The PPP cannot run from its record of crime and insecurity!

Feb 02, 2020 Letters

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Dear Editor,

I watch with amazement, as the PPP embarks on a campaign to run from its record. It is astounding that a party, which has been in power for two plus decades, would ignore those 23 years as it campaigns for the upcoming elections. One would imagine that a party that has been in office for all this time would have been proud and confident to run on its record. Instead, all we hear from the opposition is criticism of the coalition’s last four years in office and a dogma of distraction. I am not, at all saying that the PPP should not examine the record of their rivals, what I am contending is that any party which has been in power for more than two decades would have found it useful to entice the voter with its accomplishments, as opposed to using the majority of its time to harp on illusory accusations against their main opponent. However, the fact that the PPP decided that it may not be useful to run on its record should be of no surprise to the average voter. This decision clearly indicates that they are not excited about that record. But, why should they be? I am not naive, nor will I bury my head in the sand and pretend that the PPP did nothing in those twenty-three years. In fact, I would admit that they have done quite a lot! The question is “What were those lots?” Were they primarily positive or were they mainly negative? I am quite sure the people will tell you that they were negative.
Editor, since the PPP decided that it will run from its record, I have decided that I will confront that record and remind us of those 23 years. Yes, the PPP has done some things, but among those realities are some of the most egregious acts to have ever happened within the borders of the 83,000 square miles of Guyana. Guyanese will tell you that events during those twenty-three years, of PPP rule, have left scores of families with permanent holes. These are the realities that are so poignantly reflected upon by many families; even as they try to move pass that period of unthinkable atrocities. The PPP, therefore, knows that any attempt to run on its record will, as of automaticity, replay those terrifying images in the minds of the people. Images that have come to form a large part of their legacy. The party understands that to run on its record means that it would have to confront the ugliness and the brutal images that are steadily tied to those 23 years of PPP rule. Thus, the PPP, and its frontline advocates continue to use their political platform to either evade its record or obfuscate it. The party has refused to forcefully confront those 23 years, for to do so the party would have to start with an honest and open apology to the nation. An apology that is long overdue and an apology that may occasion an opening for the national healing to begin. However, it is clear Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP are unprepared to do so. In fact, there is no inkling of evidence that the PPP might be even remorseful for that “black hole” it has tunneled into Guyana’s history. What PPP hopes, is that the people will just forget about their trauma, just get over it and vote for them!
Editor, I write here as someone with a first-person account, as I have been integrally involved in the struggles against these most brutal acts, which follows the 23 years of PPP rule.
The PPP’s record would demand that it apologises for the death squad it allowed to run freely around the country. A squad that unleashed terror and pain on Guyanese. The death squad appeared to have been adopted by the PPP as a crime fighting strategy. It seemed to have been the government’s policy initiative supported and implemented by the decision makers at the highest level. Why do I think this? Remember, then Home Affairs Minister and now deceased, Ronald Gajraj’s stunning admission in the parliament. The Home Affairs Minister’s comments convinced everyone that the government appeared to have been aiding and abetting the operations of a death squad in the country. I was right there, in the National Assembly when Minister Gajraj pompously admitted to the nation that he was in communication with the death squad. His reasoning was that they were helping him to solve crime. Gajraj spoke with confidence.
I believe, however, that the only reason the admission was done publicly was because Gajraj’s phone records obtained. Those records showed that he was in constant communication with known members of the death/phantom squad. I recall my colleague, now deceased Deborah Backer M.P, leading the charge to pressure Gajraj to respond to questions on the functioning of a death squad. Gajraj’s admission of knowledge and apparent government’s approval of the death squad was a most devastating moment for me. It was unbelievable and surreal. While I had my suspicion about who was behind these wanton killings, it was difficult for me to hear the government actually admit knowledge of its cooperation with the squad. This reality has left a gaping hole inside of me. I value life, so the slaughter of innocent people was already taking its effects on me.
A few weeks ago, while campaigning around Georgetown, I ran into mothers and entire communities still in pain and grief. Many of my interactions commenced with their unsolicited reflection and condemnation of the death squad.
For instance, while campaigning in Georgetown a few weeks ago, I met a mother who still carries her son’s photograph in her purse every day. As she spoke of her son, I recognised that her grief was still fresh.
Editor, it would be remiss of me to end this letter without referencing the assassination of Courtney Crum Ewing. On March 10, 2015, Ewing’s bullet riddled body was found at Third Avenue, Diamond New Scheme. Ewing was a regular one-man protestor in front of then, Attorney General, Anil Nandlall’s office.
I pray for the healing to begin.
Sincerely
Lurlene Nestor

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