We the people must never give up

Mar 25, 2018 Eye on Guyana with Lincoln Lewis, Features / Columnists

---

By Lincoln Lewis

This column previously appeared in the Guyana Chronicle. The writer is now a contributor to the Kaieteur News.
There are times in our lives when we question whether this country is on the right path or not, if the struggles and sacrifices made to move us from one point to another is paying off, whether the vote cast was for the best candidate or group, or whether there exists within some of us buyers’ remorse. These are normal human feelings, especially when we have given so much to put this country on a path of promises made, believed in, and confidence reposed in our elected representatives to bring these to fruition.
Development is a journey. Like any journey it has successes, ups and downs, trials and tribulations, the road not often smooth nor the path a straight line. This being so, must not mean whenever a hurdle is thrown up such is seen as a defeat or stumbling block. Rather, challenges must be seen as tests of our determination to proceed and achieve what we are entitled to.
Guyana belongs to every citizen. It follows that the resources within her bosom is for all of us to feed on, and her border our shield of safety and protection. We are all entitled to be treated with dignity and respect, and our fair share of the nation’s pie. In pursuit of these entitlements we must not wane, waver or cower.
The Constitution, in spite of alleged shortcomings, has placed all of us as equals and subjects only to laws, not man, be he elected or not. We must forever demand and ensure that the laws prescribing how we are treated and our resources managed are never flouted or cherry-picked. Ensuring this requires knowledge and militancy that would see us fearlessly speaking out on any matter that we perceive inhibits or challenges our rights and freedoms.
On this matter of oil, amidst several conversations and concerns, the most important factor that must not be lost sight of, is that the people feel this country is abundantly blessed with resources and whereas they may have been deprived before, this time they will not allow deprivation to visit upon them. The people are in perfect order. The bounties of Guyana belong to all her children.
Where politicians continue to treat with oil and gas as a matter deserving exclusivity not inclusivity, the people’s agitation must be intensified. The principal political objective of the political system mandates an inclusionary approach to governance and the management and decision-making processes of the State on matters that directly affect the well-being of individuals and groups.
There is a glimmer of hope that good sense may finally be hitting home in the corridors of power in the handling of sugar. This spark must become a flame and engulf Guyana, because politicians are elected and paid by the people to be in service to them, not as their masters.
The decision to allow the private sector to play a significant role in the development and ownership in sugar is wise. The resultant effect of factories being re-opened, production recommence, jobs and economic opportunities created are seen as essential ingredients for development. The private sector role brings to bear competition with the Guyana Sugar Corporation which can pressure this organisation into optimizing its performance.
What government did last shrewd governments would have done first. Our political system is clogged with misplaced arrogance that thinks it knows it all, refusing to listen and consider ideas coming from other stakeholders. This attitude continues to see valuable political capital being washed down the drain, dislocation and destruction wrought on the lives of workers and in their communities, a fragile society being rent asunder.
The growing unease by the people that direct financial growth/development would elude them and benefit a few cannot be ignored. Where elected public officials continue to live in echo chambers or surround themselves with yes men and cheerleaders in the presence growth apathy and restlessness, while it may temporarily insulate them, their actions are hurting the people. The bubbling undercurrent, which is building, is one of resentment to be cheated out of what people feel is rightly theirs. There is growing intolerance with political hypocrisy and double standards.
Society is on cusp of taking off. Where memories are short or convenient for the insulated, they remain fresh for those whose pains were long suffering yet tirelessly fought to make a change. The freedoms that were fought for to bring about political change must not be allowed to be suppressed, for they are necessary legs to stand on in the continued journey. We the people must never give up. Development is ours to shape and the journey to trod. None must hinder us in such pursuit.

---

---