Latest update September 17th, 2026 10:25 AM
POLITICAL SELF DESTRUCTION
One of the more dangerous aspects of politics in Guyana is the way in which it can disfigure the personality of politicians. The power entrusted to Ministers has made them the most powerful persons in the country so much so that they believe that they are a gift to the people and without them the country would be at a standstill. Such belief is self-destructive.
This has created an exalted narrative of their relevance which became a self-fulfilling prophecy that would lead to their self-destruction. The misuse and abuse of power have turned politicians into pathetic figures. Some are suffering from a delusion of grandeur or from a malicious paranoia that those who disagree with them are considered enemies. This is an attempt to silence the people in a country that prides itself on democracy.
The alleged misconduct involving a Minister has turned into a soap opera. There are those who have danced to his tune and have not told him the truth where it matters most. They have savagely torn apart the media even though he has not been forthcoming. They have whispered hypocritical statements in his ears about how great a job he is doing. But for him to succeed, they should be honest and tell him the truth and set themselves free.
These are advisers or friends that he could do without. Indeed, some of his defenders have denounced the media, picketed Kaieteur News and have branded its publisher an enemy of the government. But politicians should be wise to know that their perceived enemies might have his best interests at heart.
But he who indulges in an exalted sense of self, tend to either gravitate to friends and confidantes when faced with a magnitude of problems. The recent Brian “BK” Tiwarie and Baishanlin scandals should be a good indication to all that power corrupts. The alleged misconduct by the Minister of State is reminiscent of some Ministers in the last government who believe they have dominion over the people.
The Minister should have been unceremoniously excoriated for embarrassing the government. Suffice it to say that it is this government which just a year ago had campaigned on integrity, good governance, accountable and transparency.
Despite the persistent criticisms, it is difficult to fathom the Minister’s reluctance to address the issue publicly. It would be difficult for him to reinvent himself and to give the kind of direction that is needed to move the country forward. Those who support him must ask themselves the critical question: Do they truly believe that he can divorce himself from the philosophical moorings that have destroyed his image?
In the end, it will be up to him to determine the kind of legacy he wants to leave. He can dig in his heels; listen to the voices of his soothsayers or that of his own exalted relevance. This is a sure route to political disaster. His alleged misconduct will not go away until he meets with the media and explain to the nation what occurred.
This is not the change the people voted for. Politicians who preoccupy themselves with grabbing power and use state funds to enrich themselves are likely to have a short political career. The greatest contempt is held for those in public offices who are allegedly considered corrupt or have abused their power.
They will have no prominence in the collective minds of the people and their memories will not be cherished either based on their legacy. The Minister in question has had his time in the political sun. It is time for him to move into the shade.
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