There is still an opportunity to resolve this chaos

Feb 09, 2014 Letters

Dear Editor,
After completing an extensive review of the process that allowed for comprehensive participation from all the political parties, civil society and the diplomatic community, it is clear as day that Bill No. 12 of 2013 (Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism [Amendment] Bill 2013) will fail in its current form.  This is a political war and Sun Tzu taught us that in a war “if weaker numerically, be capable of withdrawing and negotiating….”  The PPP continues to operate as if it is numerically superior to the majority political opposition and this is nothing else but delusional. On this issue the PPP must know clearly that they cannot divide the majority political opposition.
The good news is, there is still an opportunity to resolve this chaos.  I therefore humbly request of the PPP to withdraw and listen so that they can construct a Bill that reflects the will of the majority, give the people local government elections and the Procurement Commission.  Only then will they witness how fast doors can open on Bill No. 12 of 2013.  This war has NOTHING to do with the fight against money-laundering, since all are united in this fight against the criminals.  Let me make this message absolutely clear by using a famous phrase that Burnham used against Jagan in another era.  It is not ”the causa belli, but the casus belli, not the cause of, but the occasion for, the war”.
Let us not delude ourselves, the PPP has a simple choice; it has to give something or else call the elections.  All these statements on GINA and on the other PPP mouthpieces are all falling on deaf ears, since they are viewed as acts of hypocrites and cowards as the entire world watches. The PPP can shout at the top of their voice, those with the authority to fix this situation are not listening because they have the majority of the people on their side, who support their principled position and that is all that matters.
Many of us are of the firm belief it is a reasonable position to demand local elections and the procurement commission as a pre-condition to anything else.  Those with direct vested interest in securing the passage of Bill No. 12 of 2013 have to act now and fast at getting the local government elections and the procurement commission back on the table since in this war, it is the responsibility of the majority opposition to demand nothing but the best for the people.  Right now, what is most important to the silent majority are bread and butter issues – more jobs, more assets to feed their families, more income, a greater share of the budget, more personal security, better access to good healthcare and education etc.  Empowering a Minister to be the new Tsar in the fight against money launderers clearly does not direct affect the lives of the silent majority regardless if the CFATF demands it.
Therefore, the PPP, and, for that matter, the private sector or the diplomatic community, are in no position to dictate what the majority opposition should or should not do, since these same bodies continue to let the Guyanese people down on the critical developmental issues of the local government elections and the procurement commission. The private sector commission continues to serve as the PPP’s fifth wheel to that party’s coach, and the diplomatic community continues to not bring adequate pressure to bear, on these good governance measures.
The fact remains, Private Sector Commission cannot help the PPP; they have less than 500 votes; not even earn a “phira” in Parliament.  The Diplomatic Community cannot help the PPP; they have no votes.  This is a battle for the hearts and minds of the voiceless who continue to watch with disgust as one PPP man get a $3.4 billion contract every year to sell medical supplies to the State at 10 times the real market value of the product.  This is where the battle lies and this is why the PPP will fail on this anti-money laundering bill.
The time is now for all to pause, sit at the table and take sufficient steps to address these developmental deficiencies holistically. Naked bullism from the PPP will fail.
Sasenarine Singh

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