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2005-11-19:
By Raphael Trotman Saturday, November 19th
2005
Since the launch of the AFC in October, there
has been a heavy and sustained attack on the movement from all angles and for
all sorts of reasons. However, these attacks have not been able to penetrate
the wall of support for the AFC that has emerged since its launching.
There is widespread speculation as to the
possible relationships, if any, with other political parties, and in
particular, with the self-styled "Guyana Third Force Platform" (GTF).
The relationship between the AFC and the GTF is one of the beachheads which
have been opened up by agent provocateurs to ensure that we are divided and
therefore easily conquerable. The AFC is on record to have stated that it
wanted to launch itself formally as a movement before entering into
deliberations with others. This was made pellucid at the now famous Le Meridien
gathering and was whole-heartedly accepted by all. To do otherwise would have
been to enter into an asymmetrical situation that any student of strategy would
have cautioned against. This would not have augured well for the building of
alliances or partnerships which the AFC has accepted as essential to achieving
a new political dispensation for
Since those discussions, there has been much
ado about nothing as we parried over websites, personalities and seating
arrangements. At the end of the day, the AFC does not view the others with any
less respect than it does itself. Some misguided souls have apparently
quarrelled about the seating arrangements put in place for the leaders of the
GTF umbrella at the launch, and others complained most ridiculously, about the
fact that the AFC went ahead to name it’s Presidential and Prime Ministerial
candidates. It must be considered a personal affront for anyone to try to
dictate to the AFC, what it should or should not do regarding its own internal
arrangements and structures. The reality is that if one were to ask Joe and Jane
Public who are the presidential candidates of GAP, WPA, ROAR, Unity Party,
JFAP, the answer would have been unhesitatingly provided.
What we need to do is move away from petty
political posturing and earnestly address the core issue that most Guyanese want
dealt with: – Will there be a coming together between the AFC and the GTF? Or
between the AFC and parts of what now constitutes the GTF? Trust and a basic
platform of common principles and understanding are what are needed in any
situation in which more than two persons are expected to work together. We need
for example to define specifically what it is we are pursuing: – Is it for
example an end to instability leading to a new democratic process? Or is it to
promote another period of crisis, confusion and chaos? The AFC would not have
any part to play in promoting such situations.
The AFC remains ready, willing, and able to
meet any group, provided that the necessary preparatory work for the meeting
takes place and there is an agreed agenda. The last thing the AFC wishes to see
happen, is to disappoint the nation with a failed process resembling the PPP/C
and PNCR dialogue, which ended with the infamous "you are not my
equal" utterance. To act otherwise would be to stage a "pappy show".
The AFC cannot subscribe to any attempt to
avoid the holding of free, fair, fearless, and transparent elections in 2006.
There is a widely held belief that there is a plan afoot to subvert the holding
of elections next year and to bring things to a point where an interim government
will have to be installed. In the view of the AFC, such an outcome would impose
further pain and suffering on our beloved
complete socio-economic paralysis.
Promoting a National Front Government could
only gain credibility and acceptance if all the important players and
stakeholders voluntarily accept this as the best alternative. Forcing, or
imposing, such an ad hoc arrangement will not work. Already, the AFC’s name has
come up as being a member of a high-profiled team that travelled to
promote this very point of view. The AFC categorically and publicly
disassociates itself from any such points of view and associations.
Then there is the issue of the seats of
Parliament, where to date, the only member of the GTF that has taken a position
is the WPA because it is the one directly involved in this now interesting and
unprecedented matter. It is beyond any shadow of doubt that there is no legal
and/or constitutional provision that can see the removal of the so-called
"rebel" MP’s. What is left is the moral issue being trumpeted by all
and sundry; some of whom if we are to call a spade a spade, have serious moral
issues of their own.
The notion of democracy has come a far way
since the promulgation of the Magna Carta in 1215, and the declaration of our
own
in 1966. Many have heard of the "Separation of Powers" but few,
especially those in office today, really care to endorse and promote its true
meaning. The latest indecent assault on democracy is being witnessed with the
introduction of the proposed High Court (Amendment) Bill which seeks to denude
and degut the hallowed office of Chief Justice by the executive. Yet, there are
those who are prepared to argue its uprightness whilst not seeing the argument
about three parliamentary seats. Where is the separation if our judges and
elected representatives cannot be insulated from executive and party control
and manipulation?
In 2003 at the Commonwealth Heads of
Government Meeting in
at which
was amply represented, the "Latimer House Principles" were adopted as
being the standard by which democracy shall be measured and judged throughout
the length and breadth of the Commonwealth and amongst its 1.8 billion citizens
in the 53 territories. At the time of their adoption, His Excellency, the Right
Honourable Don McKinnon, the Commonwealth Secretary General was moved to
expressing the sanguine expectation of the Commonwealth’s citizens and their
political representatives:
"What we now wish to see is the sharing
of best practices and dissemination of agreed values and principles. This will
enable member countries to move to that optimum state of governance which is
predicated on the rule of law in our Commonwealth member states."
