failed Guyanese and youths especially. In education, our CXC results and number of school dropouts reflect this; our university standard is deplorable. In the area of culture, it has failed to continue to unite all Guyanese under our nation’s culture. It is little wonder that Guyanese are so swift to adopt any culture as their personal style or identity.
The PPP/C continues to fail Guyanese when it comes to a better standard of living for all by imposing its constant authoritarian leadership style on public servants and by dictating every category of governance . It seems that the ideology of the past has blocked the vision of the future for the PPP/C.
Finally, the citizens of Guyana have become docile because of mental slavery and fear of victimization by the ruling government. History shows that we were once a people of valour who defended our rights even in the face of death.
Have we as Guyanese adopted a mindset of laziness? Are we afraid to stand up for our rights and look for a hero to save us; so instead of taking the bold step and saying enough is enough, we stand back and watch as we are being trampled upon by the persons we elected to govern us? How long will we continue to look at our neighbours and friends and justify our action of doing nothing because the other person is doing nothing so why should I.
Very often when someone steps forward and says ‘enough’, we ask what is wrong with them and refuse to give support because of fear. Some of us actually make bold reasons in support of the oppressor out of fear of victimization. I once read an article written by a student who said the generation before us failed to defend their rights; hence my generation is careless about our country politics and governance.
There is no justification for me not standing up for my rights and my country. Why is it that we constantly allow the government to step on our toes and we say nothing? Why is it that we accept whatever second-hand excuse it gives and go on as if our life is not affected?
To end this, Guyanese must awaken from their slumber and hold the government accountable for the heinous crimes and disrespect it has heaped on Guyanese. Arise and let your voice be heard, the disrespect must go no further by this government. Hold your ground and others will follow. Be a leader of character and not corruption. Be the change we so desire Guyana.

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