Assessing what happened on November 12, 2018

Nov 29, 2018 Letters

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DEAR EDITOR,

The way I’ve been educated to understand politics as practiced in Western society goes beyond my brain capacity at times. I say that to say, persons can or will use politics to advance a particular group’s interests. This most times works out to the detriment of the well-being of the state, since that particular group’s interest might not be what is, was, or will be, for the best of the nation as whole. Taken into consideration, the context in which I speak is that of a multicultural Caribbean society, whose division stretches far beyond economical boundaries.
Ever since the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) became split and its two founding fathers went their separate ways ideologically and philosophically, Guyana has been made to suffer somewhat. Before I continue, even though that fact is known, the political parties (PNC and PPP) are still holding steadfast to the ideological positions of these two men. Insanity is the term they call it.
Let us continue. Our politics have become so brutally and dangerously entrenched in our philosophical understanding of the realm of politics, that it manifests itself horribly. So horribly that an Indian is left to think “dem black man nah do nothing for we” whilst the African community takes the position of “dem Indians all for themselves”. My country, from my short experience on this earth, can sometimes feel as though we are going back and forth – politically. A total mess.
Since these parties dominate our political franchise, they use the ‘local government’ to further imprint their ‘deadly’ claws on our municipalities. Our local government ideally, in my estimation, should be an authority filled with politically-independent persons, chosen by the persons of the locale, seeking for and ensuring the community receives what’s best for the community. Any other way will lead to blatant corruption practices, regardless of what is being fed to us through the media and various mediums of communication.
Local government has become a means by which political parties can further stretch their hands into our communities to either take away, give, and/or stifle whatever it is that so rightfully belong to us. But who should decide this for us? Why should the political leaders be, or have someone in charge, of deciding how much we need, must get, or want as a community. This question must and should be answered by ourselves. For if the community is one that is generally not in support of the ruling party, they can stifle the allocation of budgetary monies to that community, hindering development to that community, or if they are in support, excess spending in that community, at the expense of another community who may not be a supporter.
Our decisions should be made by us – free of political interference. Our own independent candidates, who bravely contested the elections against these autocratic, totalitarian parties, who directly or indirectly try to influence the well-being of us Guyanese through our local municipalities.
On November 12, 2018, a total of 36% of the total legal voters turned up to cast their vote for their local leaders. Absolutely ridiculous! I really don’t see how any political party can claim victory, I just can’t. We refused to collectively go out and elect our local leaders, indicative of the fact that we are somewhat tired of the way politics is practiced in our dear land.
Sadly, while the ruling party has been made to suffer some huge blows in key stronghold areas, the PPP was highly praised (via votes received). Imagine that the PPP would’ve have denied Guyanese this constitutional right of selecting local leaders for 23 years! In just three years in office, the coalition has held two local government elections.
The same Mr. Jagdeo that is seemingly proud of his party’s showing at the recently concluded election should be asked “If you are so proud, then why did you deny us this constitutional right in your 11 years as President?” Very Simple.
We can blame the politicians how much we wish to, and rightfully so. They are accountable to us. After all, it is we who would have gotten them there. In a democratic society, that is how it supposed to be – idealistically. It then begs the question, who are we accountable for? To whom are we accountable? We must provide ourselves with the answers to those questions. How can we expect change in this great land, when we keep recycling the same parties, the same political leaders, whose philosophical and ideological standings have remained the same? Entrust our people to run our communities. Get well Mr. President.
Jafar Gibbons

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