Interestingly, at the Nigeria Summit the
Heads of State including ours thought it important to address the vexed and
important question of the independence of Members of Parliament and included in
the declaration the following text:
1.
This article provides:
2.
fundamental to parliamentary independence and therefore:
"That the Freedom of Speech and Debates
or Proceedings in Parliament ought not to be impeached or questioned in any
court or place out of Parliament."
a) The expulsion of members from parliament
as a penalty for leaving their parties (crossing the floor) should be viewed as
a possible infringement of members’ independence; anti-defection measures may
be necessary in some jurisdictions to deal with corrupt practices;
b) Laws allowing for the recall of members
during their elected term should be viewed with caution, as a potential threat
to the independence of members;
c) The cessation of membership of a political
party of itself should not lead to the loss of a member’s seat."
The above then sets out the new democratic
governance principles that this, and all other governments within the
Commonwealth, except of course those under suspension, have endorsed and
committed themselves to observing and preserving. The issue of the independence
of Members of Parliament is on trial as much here in
Commonwealth territory.
How this matter ends, or is resolved, will
have far-reaching consequences to the democratic edifice everywhere. The
"rebels" of Guyana and interestingly enough, those as well in the
twin-Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, who are fighting the over forty
years of established party dominance, are now being viewed with interest, as
their fate will become a watershed for the people’s representatives the world
over, and most importantly, in countries with repressive governments and
suffocating political parties.
The people of
the bile of party paramountcy and democratic centralism that it is now
difficult to separate a Member of Parliament from a political party. The
people’s best interests as envisioned in the Latimer House Principles are what
we in the AFC are being asked to surrender. It is understandable why even the
most ardent supporters of the AFC want to see us purified through the act of
quitting. In a sense therefore, members of Parliament associated with the AFC
are faced with a difficult decision of taking the prophylactic walking pill, or
of staying and building up enough anti-bodies to fight the fever itself.
That said, it must be accepted that the AFC’s
and its supporters’ interests must be catered for. In this light, the populace
can rest assured that the right decision will be taken at the right time.
The decisions regarding the parliamentary
seats will be taken not based on issues of legality or tenuous moral arguments,
but on practical political reasoning. At this time, I for reasons more to do
with getting the work of the AFC moving in time for the events of 2006 will be
making preparations for my departure in the not too distant future. Having
committed myself to resign, I will be doing so long before the elections, but
it has to be recognized that despite my silence in the House there is
unfinished business particularly in preparing the Freedom of Information Bill
and it would have been unwise to bend simply to the unreasonable demands of
those whom we are likely to encounter on the battlefield in a few short months.
Our eventual withdrawal will be on our terms, on our time, and on our own
supporters’ accord.
I posit that most third party initiatives in
elsewhere failed, not because the giants crushed them, but rather because of
the crab-in-abarrel mentality and mischievousness, which did the destruction
from within, coming from persons sometimes posing as closest supporters and
admirers. I say, let’s give working together a try in
interest, and stop the promotion of divisiveness. Instead of carrying on a
debate on morality and legality, let us engage in a discussion on matters of
practicality as Bernard Ramsay and others have suggested on what is in the
AFC’s best interest.
2005-11-15: An expelled AFC
member could keep his parliamentary seat… By Khemraj Ramjattan Tuesday, November
15th 2005
Mr Raymond Gaskin, my very good friend, the
answer to your question is obvious. (SN, 10.11.05 ‘Will a member of the AFC who
is expelled be able to keep his seat?’) Absolutely! An expelled AFC member or
one who dissociates will be able to keep his seat. No AFC leader or organ will
be in any position to disqualify such a dissenting MP.
You see Raymond, it is like having picked your
11 best players to play in a Test Match, expecting all to perform well. In
mid-match one does not. He drops 5 simple catches and gets bowled for a duck
first innings. The selectors cannot drop him and put in another player for the
second innings; he has to play through the entire Test. And this would be the
case, of course, until there is a change of the rules of the game.
In identical terms, the present arrangement
under
Constitution and all relevant laws on this issue cannot realise a disqualification
on any MP on such a ground that the electors do not like him any more.
Such a dissenting, dissociating MP must be
permitted to serve out his constitutional period, unless, of course, he decides
to vacate earlier. If a change of this scenario is required, then like in the
cricket analogy, the rules governing Parliamentary disqualification must be
amended.
To begin with, who should make the call that
such dissenting MP should be disqualified? The Leader of the List? This will be
most objectionable, and would be legalising party-leader paramountcy. Why
should he have such a power when the electors may very well find favour with
such a rebellious MP? Should not the ultimate power of recall be with electors?
Quite frankly this is where I believe it should reside. But in a PR electoral
system, it would be almost impossible to effectuate.
And it is precisely because such amended
rules will be very difficult to implement in the context of a Proportional
Representational electoral system, that the fall-back position in the
constitutional reform process was article 156(3). And what is this article
saying? It is emphatically asserting that it is the MP, and he alone, who has
the power to disqualify himself! Any reading of that article 156(3) must mean
that the final decision as to vacating the seat rests on the MP. This was where
the constitutional reform process rested it, in view of the difficulty of
resting it elsewhere. And which MP, if he does not want to vacate his seat,
will ever declare in the prescribed manner?
