Petty VIP Lounge Bans Have No Place in Governance

Apr 22, 2024 Features / Columnists, Peeping Tom

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Kaieteur News – In a letter to the editor, we have learnt that edict has been issued and communicated, ostensibly prohibiting former Prime Ministers from utilizing the VIP lounge at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). While ostensibly neutral in its language, the practical application of this measure will only affect former Prime Ministers affiliated with opposition parties.

There are three living Prime Ministers in Guyana: Hamilton Green, Moses Nagamootoo and Samuel Hinds. The first two are from opposition parties; the edict does not affect the latter who is from the ruling party since he is also a former President and therefore not debarred from the use of the said VIP lounge. This decision is perverse. Within any country there exists a hierarchy that delineates the order of precedence and respect accorded to individuals in officialdom. This hierarchy is evident in the order of introductions and salutations at official events. This hierarchy is a reflection of the esteem with which each office or position is held.

At the apex stand figures like the President, followed by the Prime Minister who is constitutionally the First Vice President. Next are other Vice Presidents, followed by a cascade of Very Important Persons (VIPs) comprising the Chancellor, Ministers of the Government, and esteemed former heads of state and government.

However, the report that an edict has been issued prohibiting the use of the airport’s VIP lounge to former Prime Ministers is a petty and troubling development. It represents a deviation from the principles of dignity and respect that should underpin the treatment of public officials, whether past or present, and regardless of their political affiliations, past or present.

This decision, if true – and there is no reason to suspect that it is false – reeks of pettiness and vindictiveness. It should be widely condemned and it should be reversed forthwith.

The ban on former Prime Ministers accessing the VIP lounge is a blatant affront to the principles of equality and fairness. In a democratic society, all individuals, irrespective of their political allegiances, should be treated with dignity and respect. As is evident the ban will only presently affect former Prime Ministers of opposition parties.

By issuing this edict, the ruling PPPC government is setting a dangerous precedent that can backfire on it. It also exposes the government to criticism of political vendettas take precedence over principles.

The decision reflects a myopic understanding of international best practices. International best practices often dictate that individuals holding high-ranking official positions, such as current and former Presidents, Prime Ministers, Vice Presidents, and other senior government officials, should be treated with courtesy and respect when traveling through airports.  VIP treatment, particularly at airports, is not merely a matter of protocol but also a reflection of a nation’s commitment to upholding standards of hospitality and respect.

In many countries, former heads of state and government are accorded VIP privileges as a mark of recognition for their service to the nation, regardless of their political affiliations. This treatment may include access to VIP lounges, expedited security and immigration procedures, and other privileges aimed at ensuring their comfort and convenience.

By denying opposition-affiliated former Prime Ministers access to the VIP lounge, the government not only tarnishes its international image but also exposes its inability to rise above petty politics. The ban reeks of insecurity. A confident and secure government does not feel threatened by the presence of former leaders, regardless of their political leanings. Instead, it welcomes diverse perspectives and acknowledges the contributions of all individuals towards nation-building. By resorting to such measures, the government betrays its fragility.

The prohibition is not only unnecessary but also impractical. It is highly unlikely that droves of former Prime Ministers would suddenly descend upon the VIP lounge, causing chaos and inconvenience. In fact, the decision appears to be a solution in search of a problem.

How does it look that advisers to the government and relatives of senior political figures are granted VIP courtesies while former Prime Ministers are denied these same privileges?

Upholding the dignity and respect of all individuals, regardless of their political affiliations, should be a fundamental tenet of governance. There can be no place for measures which can be accused of being petty and vindictive.

The ban on former Prime Ministers accessing the VIP lounge is a regressive and shortsighted decision. It reflects poorly on the government.  The President should forthwith reverse this ill-conceived edict.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)

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• neutral, opposition, parties, Prime Ministers, VIP Lounge

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