TRUTH BE TOLD: WE ARE OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS’ KEEPERS

Feb 25, 2022 Letters

Dear Editor,

In many, if not most countries, politics is about everything. Politics determines how a nation functions, how governments should govern and who gets what/where/when and how. Guyana is no exception. During every election campaign every political party would make elaborate and lavish promises to the voters to triumph in elections but when in office they tend to cast many of their promises aside. This is true for Guyana, where political parties for the most part have not fulfilled their campaign, or manifesto promises, which some have deemed hypocritical and crafty. Many believe that those in authority have mastered the art of real politics by spreading false rumours and propaganda and indulging in pettiness. They went into overdrive in the last election to convince Guyanese of every race and ethnicity that they have changed and would not discriminate or be vindictive against anyone or abuse their power while in office. This is far from the truth. They touted the need for good governance, accountability, unity, and inclusivity, and sadly the people believed and voted for them. However, as reported in the press by the opposition, the government has deliberately excluded the Parliamentary Opposition which represents almost half of the population from the national flag-raising ceremony in observance of Guyana’s 52nd Republic Anniversary. So the question is, where is the unity and inclusivity?
After just 18 months in office, they have displayed their true colours. They have changed their mantra from inclusivity to the exclusivity of the opposition, from unity to disunity, from accountability to the lack thereof, and from good governance to shabby governance. As reported in several media outlets, several public servants have been fired and some public officials have even been prosecuted on manufactured trump-up charges. Such spiteful action is reprehensible and uncalled for and should be denounced by all and sundry. The truth is Guyana cannot and would not develop by a single group/race, all the groups/races must work together to move the country forward. Our oil revenue which is expected to climb to over US$1billion this year due to the rapid increase in oil prices should be distributed equitably among all Guyanese.
However, supporters of the opposition are of the view that the administration has mistreated and abused them and has denied them equal access to jobs in the public service. At the same time there is evidence that it has offered jobs to scores of their supporters throughout the country and in the diaspora. As reported, some of our Indo-and-Afro Guyanese contractors including Dunn and Associates, Clarke Investments, Raj Construction Company Inc., and BK international have been denied government contracts because it has been alleged that they are or were supporters of or affiliated with the opposition while in office. Many in the opposition have also claimed that they are being marginalised as was the case prior to 2015.The level of discrimination and abuse of power are real and profound. Today, the administration disdain and disregard for many Indo-and Afro-Guyanese who have been perceived to be supporters of the opposition are being victimised and discriminated against. But truth be told, everyone in Guyana regardless of their ethnicity has a right to be affiliated and or support a political party of their choice and any victimisation or discrimination by the powers that be is a violation of their human rights as adumbrated in the United Nations Human Rights Charter
Therefore, I urge all civic organisations, religious institutions, businesses, the Bar Association, and all fair-minded Guyanese, among others to demand an end to such discriminatory and vindictive practices, which are harmful not only to the people but to the country. Again, truth be told, we are first and foremost Guyanese, and more importantly, we are our brothers and sisters’ keepers and all, included the powers that be, should respect and treat all Guyanese fairly and equally for we are One People, One Nation with One Destiny, united and strong in the land of the free. I wish God’s blessings on our nation as we celebrate our 52 Republic Anniversary.

Sincerely,
Jeffrey Downer

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