Mr Ramotar gives the impression that it is a
technicality that the form of this declaration has not yet been drafted. It is
the meaninglessness of whatever form the declaration takes, and the easy escape
route from its application that it has not yet been drafted! But even if it
were, any sensible MP who wants to keep his seat will avoid such a declaration.
This is all he has to do – avoid it. If he wants to vacate, he makes the
prescribed declaration and says goodbye.
Let me say this. All these arguments were
gone through with Mr Ramotar when consideration was being given to the question
of whether Mr Nadir should cross over or not. Mr Nadir and the TUF, unlike the
AFC, had a list in accordance with article 156(3). Changing his seat over with
the PPP can be regarded as conduct tantamount to supporting another list. Yet
Mr Ramotar never found Mr Nadir’s conduct unconstitutional or immoral. What
hypocrisy!
Finally, I want Mr Ramotar to know that his
use of Rosa Parks and the apartheid-system instances to buttress his timid,
flawed argumentation against my stand on the Parliamen-tary issue was wholly
out of place, and without logical relevance. Rosa Parks and Mandela are heroes
of mine. They fought against systems purporting to be lawful and moral, but
which were wholly unlawful and immoral. My sitting in Parliament is totally
lawful. Neither you nor anyone else can shift me from there! My fight to keep
my seat may just be that spark to give the impetus to destroy party paramountcy
and democratic centralism. Try to make sense next time, Donald, and don’t
attempt a Stella!
2005-11-13:
News)
The government has proposed amendments to the
laws to relieve the Chief Justice of a number of duties, including the
allocation of all court business, in what some see as a move that will weaken
the office and could lead to administrative problems.
The High Court (Amendment) Bill 2005 which
was tabled on Thursday would, if passed, remove a number of the administrative
duties from the Chief Justice in whom they have been long vested and give them
to the Chancellor.
Stabroek News was unable to get a comment
from Attorney General Doodnauth Singh (in whose name the bill was tabled) on
the reasons behind it, and already there is speculation as to the government’s
motives, particularly in the light of the current impasse on the Chancellor’s
appointment.
The bill seeks to confer the powers vested in
the Chief Justice under Sections 66, 76 and 77 of the High Court Act on the
Chancellor. According to the bill’s explanatory memorandum, these powers are to
determine the distribution of the business before the court; to assign any
judicial duty to any judge; to direct the sitting of the full court in more
than one division; and to assign a third judge to sit on a hearing by the full
court on appeal, where the Chancellor thinks there are any special grounds that
the full court should be composed of three judges.
The Guyana Bar Association (GBA) council will
be meeting on Tuesday to come up with its official position on the matter, GBA
President Joseph Harmon said yesterday. He said he only learnt of the bill when
a member of parliament brought it to his attention on Friday, the day after it
was tabled in the House and there was no opportunity for members to make their
positions clear. His initial reaction to the bill, however, was to see it as an
attempt to consolidate in the hands of one person what is really the powers of
two people.
But former Bar President and MP Khemraj
Ramjattan did not mince words on the amendment, which he said ought to be
withdrawn. He saw it as "a ruthless attempt to take away the powers of the
Chief Justice and to give it to someone else who the government feels
comfortable with." More than that, he also thought the amendment would
impinge on the constitution, which sets out certain duties for both the Chief
Justice and the Chancellor. Ramjattan said "to denude… the Chief
Justice’s powers is literally to make the Chief Justice a puisne judge in
effect." He went further to say that the bill would in essence
"abolish" the office of the Chief Justice. "What is a Chief
Justice if not the person who allocates the matters…?" he asked rhetorically.
Ramjattan said his initial feelings on the
bill were that it was improperly motivated and in some respects
unconstitutional. He said "it smacks of interference with the independence
of the judiciary," and as both lawyer and MP he hoped that all
parliamentarians would adhere to the doctrine of separation of powers "and
not allow partisan party politics to pass this bill."
Another attorney and MP, Basil Williams, also
thought the amendment would reduce the Chief Justice’s post to nothing more than
a ceremonial title, and could be a move towards doing away with the office.
"What is to happen to the office of the Chief Justice? It becomes
impotent," he noted, while also taking the view that holders of the post
would in essence be just regular judges.
Also, having considered the implications of
the proposed amendment he did not see how it would serve the already
overburdened judiciary by placing the entire administrative workload on the
shoulders of just one office holder. "It doesn’t make sense to me. Right
now, with the Chief Justice alone, we have had a lot of problems and people are
dissatisfied with the way things are and now you will take all the
administrative power to one office?" he said.
Like Ramjattan, Williams also felt that the
amendment was not in keeping with the spirit and intent of the constitution
given the role envisaged by its drafters.
