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Political victimisation in Guyana
DEAR EDITOR,
As I travel around to conduct a tracking opinion poll, people express fear of giving their views on simple basic issues affecting the country. If one does not engage in the right kind of politics, one is victimized by one’s own party, much more than the opposing party. There were/are some brutal examples of political oppression as a result of one’s free speech or political affiliation or opposition to a figure. Harsh tactics are used against opponents. People worry that they could become victimised by the directorates of the political parties for giving opinions that are not in sync with their party leadership or government. In short, people, business persons in particular, have become victims of political speech – which is a crime related to political oppression.
Some people complain that they have suffered enormously because of their views – they could not/cannot speak openly and or freely of their views of decision making of their party leadership or the government or a particular politician or a Minister. Quite often, they can’t speak the truth. They say that if they express disagreement or a contrarian view to that of their party leadership or complain of anything relating to their party or leadership or a local government Chair, they are victimised. Respondents of the poll related examples of how they were/are targeted by their own party leadership. Essentially, they said, in some cases the GRA is/was let loose on complainants to audit their business or personal income tax. Then they are/were fined, harassed, intimidated and forced to do things against their conscience like supporting unpopular decisions. Such type of political oppression is not confined to any particular party. It is widespread – it has become the nature of politics in Guyana. It also exists in other third world countries as I experienced in polling in the wider Caribbean, Fiji, Mauritius, India, etc. Only in first world countries, or the white man countries, one don’t experience such kind of political victimization. Many expressed the view that while during colonialism, people blamed the white man for all their ills, after independence, people tend to be worse off (socio-politically) than when the white man governed them.
Many spoke of being insulted, of intimidation and of threats by individuals from their own party who are in leadership positions and who could become or are government officials. There is a scent of blood waiting for an opportunity to exact revenge on someone for speaking against wrong doings. Such behavior should not be allowed in our democracy. It becomes a kind of mob rule. Politics and government is about serving humanity not victimising people. Democracy allows for free interaction and voicing opinion in a debate to realise the best outcome.
Victimisation causes people to withdraw from politics or to become disempowered. Good ideas are silenced. Officials of parties or governments should encourage viewpoints, debates and internal democracy so they have the best choices available from which to make a decision. Those who are critiqued or spoken against should not seek to settle scores by using government agents or hold back on state contracts. Party leadership should ensure that people speak or vote freely (according to their conscience) against or for an issue or a political figure. In answering poll questions, most people are circumspect and answer in hushed tones. Fortunately, views are obtained. Moreover, one can draw conclusions on support for potential Presidential candidates and parties.
Yours truly,
Dr. Vishnu Bisram
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