Public Reflections on Fourth Anniversary 

Sep 21, 2024 Letters

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Dear Editor,

Last August 2nd the fourth anniversary of the current administration was observed without much of the fanfare and spirit of jubilation and hype that was present after the first anniversary. Traveling around the country and engaging the public late July and early August, except for a few political activists, people hardly seemed to take note of the fourth anniversary since the declaration of official results that propelled Irfaan Ali to the Presidency and PPP to government. The excitement and brouhaha of August 2, 2020 as well as the varied programs that marked the first and second anniversaries were not felt last month. Also, the President’s popularity seems on a wane after ascending during the first half of his term. The government has lost its sheen for various reasons not the least being varied allegations, none of which proven in a court. The Vice President remains popular and a draw at the ballot box; the public have faith in him to get things done, and take their complaints and grouse to him for solution. The public wants to see most Ministers gone; they are most unpopular giving the government bad ratings. A few MPs and Ministers have retained the peoples’ trust, respect, and adulation.

Expectations from the government have not been according to many. Disappointment in governance was expressed all around. Abusive words were used in response to the mention of some names tied to the administration. People are becoming increasingly uninterested in politics. They seem to want to carry on with their lives and not be bothered by politicians and broken promises. Voter apathy is also rising. Many said, “Me done with voting” and with volunteering for party activities and electoral campaigns. Many activists from 2020 and earlier elections said they will not volunteer for the party any more. Several ‘Guardians of democracy’ and ballot box watchers said they won’t come out again should another 2020 electoral situation arise.

As the local media and commentators noted, democracy was saved on August 2, 2020 when the coalition government decided to concede defeat in the March 2 elections and GECOM made a declaration amidst pressure to do the right and honorable thing. International and local observers, opposition parties, and local and foreign NGOs condemned various attempts between March 3 and August 1 to declare fraudulent results not reflective of the will of the voters. The diaspora in the USA, Canada, UK, and elsewhere rallied to protect a critical aspect of democracy — the sanctity of the ballots. They lobbied politicians and governments to save democracy (respect for free and fair elections).

But much has changed from those five months between March 2 and August 2, 2020.  The desire and commitment to fight for democracy and what is right and the excitement of victory and what it would usher in its wake has gone from the psyche of Guyanese. From August 2020 to now, many from Region 1 express feelings of disgust; they swear they will not respond to calls to save democracy again. People at home and in the diaspora have lost interest in politics amidst what they attribute to: alienation between themselves and politicians, rising cost-of-living, red tape in conducting business, decline in security, allegations of corruption, sanctions from foreign governments, and more. Ministers are not grounded as when they were mere opposition activists or MPs, making themselves available to all in order to get votes to win elections. The people complain that they are increasingly becoming alienated from their MPs, Ministers, and the government. Many of those who campaigned for the party claimed they have not received any benefits and Ministers don’t even take their calls, not even those they were close with. They complained that others who were with the coalition have been embraced and given massive contracts and high paying jobs while those loyal to the PPP have been marginalized.

They note that phone calls to Ministers and other officials have gone unanswered.  Only a few Ministers and officials take their calls. Zulfi Mohammed, Bishop Juan Edghill, Anil Nandlall, Vickram Bharrat, and a few others are praised.

The resignation of the Administrator of the E.R. Burrowes School of Arts

Dear Editor,

We are writing to express our deep concerns over an unfortunate incident that took place at the E.R. Burrowes school of Art involving the administrator, Mr. Ian Ivor Thom on the evening of Saturday, September 7, 2024 at around 4pm.

The incident appears to reflect racism and the unjust favour given to those in our society who have status.  That incident led to Mr. Thom’s untimely resignation.

By most reports, the incident appears to have been handled without proper justification or due process, and it sends a troubling message about how we treat those who dedicate their lives to the arts and education in this country. It has been disheartening for us students to witness the unfolding of such an unfortunate situation.

The E.R. Burrowes school of Art is the only art school in Guyana, it is an institution vital to the country’s cultural and educational landscape. Mr. Thom is a renowned Guyanese sculptor and artist and he has made significant contributions to the development of the art school and has been instrumental in nurturing generations of artists who have gone on to represent Guyana both locally and internationally.

Let us not forget dear editor, that Mr. Thom is responsible for some of the iconic monuments and sculptures in Guyana. Most notably, the Damion Monument, the Dr. Yesu Persaud Bust and the 1823 monument among others. The administrator’s tenure was marked by a passion for developing the arts, expanding the school’s programs and departments, and fostering a sense of community within the creative sector.

Mr. Thom’s efforts helped to elevate the art school to become a respected institution, one that serves as a beacon of cultural expression and artistic growth in Guyana. To lose such a dedicated individual is not just a loss for the school but for the nation as a whole.

They say art is crucial to the human existence it is all around us; from the architecture of buildings, the designs of the cars we drive, to our choice of clothing, even the manner in which we present and plate our food, in all these things there is art.

Therefore, we must ensure that those who contribute so much to the growth of the Arts are treated with the utmost respect and fairness they deserve.

Editor, it is within this context that the students would like to express their heartfelt appreciation and thanks to one of the greats.

Mr. Thom, your dedication, creativity, and passion for the arts have made a lasting impact on us. The knowledge and inspiration you’ve shared will continue to influence the artistic journeys of countless students, many of whom have flourished under your mentorship. Your unique vision and expertise have truly enriched our school, and your absence will be deeply felt.

Yours respectfully,

Concerned students

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• adulation, anniversary, Concerned students, jubilation, reflections

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