Williams noted too that the amendment had
implications for the current consultations between the President and the
Opposition Leader for the appointment of a Chancellor and Chief Justice. In
this regard, he said, the amendment would amount to "a shifting the
goalposts" during the talks. Indeed, the tabling of the bill comes as the
consultations between President Bharrat Jagdeo and Opposi-tion Leader Robert
Corbin remain open after more than six months. Since their first meeting Jagdeo
has publicly stated that Chief Justice Carl Singh is his candidate to fill the
Chancellor’s vacancy but he has not scheduled a follow-up meeting with Corbin,
saying that a committee is searching for an ideal Chief Justice candidate.
Justice Claudette Singh, who was passed over for the post of Chief Justice the
last time it fell vacant, has been named among the leading candidates for it
now. Observers suspect that the amendment is intended to dilute the powers of
the Chief Justice in the event that Chief Justice Carl Singh is appointed
Chancellor, along with a Chief Justice that the government does not look
favourably on.
Under the revised constitution, neither of
the appointments can be made unless the Opposition Leader agrees.
2005-11-05: Exposing a
benign paramountcy in the National Assembly – another national tragedy
By Khemraj Ramjattan Saturday, November
5th 2005
(MPs Khemraj Ramjattan and Raphael Trotman do
monthly columns for Stabroek News on a topic of their choice)
In my address at the launch of the AFC last
Saturday I argued the case that the continued presence in the National Assembly
of Trotman, Holder and myself, until such time as we individually decide to
leave, if ever we so decide, is wholly constitutional and moral. The Telfords
and Stellas and Bakrs disagreed. I respect their position and will fight to the
very end to safeguard their right to so express their opinion.
My position on the constitutionality and
legality of our present status cannot be questioned. It is supported by the
Speaker of the House who ruled that he has no jurisdiction to throw out Raphael
upon Mr. Corbin’s application to have him disqualified. Earlier, when the PPP
after my expulsion wanted me out, he had similarly ruled.
Moreover, the Learned Chief Justice Carl
Singh in an application to disqualify Manzoor Nadir, who crossed the floor from
The United Force to the PPP/C, ruled that there is nothing unconstitutional about
such conduct and dismissed the application.
Legal opinion sought by the President from a
famous Guyanese lawyer, who straddles the highest courts in the
position.
Now if such a position as ours in the AFC is
legal and no way constitutionally improper how can it be immoral? Legal
propriety is generally synonymous with morality. I suppose the argument will
just get down to a subjectivist realm.
There needs to be a re-emphasis of certain
points I made at the launch, and an emphasis of an additional few.
Firstly, the concept of Parliamentary
democracy which is at the foundation of the electoral system focuses on
peoples’ power and peoples’ interest; not party’s power and party’s interest. A
party is simply the vehicle to getting worthy members through a list system
into that destination called the National Assembly. Once that destination is
reached, through a combination of election – by the electorate, and selection -
by the leader of the list, such members of the National Assembly become
representatives of the people and defenders of the constitution and the
national interest.
Members of the National Assembly who
understand this will ensure a greater efficacy of the Assembly. It is because
on vital issues, on matters that really matter, members see themselves not as
the peoples’ representatives, but as puppets of a party, that that authentic
Parliamentary culture we want in our country is devastated. This is why those
who make the call do not realise that they are unconsciously subscribers to the
doctrines of party paramountcy and democratic centralism.
Additionally, members of the National
Assembly have constitutional rights which do not fade into oblivion upon entry
into that august body. My appointment as an MP never entailed a restriction or
subjugation of my right to associate, which includes my right to dissociate, or
my right to express dissenting views. Service in the National Assembly is not
and cannot be premised on the deprivation of or restriction on my fundamental
rights to freely express myself and to freely associate/disassociate.
Consequently, the call by party leaders,
columnists and letter writers for us to vacate our seats clearly demonstrates
what contempt they have for our constitutional rights to disassociate and
dissent.
Paradoxically, in taking the stance we have,
we are defending not only our individual fundamental rights but also those of
each and every member of the National Assembly extracted from their respective
party’s lists. It is the sacred duty of each and every Member of the Assembly
to stand with us in defence of the constitutional right of each and every
member to freedom of association and to free _expression. If they are unwilling
to defend their own interest, they hardly can be expected to defend the public
interest and the constitutional rights of the ordinary citizens.
Much more than the skirts of the PNC and the
PPP is being revealed. The extent to which these parties have subjugated, or
are seeking to subjugate, constitutional rights of Parliamentarians to narrow
party interests is now being exposed.
Having exercised our freedom to dissociate
and dissent from our respective parties, and to associate with and express
support for the AFC, can never mean that our vote in the National Assembly on
whatever issue will not be one in the national interest.
Standing up for fundamental rights, and
sacrificing the party’s interest for the national interest, can hardly be
classified as politically immoral. Party sycophancy is antithetical to
political morality. But it may just be that party sycophancy has cultivated its
own peculiar moral values in its conscious or unconscious adherents.
By the way, is not this exactly what Manzoor
Nadir did? Was he immoral? Was the PPP/C aiding and abetting immorality when
they took him on board? Why this moral outrage from the PNC now when it
benefited from similar cross-overs by Parliamentarians like Teekah and
Chandisingh? Wilbert Telford, was the PNC immoral when it caused so many
PPPites to cross over to its side of the House? Or is it moral only when
Parliamen-starians come into these parties’ fold; but not when Parliamentarians
abandon such parties to form their own? What hypocrisy!
