Freddie Kissoon’s recklessness in attending to this matter of import is counterproductive

Apr 11, 2019 Letters

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DEAR EDITOR,

The reckless tendency of Freddie Kissoon in treating with matters of national import often robs this nation of the value to proceed in a constructive manner. And it is he who is often out front leading charges of what a failed nation and intellectually bankrupt people we are, when he actively participates in acts to give credence to his charges.
How in the devil’s name does the call for a planned approach to immigration, factoring placing primacy on Guyanese’s welfare, particularly with the advent of oil and gas, become an act of fascism, whether it be of the Black or White race?
Reference is being made to the article in the Freddie Kissoon column titled “Is Lincoln Lewis the Black version of White fascism? (KN 9th April 2019). His article is an attempted response to mine, “They are coming…are we prepared?” carried in the column ‘Eye on Guyana with Lincoln Lewis’ (KN, 7th April).
What was articulated by me would only find offence to those wanting to be malicious or have chosen not to address the stated. This is a serious issue and we must have frank, honest and open conversation.
And while he holds the view that article should not have been published, it is being duly noted the media’s judgment in showing respect for the freedom to share ideas on a matter considered of national import. Also, the preference for media silence does not mean the issue is not being discussed in the streets and strong views are held one way or the other.
Every country has a right to its sovereignty. This includes its immigration laws, policies and programmes which are expected to be just and fair to its citizens, for without these, a nation loses its sense of existence, its identity, and its people the right to chart their destiny.
My position is undergirded by universally acceptable principles of what a nation state is, what nationhood constitutes, and the security of the people within to foremost exploit the finite resources for their benefit, and how same can be done in an atmosphere of peace and harmony. Charity begins at home and for Guyanese it means Guyana.
It is my position there exists a plan by others in moving here and lest government puts a plan in place, the very things we need to forge an independent and unified nation will unravel. Any country that fails to observe what is happening on its borders and internally, and does not see the need for a plan or thinking a plan, undergirded by universal principles, would make it fascist; would be acting just like Freddie on this matter, crazy.
Mark my words, where the situation is left unattended and things do not go right, he will lead the charge in condemning the present administration for failing to prepare, for not having the foresight, for failing to plan for the changes taking place in our economic environment that can influence social and political realities. He will rain down fire and accept no responsibility, whatsoever, for seeking to thwart efforts calling for a plan.
For instance, Guyana has one official language, English. What does it mean for us a nation communicating with each other, for integration and cohesion with the culture challenges we are likely to face from those who are non-English speaking? Are we going to say there is no need to learn English? What does other cultures coming here mean for assimilating into the Guyanese culture?
Are we prepared to abandon what gives meaning to our uniqueness and identity, or should it be said further, because there are already slippages? What does the concept of nation state mean to us? Do we have the quality of social services such as health, education and housing to facilitate unplanned immigration? These are issues we have to grapple with, and planning will factor in.
Even as Freddie sees the call for a plan as an act of fascism, the United States (US) is planning strategically how to capitalise. In yesterday’s Stabroek News (10th April) Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch made known the US’ “main role in looking at this tremendous opportunity in the oil and gas industry…is that businesses are treated fairly. There is ample opportunity for growth and interaction with the government and mostly that there is a level playing field. That would be our focus.”
The ambassador is not talking about Guyana’s businesses, for her role is to foremost advance and secure US’ self-interest. Further, according to a Foreign Policy in Focus article of 3rd April, the US Department of State is focused on “achieving business climate change in Guyana….all with little concern for the environmental impact.”
Everybody is planning for us except us, and this includes how to make us dependent and beholden, how to exploit our resources, make demands of us for fair treatment. The US has made known the focus for its citizens in Guyana, and Guyanese must not have a focus or demand of its government a plan to make sure our inalienable rights are taken care of?
Does Freddie understand the political upheaval that could follow and in our racially polarised society what it could mean; is he thinking? If we are not strong with our policies, programmes and laws then we will be overridden, and others will ride roughshod over us.
Now is time for Guyana to put systems in place. We can no longer wait for more movement to our place, whether welcoming or unwelcoming, to do this. Any good planner would be mindful of the environment and frame a plan to deal with it. This is the role of government, and it has to address these kinds of things before it is too late.
Contrary to Freddie’s view, there is no need to educate me about the number of Guyanese living abroad, in various countries, legally or otherwise. That will not stop the call on government to have an immigration plan, or to have persons show respect for another country’s right to plan and enforce its immigration laws.
My views on these issues are matters of public record. In like measure I am on record calling on our government to develop a national development strategy that makes it rewarding for Guyanese to stay/return, develop this nation and reap of its bounties, rather than feel compelled to flee or remain in exile. This position is being reiterated even more so with the pending wealth that is expected to flow from our oil and gas sector.

Lincoln Lewis

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