Where are Indian activists today, why are they not speaking up on vital issues?

Nov 25, 2021 Letters

Dear Editor,

Kaieteur News – Indian rights intellectuals have disappointed their community and the country in being silent over what passes as governance under the PPP administration, especially failure of government to follow established rules and practices. The activists were very critical of the Coalition during its five-year tenure. They demanded release of the oil contract and called for renegotiation. But they have lost their voices under this government. Oil renegotiation is no longer a part of their vocabulary as they give their government a tacit pass. They make no comment about the Wales Development plan and the enormous amounts of borrowings. They say nothing about the PPP plan for a Chinese loan of US$1.5 billion.
The PPP government has been a two-man operation running what is really a runaway train. There is so much corruption and violations of rules. All decisions are being made by the two figures, and most of the decisions are not in the interest of supporters, much less the nation. Only a small group of cronies who is close to the two leaders are primary beneficiaries of contracts. Their supporters and the population at large get the crumbs that fall off the table.
Aside from GHK Lall, Chris Ram, and Glenn Lall, and the three are by no means Indian rights activists, no other Indian critiques or takes the government to task.
In contrast with Indian rights activists, African rights activist David Hinds, during the coalition tenure, spoke out against the neglect of PNC supporters and closure of the sugar estates. Under the PPP, no Indian rights activist have commented against or been critical of the government on Indian neglect and marginalisation and termination of African workers. No one speaks out against religious discrimination in the award of contracts.
While the two big guns who run the government don’t seem to care for the opinions of intellectuals or scholars, and one of them feels he knows everything, at least the view of Indian activists would be on record as opposing authoritarian behaviour of their leaders. At a minimum, they can speak out against persistent corruption as David Hinds did against the Coalition. The views and critiques of Swami Aksharananda, Ravi Dev, Rhyaan Shah, Vishnu Bisram, and other objective commentators matter. They are the modern day Cheddi, Janet, Balram and Singh Rai. They are our modern-day heroes. Indians look up to them.
It is an understatement to say there is a failure of expectations of PPP leadership on decision-making. Supporters, activists, and members of the Central Committee had expected that the leader would have changed from pre-2011 arrogance. He came across between 2016 and August 2020 as someone who learned from mistakes consulting others and listening to the public views. Now, he has become more arrogant bypassing party Ex Co members, activists, and intellectuals who played a critical role in the return of PPP to office. Stalwarts say the party hardly meets to discuss issues. And as Sharmila Ally penned (KN Nov 23), key figures like Anil Nandlall, Vindhya Persaud, Frank Anthony, among others, have been marginalised. Many activists who combated rigging of 2020, ballot box guardians, and those who spent personal money to secure the victory have not been rewarded. Newcomers and those who give huge drawbacks are beneficiaries.
The party has failed to reward supporters and activists, to take measures to prevent corruption, and to reward honest selfless workers. Most appointees have been self-serving – they are there for what they could get from the system. Those who jumped from AFC or APNU to PPP have been handsomely rewarded. Those who have been consistent supporters and played key role in the party’s victory are shunned aside for new opportunistic friends. A small group of cronies surrounds the two ‘big-man’ tag team enjoying the benefits of the state. The cronies have unlimited access to the tag team, while those who worked have no access and no one to champion their interests.
The country needs to be ruled by better people, those who really care about it, the poor, the working class, and those who aren’t in politics for financial gain or for the prestige. Would Indians of integrity respond to this appeal? Would the Indian rights activists speak up against the oil contract and other contract issues, the Chinese loan, and other issues? The country waits with bated breath.

Yours truly,
Balram Gangadeen

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Where are Indian activists today, why are they not speaking up on vital issues?

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