We look to the courts and to all citizens to demonstrate proper regard for democratic values

Nov 10, 2023 Letters

Dear Editor,

It is undeniable that U.S President Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Gettysburg Address is universally accepted as one of the best-known speeches in world history. His determination and belief that “government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth” is perhaps the most influential and inspirational for aspirants to a free and democratic society. Another former U.S President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, poignantly remarked that “a people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both”.

It is our unshakeable view that “sovereignty belongs to the people” (article 9) is the bedrock principle of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of the Guyana and must be defended, as our territorial integrity, by every citizen of this land. The preamble to the constitution makes clear our responsibility to protect “the rich heritage won through tireless struggle, bequeathed us by our forebears”, and, through broad-based participation, to affirm our sovereignty“ based on democratic values, social justice, fundamental human rights, and the rule of law” all of which we believe are under threat today.

Three weeks ago, we staged a small presence outside the Court of Appeal to enquire into the apparent inability or unwillingness of the court to render a verdict more than seven months after hearing election petition, No. 88 which contends that Section 22 of the Election Laws (Amendment) Act is unconstitutional and that Order No. 60 is invalid, null, void and of no effect. The right to vote and not to have that vote discarded by improper fiat is fundamental to every other right; to adulterate and deny this right, or to surrender it, strikes the death knell for freedom won over centuries of struggle.

Pericles, a prominent Greek politician and general during the Golden Age of Athens, ancient home of democracy remarked that “freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have the courage to defend it”. We look to the courts and to all citizens to demonstrate proper regard for democratic values, social justice, fundamental human rights and the rule of law.

Sincerely,

Oscar Dolphin

Earl Fleishman

Edward Perry

Charlene Paul

George Gulliver

Betrum Cummings

Dwayne Dolphin

Lloyd Massiah

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Charlene Paul, Earl Fleishman, Edward Perry, George Gulliver, Oscar Dolphin

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