Sooner or later the PPP will have to accept reality

Feb 25, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
Some of the phrases that came out of the flag raising ceremony were; Burnham styled grandeur, the Indians did not show up, an APNU celebration, the flag is really nice to look at and Guyana is seeing a revival of its image.
I personally love to see patriotic events like this, I believe it revive a sense of commitment to country and for “brotherhood/sisterhood”. And even though it may be the right thing to do, I am not fully sure it was done right. For instance, the location of the ceremony is not on mutual grounds in terms of political demographics and therefore it implies an exclusion of a large part of the PPP base. This is compounded by the fact we are just out of the most divisive elections in decades and wounds are still open. Therefore it would be clear that a large part of Guyana may not show up.
Leading up to the ceremony there was a deliberate show of recoloring that reflects the APNU party and many feels it is party propaganda using tax payer’s money. Some also believe that the upcoming one month long events are simply an early start on APNU future campaigns. In a nut shell, it seems to some that we are seeing a rebranding of Guyana in the image and likeness of APNU.
On the other hand, it seems the Indians are deliberately not taking part in unity efforts, which makes the above points seem validated. In any unity efforts everyone has to play a role and I believe our Indian brothers and sister have to rise to the occasion and size this moment to secure our country’s future. The PPP have to understand sooner than later, that the political landscape has changed and they need to open their eyes and adjust to that environment. You cannot simply blame APNU for everything when we all know it takes two to tango, therefore the PPP must atone and restructure if they want to remain relevant.
It seems the air is filled with lip service for unity but the acts on the ground are telling a different story. It is telling a story of state control, a solidifying of party power and a doubling down on both sides towards the anger and resentment of their respective bases. However, the upcoming LGE and the after math thereafter will prove whether the Government is serious about unity. So far the government is showing great efficiency in celebrations, rebranding and party propaganda but there are not showing any signs of competency for economic recovery. Why are we not seeing economic stimulus that will help to revive the private sector? Why is there no consumer confidence on Regent Street and other shopping districts? Where is the sense of urgency for these things as opposed to the grand celebrations?
Happy 46 Guyana!
Malcolm Watkins.

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