Latest update February 18th, 2025 1:40 PM
Latest News
MILITARIZATION OF THE STATE
We are a democratic nation, and regardless of our differences of opinion or party affiliations, the people have a specific and vital role in the governance of the country. Whether or not they have accused the government of missteps or not being accountable or transparent, the government is morally and legally obliged to serve and protect them.
Simply put, it is democracy in action. Whether we like it or not, democracy and the constitutional roles of the government should not be conveniently manipulated to suit situations and personal prejudices.
Unfolding allegations by some that democracy is giving way to the militarization of the state by the government are serious. The public is aware of the situation, but the government has remained silent on the allegations. When in opposition, the government hounded the previous administration for answers pertaining to alleged wrongdoings, nepotism and corruption.
Today, the obligation of providing information to the public is seemingly being stymied by the government. Suffice it to say, good governance requires objectivity, transparency and accountability.
Although there is a trend towards the apparent militarization of the government, it is unlike the military dictatorships which have been a characteristic feature of Latin America’s political history since the beginning of the 19th century.
Since taking office, it appears that the government has been recruiting retired members of the Guyana Defense Force (GDF). As a former Brigadier of the GDF, the President seems to have a proclivity for appointing retired army ranks to head Commission of Inquiries (COI) and to senior positions in government.
The recent appointment of an army officer to head the newly created Department of National Events under the Ministry of the Presidency should not surprise anyone. Army officers have been appointed to manage the D’Urban Park Jubilee project, to investigate various allegations including the one against CANU officials by the drug dealer, Barry Dataram, mining disasters and the deaths of two brothers at the Children Drop-in-Centre on Hadfield Street.
The opposition is arguing that the appointments point to a blatant disregard and lack of confidence and trust in the civilian population albeit qualified to perform such functions. However, it is not the first time governments have appointed army officers to senior government positions. The PPP government had appointed an army officer as the Minister of Home Affairs and as the High Commissioner to India. The PPP went further, it appointed numerous other retired officers to top positions. Among those appointed were Major General Joe Singh, Col Chabilal Ramsarup, Brigadier Michael Atherly, Maj General Norman McLean and the list goes on.
The PPP also insisted on rehiring retired police officers. When former President Bharrat Jagdeo reshuffled the army hierarchy, he transferred those officers to the public service without a comment about militarization of the public service.
The appointments of military personnel to such high level positions suggest that either they are more intellectually qualified than the civilians or that they possess distinct skills and talents needed to ensure the smooth running of the government. But then again, the retired military officers have re-entered civilian life. Indeed, there are those who say that the tenet “Once a soldier, always a soldier” holds true.
There is also the view that most military officers are elitist, people who are out of touch with the masses. This could create a barrier between the government and the people, especially the youths. Such actions by the government could have serious consequences.
No explanation has been given and no one knows what is behind the militarization strategy. One can only imagine.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Mashramani must break from the shackles of imitation
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- Mashramani, heralded as Guyana’s grand national celebration, is often presented as a... more
CARICOM Nations Should Respond Together To new U.S. Policies
By Sir Ronald Sanders Ambassador to the US and the OAS, Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News-Two Executive Orders issued by U.S.... more
Weekend Cartoon
