“Chase them” frenzy is quickly emerging as a saga

Mar 16, 2019 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

“Chase them out” has been causing some frenzy, and is quickly becoming a saga. The truth is, such words/statements are common across Guyana. It is not uncommon for Guyanese, in one context or another, to use such words as chase him/her, chase them, or chase all of them, or even chase it, when they come around you/here.
Furthermore, it is a legal right of any individual/family to chase out animals, squatters, or trespassers from their property. The words can also mean, ‘don’t listen to them, or don’t entertain or encourage them’. So what is the hype and frenzy about Jagdeo’s “chase them out” during his recent Babu Jaan speech?
Some commentators seem bent on bumping up/equating those words with “incitement”, with the intent of holding him liable in a court of law. However, ‘incitement’ requires more than making a statement; it requires the listeners/readers to internalize those words and take actions towards fulfilment of the call/message, the outcome of which may be injurious to the public in some way.
Before jumping to conclusions, let us tread cautiously; let us reflect on and examine the customary, colloquial and legal usage(s) of those words, “chase them out” introduced in the earlier paragraph. Most importantly, let us consider the use of “chase them out” to keep out/off trespassers and illegal occupants from your premises or property. It was in this light/context that gave rise to Jagdeo’s “chase them” statement.
It should be clear by now, that from 21st March, or thereabout, unless Parliament previously met and extended the life of the government in accordance with constitutional provisions, all the MPs/Ministers who show up at the Ministries/offices would be in unlawful occupation. Hence the call to “chase them”. Therefore, a call/statement to chase/block the illegal occupants cannot and should not be viewed as incitement.
In essence, it must be noted that the “chase them” statement can be viewed/interpreted in several ways – customary, colloquial and legal – based on usage in Guyana. Inciting statements must bring forth actions from listeners/readers that lead to mayhem/injuries to the public. In the context of potentially unlawful occupation of offices by former MPs/Ministers purporting to conduct business as usual/governing the people of Guyana, the words would not amount to incitement. They would in fact be meritorious.

Regards,
Ronald Singh

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