Finally, let me say that all the recommendations
of the various experts will mean nothing, absolutely nothing, if an
appreciation of this approach to Parliamentary democracy is missed by
Parliamentarians. They will remain stultified in their growth as defenders and
promoters of the national interest; they will remain just as their parties’
controlling cabals want them to be, mere glorifiers of party interests. This
was the genesis of Burnhamism. We must prevent a reincarnation of this
despicable system
So my message to my colleagues in the
National Assembly will go something like this:
"Parliamentarians unite – you have only
your Party shackles to lose".
2005-11-03: The messages
delivered at the launching were impressive
By Haemwattie Ragnauth Thursday, November
3rd 2005
Dear Editor,
I happened to attend the inauguration of the
Alliance For Change (AFC) at the Ocean View Convention Centre on October 29,
2005.
The launching of this new political movement
has created political history in
auditorium but a mixture of races including members of the diplomatic
community, businessmen and women, academicians and people from various walks of
life. The messages delivered by the co-leaders of the AFC, Raphael Trotman and
Khemraj Ramjattan were very comprehensive and impressive. The other members of
the steering committee are all persons of integrity and moral values. I have no
doubt these distinguished characters will bring about a change to the politics
of
Many persons at the launching including myself
were impressed when the audience was introduced to the team of the AFC steering
committee. I have no doubt that after its launching, shock-waves must have gone
through the spine of the two major political parties. For more than forty years
Guyanese were taught only to be loyal to their respective parties and leaders
and not to their country and citizens. As a result of this, their very
existence has been shattered. The time has now come when Guyanese are conscious
and they reflect how they have been kept in bondage by the two major political
parties whose mottos are the same, divide and rule.
It’s time for change. Change is the key to
success and prosperity of this land. So let’s do it now.
Yours faithfully,
Haemwattie Ragnauth
be protected (Stabroek
News)
By Rakesh Rampertab Wednesday, November
2nd 2005
Dear Editor,
Now that the AFC is a political party, I wish
to say something that is appropriate and very important: Mr. Raphael Trotman
and Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan must be protected. To the entire group of people
surrounding them, one would hope that you are security-conscious at all times.
The WPA was warned to ‘guard Rodney from assassination’ by many people
including CLR James. Obviously, they failed. Obviously,
failed…and
we all paid dearly, including the
accomplished hangmen who killed him.
So let me say it again, the people of
protect these two young men. The hangmen may have changed their ugly masks, but
the rope is still the same. Yours faithfully, Rakesh Rampertab
2005-10-31: Retain your
seats so you can serve Guyanese in Parliament
Dear Editor,
I do hope that the new thinking and the new
way of doing things promised by the
Change will, at all times and in all places, seek to espouse the paramountcy of
over and above the paramountcy of the party, be it the PNC/R or PPP/C. We ought
to remember that parliamentarians have sworn allegiance to the Para-mountcy of
the Constitution of Guyana and this must supersede and override the narrower
concept of the paramountcy of the party.
Messrs. Khemraj Ramjattan and Raphael
Trotman, please do not give up your seats in The National Assembly. You must
retain your seats so that you may continue to serve all
highest decision making forum, where decisions that affect the lives of all
Guyanese, even the unborn are made. By doing so you will have demonstrated that
you have placed service to
and all Guyanese over and above the paramountcy of the party thus giving us
reason to hope for improved social conditions and brighter futures.
The old way of thinking (for example, the
paramountcy of the party, democratic centralism, benevolent dictatorship, etc)
which has gotten us into our present economic, political and social
predicaments, has never served
and Guyanese well.
The quality of life in
inevitably, affected by the moral character of our political institutions. If
the system of national governance is dealing unjustly, with some of its
citizens, they are not the only ones to suffer. The quality of life for all
Guyanese is degraded (today’s reality). A system of national governance that
privileges some citizens over others is giving the ‘privileged citizens" a
corrupted view of democracy even if it gives them a social or economic
advantage.
You, Sirs, have had the courage to take up
the mantle of Guyanese leadership and have affected a change to a higher and
more sophisticated type or level of thinking – from the traditional either/or
(e.g. democratic centralism) with its inherent limitations to the more
encompassing and futuristic both/and. The former tends to be divisive and to
exclude new thinking and new ideas. This is undemocratic. The latter is more
inclusive and synergistic. It encourages new thinking, new ideas and as a
consequence is far more enduring and democratic – all Guyanese are important.
We have to realize that running a national
government is a country’s biggest business. No other organization in that
country handles the vast sums of money the national government does. The manner
in which this business is run affects every other business within the country.
It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for institutions and
organizations to be truly effective if the system of national governance is
ineffective.
Climb every mountain, "young Sirs".
