Our pugilist politics and Justice Singh’s appointment

Jul 28, 2019 Eye on Guyana with Lincoln Lewis, Features / Columnists

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Everything political in this society always becomes a war. The simplest of things, the clearest of writing, once it is clothed in the political, become major issues of contention. Both sides treat the other as enemy not opponent, they see the space – geographic, ethnic and political – as solely theirs to determine and traverse. For the other to dare to do otherwise, the potential for conflict increases manifold, as sides keep talking past each other rather than talking with each other. It’s a daily grind and challenge, consuming all.

An objective opinion, particularly when it does not suit the purpose of one side, can see that person being labelled in derogatory terms such as anti-government, anti-opposition or racist. Yet those who malign will praise or celebrate the person or his/her opinion if it aligns with theirs, their party or group. A people who were revered in this Region as the intellectual pearl, our intellect sought after near and far, whether this history is known to outsiders and even amongst us, we present a grim picture to the world.
Respect for the Rule of Law, universally acceptable principles and the right of others to be heard are being threatened. Everything is a slug fight, slug fest and witch hunt. People revel at others’ discomfort, reputation and character being dragged through the mud. Civility is hard to find and where it exists is only by strength of character people hold steadfast to this tenet.
From the moment of the no-confidence vote to now, the ugly underbelly of our politics has become more exposed. Even the Court is not spared from the pugilist politics and its operatives are not above being ensnared, insulted and defamed.
We face another situation whereas the courts – High, Appeal and Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) – have ruled on the various cases pertaining to the issue, even though there exists no consensus on interpretation, and there is the unwillingness to sit together and arrive at consensus for the good of country. Common ground has become a bad word or plague to avoid.
I read in this newspaper Minister Khemraj Ramjattan referring to the case of Esther Perreira challenging the 1997 General and Regional Elections which were vitiated by the High Court in 2001. He uses this case as an example of what transpired in the society when a government was challenged. He was the PPP’s lawyer on the case and his recall of the events as they relate to the Court’s ruling and governance until the next election are instructive. Refer to “Cabinet will not resign – Minister Ramjattan (KN: 24th July 2019) and “AFC will not compromise Gov’t position on CCJ ruling – Ramjattan” (KN: 25th July 2019).
The Minister’s firsthand experience, which he brought to the fore some 18 years after the ruling, could have been used to commence conversations between the Government and Opposition in establishing modalities how government ought to function after losing a confidence vote. Unfortunately, there has been no communication to the public by the two leading political principals as to the recognition of this experience and same being used as utility in commencing dialogue in arriving at a protocol how society can deal with the current political impasse.
A failing in our society is the amount of occasions where opportunities are presented for constructive engagement to take place and we allow these opportunities to elude us. Our politicians have to be mindful that they are communicating to workers/citizens a seeming content to throw punches at each other rather than engage in dialogue. Dialogue is an important, if not the most important, element in resolving differences, building relationship and society.
There are numerous examples, the world over, that even at the time of war with missiles being thrown at each other, warring factions recognise the necessity of talking. Why in our society, even though sectional differences exist, is the wisdom of dialoguing to bring about resolution not being considered vital? As a nation we cannot continue talking past each other and expect resolution to conflicts. We are all in this together. We have to learn to survive in this same geographic space. We have to make things work out.
This land we call home is blessed with diverse people, historical experiences and natural resources. There is more than enough for each of us and a space at the decision-making table for all of us. We have to put down the pitchforks, put away the knives and take off the gloves, because it is not the right of any to be ‘pan tap’ but that of all.
Our ancestors did not fight slavery, indentureship and colonialisation, and having freed ourselves, for us now to turn against each other. We are stronger and more resilient as a united people. Listening to the daily wrangling, projected intolerance, contempt and disdain, for the others are tiring. We cannot continue like this. It is incumbent upon us to recognise that getting along requires respecting self and the other. There can be no respect for self as we continue the cycle of conflict.
When external forces watch at us, even as they marvel in disappointment at the inability to cohere and understand basic tenets, make no mistake they will not see our riches – human, capital and natural resources – and ignore opportunities to exploit them. As we continue to squabble, they will seek to exploit and divide us to their advantage.
As I prepare this article, it is being reported Justice Claudette Singh has been appointed Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), an appointment that found favour with both the President and Leader of the Opposition. Let us hope this is the beginning of a new beginning to set aside differences and work for the common good. As I wish Justice Singh well in her new assignment, it is incumbent to ask for the emergence of a new behaviour in treating with the holder of this office.
The treatment meted to former Chairmen Dr. Steve Surujbally and Justice James Patterson, where attacks were taken to their person for decisions taken or election loss, must be a thing of the past. The holder of the office needs to be given the deserving respect of the office. The Chairperson of GECOM has a casting vote. From time to time, based on judgement, that vote will weigh on the side of the Opposition- or Government-appointed commissioners.
Where there is disagreement with the Chair’s decision, let there be discussion on this without stooping to the level of being disagreeable. At a time when there is so much disrespect and disagreeable behaviour by countries we would have formerly looked up to as role models, Guyana has a chance to demonstrate a better example.

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