Power from the people is for the people, not for a few

Feb 03, 2019 Eye on Guyana with Lincoln Lewis, Features / Columnists

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The right to vote is constitutionally protected. The journey to achieve this commenced in 1926 when Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, and other regional trade unionists, convened the first Caribbean Labour Conference in Georgetown, Guyana.
At that forum, issues such as prison reform, universal health care and education, regional integration, one man one vote, minimum wage, fundamental rights and freedoms, housing and internal self-government were tabled as important in the workers’ pursuit for self-determination.
At the time, there was no mass-based political party, here and in the Caribbean, and the Labour Movement single-handedly waged this struggle. Twenty-four years later, the trade union found a political ally in the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Guyana’s first mass-based party, which incorporated elements of Labour Agenda in its platform.
The trade union’s advocacy on the stated issues reflects a continuity of the struggles waged by our forebears. Trade unionists value the protecting and advancing of a formidable legacy bequeathed by those whose shoulders we stand on.
Securing the universal right to vote (1953) was never meant to be a one-off act, but the fortifying of workers/citizens’ place at the decision-making table in furtherance of their civil, political, social, cultural and economic rights. Somewhere on the journey the Movement relinquished its militancy to the local political leadership, because it was felt those leaders would have carried the workers’ charge.
The split in the political movement in the 1950s brought with it divisions within the Movement. These manifested on ideological (capitalism vs socialism) differences and even impacted on race. While ideology may no longer be a factor, race and political allegiances have proven to adversely impact the workers’ collective well-being, creating the space/opportunity for forces to prey on these manufactured divisions to seek and retain elected office. As time progressed where politicians found these useful ‘marketing tools,’ commitment to the workers’ cause began to wane, because the premise of identity and association was not primarily driven by accountability to workers’ permanent interest.
Workers (past present and potential) of Guyana have more in common with what unites us as against what divides us. The historical recognition that informed solidarity in struggles and pursuing a developmental agenda has not changed. There is commonality to be treated with respect and dignity, to participate in and benefit from the nation’s resources, and have the guarantee of the nation’s security and protection of its laws. These are values all can identify with pursue and expect as we move about our daily business, yet they remain elusive for far too many.
Every five years, or intermittently, this nation holds General and Regional Elections (GRE). Politicians would come to the electorate with a ‘shopping list’, (i.e. Manifesto) of promised goodies, which later lends impression that from the outset there was no intent to honour. Society has had more than its fair share of promises, and citizens more than their fair share of non-fulfillment of the promises. We have a duty and responsibility as Guyanese to move in a deliberative manner to change the culture of promise to creating the culture of fulfillment. And a most effective way to test this is not after an election but before.
With politicians once again on the hustling, making promises of what they will do if elected or re-elected, they are asking for our votes. Workers are tired of the promises. They are labouring hard, paying their dues as taxpayers, and want deliverables as proof that their vote is meant for their benefit.
For instance, the Opposition and Government over the years repeatedly made claims to being champion of the workers’ rights and cause. Labour would like to see both sides honour such claim by uniting as a force to address the violating of the Constitution and Laws of Guyana and transgressing of workers’ rights, evident in the pervasive exploitative conduct of the foreign management at the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BGCI). Workers, in the state and non-state agencies, demand respect for Collective Bargaining where trade unions exist, including the establishment of the long promised Industrial Court.
In the last GRE, young people (who compromise more than 60 percent of the population), those eligible to vote, were encouraged to “Vote Like a Boss,” because in doing so opportunities would have been presented to play meaningful role in the management and decision-making processes of the state on matters that impact their wellbeing.
The Constitution in its Preamble, “Acknowledge the aspirations of our young people who, in their own words, have declared that the future of Guyana belongs to its young people, who aspire to live in a safe society, which respects their dignity, protects their rights, recognises their potential, listens to their voices, provides opportunities…”
While the young were asked to assert their presence at the polls and responded positively, there exists a strong sense of alienation and non-involvement in affairs of governance, which has contributed to a high level of mistrust in the political process.
This has to be corrected as a matter of urgency, and there are many ways to do so beyond inviting young people to participate in symposiums and developing White Papers, which only gather dust thereafter. There is need to establish permanent structures to guarantee involvement and where persons do not have to feel that they have to grovel to play a role in theirs and the nation’s destiny.
Then there is the issue of ensuring gender equality. There is constitutional requirement to have at least one-third of women on the List of Candidates. In spite of this, women have to continue to relentlessly battle to ensure their presence at the decision-making table. When the article was ensconced, the intent was to have seen a reflection in presence not only in name. To ensure the honouring of this may require amendment to The Representation of People Act, to make their presence in being seated mandatory.
The judiciary is also important to inclusionary democracy. When it is allowed to function as an independent and co-equal branch of government it plays a meaningful role in bringing about the desire for good governance, the development of society, and the maturity of its people. As the custodian of the Rule of Law, knowing there exists genuine recourse for the handling of grievances lends confidence that justice can be pursued and will be served.
The importance of confirming the appointments of Chancellor and Chief Justice to provide such needed assurance and stability cannot be over-emphasised. Society must continue to demand that Government and Opposition work together to make this possible.
Power from the people is for the self-determination of the people, not for a few. Voices and involvement in the political process do not start and stop at the ballot box. The power exercised through the vote, though electing representatives, is never meant to be bequeathed to a few to do as they please, but that of ensuring it is being used in the people’s interest. This principle applies to every sphere of governance.
Workers demand their right to a seat at the negotiation table. The young must be allowed a role in theirs and the nation’s development. A stable and independent judiciary is crucial to development. Women are deserving of a seat at the table to influence decisions that will impact their and the family’s welfare. These demands and expectations for inclusionary democracy are not unreasonable.

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