Encourage all Guyanese to put
first and always. The only question we need to ask is: "What is best
(using public criteria) for
The answer is: "Support Change" "Support the
Yours faithfully,
(name and address supplied)
membership (Stabroek
News)
The Alliance For Change (AFC) has received
some 1,000 applications for party membership over the two weeks since the forms
were made available to the public, joint leader of the new movement Raphael
Trotman said.
Asked to comment on developments within the
party and preparations for the October 29 launch of the AFC, Trotman said that
since the forms were made available the response had been heartening. The
number of applicants was probably more than some of the established parties
could boast about, he added.
Membership to the AFC requires a fee of $200.
The sum was based on recommendations the leadership of the movement received
during their interactions with the public.
Trotman said over the last few weeks the
party worked on developing and refining its vision, mission statement, and
strategic plan among other things, which both himself and joint leader Khemraj
Ramjattan would present at the launching.
Local and foreign experts including
overseas-based Guyanese are assisting in crafting the strategic plan, he said.
He said that the party was focusing on a
strategic plan and was shying away from the word manifesto in presenting its
philosophy, objectives and plan of action.
The strategic plan, he said, covers a broad
spectrum including the adoption of the National Development Strategy in which
some of the strategies would be updated. Issues of crime, regional development
(including a devolution of political and economic control) and moving the
regions away from a number system to giving them names and personalities of
their own are also being looked at, he said.
He said the main principals of the AFC
included WPA MP Sheila Holder and television station owner Anthony Vieira, but
there were other personalities giving support to the movement and they would
associate themselves publicly with the party after it has been launched.
During a walkabout on Water Street on
Saturday with the other principals, he said, one of the frequently asked
questions was whether or not they believed in God which gave an indication that
people were looking for divine intervention in the governance of the country.
Meanwhile, regarding the launching of the Guyana Third Force, Trotman said the
AFC was not perturbed about the grouping but observed that it was unfortunate
there has been some confusion about the identity of the two entities.
The AFC, he said, was not out to pick fights
with persons competing to get followers but rather to keep focused on the task
ahead which was to ensure that the ruling party in government did not get a
majority at the next elections.
2005-09-20:
Sheila Holder’s Response to Robert Persaud
By Sheila Holder 20th September 2005
Dear Sir,
The Sunday September 18 edition of the
Kaieteur News carried a viewpoint by Information Liaison Officer to the
President, Robert Persaud that was dedicated to the ‘Third Force’,
recently named ‘Alliance For Change’ (AFC) by winner of the
‘Name the Third Force Competition’, Corentyne resident, Jagdeo
Kishon.
Attempts were made in the viewpoint to defame
the AFC by suggesting it was a hoax when in fact it was the PPPC that are the
experts at playing many a hoax on the Guyanese people. For instance, during the
last elections campaign when they promised to create thousands of jobs for the
desperate jobless that never materialised.
The AFC assures its supporters and the public
at large that the AFC exists and has a vision that embodies the elements of servant
leadership that recognises God as omniscient, consensus politics as a means to
political stability, a meritorious reward system based on equal treatment and
equal opportunity for all irrespective of race, colour, class or creed. We
believe that when these basic principles are embraced, peace and harmony among
our diverse peoples will follow and regency shall be given to the reform
measures promulgated in our Constitution, which enshrines independence to the
three arms of the state and other institutions so defined.
As the mouth piece for the PPP/C government
that undemocratically monopolises and controls the only radio station in the
country, the state media comprising the people- owned NCN television stations
in Demerara, Essequibo, Berbice & Linden and the Guyana Chronicle
newspaper, to the exclusion of the political opposition generally and other
critics in the society specifically, Robert Persaud presumptuously inferred
that what the PPPC Government does in monopolising the state media is alright
but when it comes to sections of the private media exercising their right to
give political coverage as they see fit, he declares it does not bode well for
the journalistic profession.
He grumbled about the large number of letters
in the print media calling for the establishment of a ‘Third Force’
that featured AFC principals; about the various attacks coming from the
political and non-political sections of the society and the Diaspora critical
of the poor performance of the Jagdeo government. The manner in which he did
this suggested that somehow critics had a hand in the unholy state of affairs
brought upon this nation by successive PPPC governments over the last thirteen
years.
It was they who made no secret of their
self-interested policies by habitually using their simple parliamentary
majority tyrannically even when it became blatantly obvious that such practices
were to the detriment of the body politic and to the nation as a whole.
One such example is their refusal to hold an
enquiry into the devastating coastal floods which affected some one third of
the population after eight long months. Persistent calls by the parliamentary
opposition and civil society to ascertain the causes of the floods continue to
be spurned. Compare this stance with the current situation in
already moved to establish several enquires into the devastation wroth by
hurricane Katrina. Another example of their self-serving attitude is the
refusal to release the population census after three years thereby denying the
society access to essential public data while utilizing same for their own
partisan purposes, what bigger hoax than that has been played on the Guyanese
people by any other political group in the country? Witness their refusal to
grant the indigenous people their wish to be described as
‘Indigenous’ rather than ‘Amerindian’ while daring to
claim that the Government’s consultation process is working.
