No place for politics of revenge

Jul 28, 2015 Letters

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DEAR EDITOR,
There has been a general perception among a large segment of the population as well as complaints from political observers, politicians and business people that the new coalition government is pursuing “vengeful politics”. In fact, as reported in the media, some elements of the coalition have been calling for political investigations that are tantamount to or what are described by opposition figures as “witch-hunts”.
This is unacceptable behaviour that does not belong in a fledgling democracy like ours that has been reeling from some sixty years of divisive ethnic politics.
People I spoke with say the recent government actions (removal or firing of staff affiliated with the PPP) smack of vengeful politics. Worse, they suggest a betrayal of the trust voters placed in the coalition that promised during the election campaign of no spiteful or revengeful politics.
The fervour with which the then opposition politicians campaigned not to fire workers affiliated with PPP has died out like a flame in water. It is also noted by diplomats I interacted with that the government’s actions also betray the coalition’s announcements that it is willing to share political power with the PPP.
The inescapable conclusion is that the government was engaged in PR stunts of promoting national unity but its actions betray its true intention of governing alone. Critics argue that if government is so interested in sharing political power and of forming a government of national unity, why would it be removing hundreds of individuals from government employ because of their political and/or ethnic affiliation.
The PPP leadership is accusing the coalition of extirpating staff known for their affiliation with the PPP; those considered loyal to the coalition remain in their jobs. Indian and Amerindian political leaders and business folks charge the coalition government with what they describe as a “vindictive politics of de-Indianization and de-Amerindianization” of the civil service and bureaucracy, pointing to the overwhelming number of Indians and Amerindians who were removed from employ. It is seen as racism.
The business community and others complain that politics of revenge is dominating the vision and philosophy of the new political elite in control of the affairs of the state. They feel that elements of the new regime are seduced by the privilege of power (or office) to show who is bigger and with the syndrome of “I will teach you a lesson” because of “how you treated me when you were in power”. Such thoughts and actions won’t get the country far, as it will lead to a cycle of never ending revengeful politics.
President Granger and Prime Minister Nagamootoo started off well. They was much goodwill for the coalition and hope for the country. People, including many who voted for the PPP, welcomed the change.  But the country has never been so divided since the firing of staff began mere weeks after the swearing in. Instead of healing, there has been bickering and acrimony. This is a contradiction of a new Guyana promised by the coalition during the campaign.
The focus now should be on developing the country, not firing staff or malicious revenge. The ruling party can’t tackle development all alone. No politician should be a practitioner of politics of revenge. Instead, all politicians from both sides of the political divide must be agents of change and of bringing people together so we can build a nation for all, regardless of political or racial affiliation.
The President and Prime Minister, as leaders of their respective parties, should not allow themselves to be susceptible to the influence of partisan and revenge politics among their advisors or followers. There is no place for a politics of retribution in our society. The practice of removing people from their jobs and then holding investigations into perceived wrongdoing, is tantamount to conviction first and then a trial later to determine guilt.
It cannot be that only those who are perceived to be affiliated with the PPP were wrongdoers. How about those who supported the coalition – did they not also commit wrongful acts? If the government is going after wrongdoers, then it must do so across the board, not only those who support the PPP.
Instead of political partisanship, the country needs a beneficial vision of establishing and institutionalizing a veritable democratic system that is based on institutions and rule of law (due process), and that preserves and respects the culture of human rights (right to a hearing before being removed from employment). Revengeful politics must end.
Vishnu Bisram

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