I am forced to point an accusatory finger

Dec 20, 2020 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

Following the culmination of the contentious national and regional elections on March 2, several groups and organizations have mushroomed and strenuously agitated for ‘democracy’ to prevail. Among them was the more established and vociferous, Guyana Bar Association. Such stringent advocacy led to a change in the political administration and the belief that the rule of law and the democratic processes were effectively upheld. Naturally, one would have expected continued advocacy from these groups in order to preserve the ‘democratic processes’ so eloquently advocated.
Sadly, this has not fructified and I am forced to point an accusatory finger at the Guyana Bar Association, a key frontline advocate during the recent political standoff. I would have thought that their level of advocacy would have been extended from partiality to any person/group trampling upon the democratic processes they so stringently espoused. Unfortunately, their vociferous outcries have since evaporated to a whimper in the face of blatant discrimination of a certain ethnic group of the Guyanese society.
I am forced to ask, where are the voices of the so called “Champions of Democracy” in the face of the many atrocities being perpetuated on a particular ethnic group? Where are the stringent voices of the post elections period now that the rights of scores of Afro Guyanese are being trampled after being detained by the police for extended periods and released devoid of charges? Apparently, the “Champions” of Democracy have been reduced to mere “Contenders” and have lost or aborted the penchant to speak out against vile injustices.
One remembers the commendable advocacy of the Guyana Bar Association during the 2020 Elections and eagerly anticipated similar behaviour onward. Regrettably, this has not happened and it seems painfully obvious that they are now worn and tired following a successful tirade. These advocates have suddenly developed myopia and are incapable of ‘seeing’ violations of human rights or the totalitarian tendency of the government.
They no longer see the need to preserve the democratic principle of ‘one man, one vote.’ Apparently, their understanding of ‘democracy’ does not entail the preservation and respect for human rights. Don’t these advocates subscribe to the belief that no one should be arbitrarily detained or denied opportunities owing to ethnic or perceived political affiliation, gender, class? I guess they don’t!
The Bar Association is mandated to regulate the profession and it is equally expected that its members protect the rule of law and serve as a conscious voice against human rights violations. I’d like to raise my voice, and encourage similar advocacy of the masses, to call upon the Guyana Bar Association to exercise vigilance and sound their voices against all forms of injustice and victimization. It is apposite to note that your interest ought not to be self-serving or impartial but to benefit every Guyanese regardless of race, colour, creed or class.
Sincerely,
Lelon Saul
Civil Rights Activist

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