Robert Persaud and The PPPC government are in
no position to cast aspersions on sections of the private media or the
political opposition. Their practice of double standards must be brought to an
end by the electorate in order that democratic values might prevail in
only when such values become entrenched in our country that the debilitating
issues of joblessness and poverty; underdevelopment and crime would be
overcome. We urge the Guyanese people to choose change at the next general
elections because change is the ‘key’ – the symbol of the AFC designed
by Marlon Williams, winner of the AFC logo competition.
Regards,
Sheila Holder, MP 2005-06-26:
Ramjattan/Trotman breakaway is sign of maturity
By Miranda La Rose Sunday, June 26th 2005
The desire of Khemraj Ramjattan and Raphael
Trotman "to bridge the racial divide that has developed due to the
dominance of the two major political forces… could only be a good thing and
people like me have an obligation to support it and that is what I am
doing."
So said WPA Member of Parliament Sheila
Holder in an interview with Stabroek News on Friday when she stated that she
makes, "no secret of [her] enthusiasm for the combination dubbed the Third
Force. I believe that Khemraj Ramjattan and Raphael Trotman breaking away from
the two major political parties is a significant event in this country [at a
time when] MPs, feel that they are locked into their parties, that they are
owned and controlled by their parties, that breaking away is quite a traumatic
experience and that the fear associated with it is almost as if they have to
get permission."
They have signalled by the breakaway "a
maturity to branch off on their own. That is what someone does when he or she
reaches the age of maturity whether it is in the political or the human
sphere," she said.
Noting the country’s need for new leadership
and the support for it, she said, the movers behind the Third Force are
signalling that, "They’re concerned about the racial insecurities in this
country; that they have a desire to bridge the racial divide that has developed
due to the dominance of the two major political forces in this country."
Holder sees the Third Force having an impact
on the upcoming elections particularly with the support of the young people.
"I see evidence of young people likely to break away from the traditional
positions taken by the parents. They are the ones driving the Third
Force."
She has no illusions, however, that the Third
Force would be able to wipe out the PPP/C and the PNCR but, "Young people
have come to realise they can craft out a niche for this Third Force [until
they can find a name] that would give them an opportunity to play a crucial
role in the future of this country."
She is aware that there are die-hard
supporters of the PPP/C and the PNCR who would never change. "They don’t
care what the PNC or PPP do they would stick with them come what may. They are
not going to shift on any arguments even if you presented them with evidence
that from my perspective would be substantial to make anybody shift. They
represent an older generation [who are] so locked into the old mindset of the
PPP and the PNC that they do not even get to the point of being prepared to
acknowledge that it has been detrimental to their own well-being."
Holder said the Third Force was operating in
a kind of political environment where threats are to be anticipated.
"We’re not in a political environment where morality prevails… Any new
political entity has to be aware that the current political environment is
hostile; that it does not play fair; and that the political environment in
which we are operating puts them at a disadvantage.
"If they [Trotman and Ramjattan] start
off from that position, they are informed and can design their strategies
sensibly. To believe that you can change this political environment based on
some preconceived notions of morality in sheep’s clothing, you are putting
yourself at a disadvantage and you’re doomed to failure. I’m not going to fall
for that trap. One has to be wise and to recognise politics for what politics
is worth in this country."
On the question of whether many now
supporting the Third Force would on elections day return to the two major
ethnically based parties, Holder said, "It is not for me to believe it.
People get the government they deserve. If people do that they deserve what
they get from the PPP if they put the PPP back in office. It is not within my
power to predict how people behave but it is my responsibility to ensure that
people are properly informed about the consequences of their behaviour. If they
choose to vote race they have no leg to stand on when at a later date they
themselves are subjected to racist treatment and racist behaviour. You must
understand that this society is what it is because of how we the people behave.
This society has not become as decadent as it has because of the PPP or the
PNC. It is so because the people have allowed it and have embraced this kind of
lawlessness and vulgarity."
Taking a stand
She feels it is time
instead of running like cowards out of this country to the
and every other country under the sun… What the Third Force is doing is
giving people the opportunity to take that stand. That’s all we can do. The
decision rests with the people. If the people choose to take the stand we have
as those who offer ourselves for service the burden to deliver. If we don’t
deliver, the people are obligated to get rid of us as well. People must
understand that if they don’t want to execute their responsibility to
themselves no one can help them."
Asked how the WPA viewed her support for the
Third Force, Holder said, "My personal view is that the WPA would be part
of this new thing, if not the WPA, individual members of the WPA." She
said many people who at one time or the other were associated with the WPA were
now encouraging her to take the move forward with the Third Force. Some in the
country and some residing overseas have indicated to her that they welcome the
new force.
Both Trotman and Ramjattan have been talking
with the various political parties, including the WPA, and those discussions
are ongoing, she said, adding, "I don’t intend to comment on those as I
don’t want to jeopardise that. The WPA would have to make that decision to be
or not to be a part of the Third Force. I would hope they would."
Asked about giving up her seat in the
National Assembly, Holder said some journalists have asked her about rumours
that she has been given an ultimatum to give up her seat in parliament because
of her public expression of support for the Ramjattan/Trotman combination.
However, she said that there has been no such request from the executive of the
WPA and any such request would be premature on the part of the WPA since there
was no new political entity to which she was aligned even though she has
expressed public support for the combination. Additionally, she represents an
alliance and any request for her to give up the seat in parliament would have
to come from the GAP/WPA alliance.
Her relationship with the WPA was "an
interesting one," she explained. She joined the GAP/WPA alliance under a
citizens’ component and was never a WPA member. "Many who were part and
parcel of that initiative kept their eyes on me, kept in touch with me and let
me know how they feel on issues, particularly on my public utterances and my
work in the National Assembly," she said.
Before entering parliament on the WPA ticket,
she was involved in the non-governmental organisation (NGO) sector spending 30 years
working pro bono. "I am concerned about the welfare of our people or I
would not have given so much of my life to that service; and my enthusiasm
about moving in this direction is what I consider is needed in this country to
lift our people out of the quagmire that we find ourselves in. I don’t need to
be apologetic about that," she said.
Parliament
Asked whether she was satisfied with her work
in the opposition, Holder said, "Sir Michael has hit the nail on the head.
I am pleased that I resisted initial attempts made by some with whom I was
associated to de-emphasise the importance of the National Assembly. There were
people within [opposition parties], who think that the parliamentary work
amounted to nothing much. They did not think that the environment was conducive
to delivering what they thought needed to be delivered and therefore attempts
were made to pull me out of the National Assembly but I resisted it and I
stayed."
She added that, "Because disillusionment
of the parliament existed and there is that element of disillusionment within
the WPA itself, attempts were made at times to persuade me that I was wasting
my time in the National Assembly. I didn’t buy into that because I believed the
only way the system could improve was to put it to the test… That is what I
did and I thought it delivered some measurable benefits eventually. Had I not
done so, the status quo would have remained the same."
Even though she was representing the WPA component
of the GAP/WPA alliance, Holder said basically, she was on her own in the
National Assembly for the four years she was there. "One person who has
given me a great deal of advice, whenever I requested it, was Brother Eusi
Kwayana even though he is out of the country."
The WPA in her opinion has a very liberal
view on issues, which she benefited from because of the free rein to do as she
saw necessary in the National Assembly. "Except on one occasion when I was
asked to withdraw a motion to enquire into the [Ronald] Gajraj accusations
about the death squad, which I withdrew, the WPA has never asked me to do
anything instinctively that I found objectionable."
On what has been her disappointment with
parliament, she said, "the unwillingness of the PPP/C administration to be
futuristic and to understand that the gains they had been able to bring to the
parliament are insufficient. The PPP has a preoccupation with the past, a
preoccupation with wallowing in their achievements as if that’s the be all and
end all." Achievements, she said were measurable and if measured with the
needs of the society; the performance of parliament and oversight functions,
such as scrutinizing the executive; and keeping the parliament separate and
distance from the executive, the government was still procrastinating and has
not moved in that direction.
Principles
To say they answer questions when in the
previous administration questions would be dumped in a waste paper basket does
not advance the cause of society or make it more accountable and transparent.
On her own political future, Holder said she
started her political career very late but any political future for her will
"be hinged to the needs of the society and we have to educate the people
to play a far bigger role than they have played so far in the administration of
this country whether it is at the civil society or political level."
While she does not consider herself as having
any special political gift, she declared that she lives her life on the basis
of some fundamental principles in keeping with the Ten Commandments. She said
she would not bear false witness against anyone. If that position benefits the
PPP/C or the PNCR "so be it." Stating, too, that one should not kill,
she said that she was not taking the revisionist view which would suggest that
you must not kill an animal or a tree, she said, "God gave us dominion
over the trees and the creatures of this earth and ‘Thou shall not kill’ means
that we mustn’t kill our brothers and sisters whatever race they may be."
Quite frankly, she said, the people who share
this view "would recognise that the Lord Almighty has not prescribed any
political party to deliver our people from the injustices to which our people
have been subjected to over the umpteenth decades. All the other forces have
tried and they have not brought us peace and harmony; they have not brought us
economic development and prosperity, but instead have forced people to leave
these shores in large numbers."
She said that
40 years at the independence anniversary next year. "That has a great deal
of biblical significance for those of us who believe in God Almighty. I believe
that our people have grown up sufficiently to embrace that coming of age, that
epoch, and that new movement waiting to take this nation out of the wilderness
which we found ourselves in the last 40 years."
2006-01-10: AFC EMBARKS ON
OUTREACH PROGRAMME
The leadership and activists of the Alliance For
Change (AFC) working in teams have commenced an intensive programme of outreach
activities throughout the nation. The outreach work is meant to introduce the
movement to communities and persons in areas not previously visited during the
pre-launch listening tour. Visits have been planned and targeted based on
requests received from members of these communities for the AFC to come and to
interact with members of the public and supporters.
The teams are led by members of the Steering
Committee and will interface with members of the public to unveil the
AFC’s platform for elections, to hear of issues confronting communities,
and to work with leaders in the communities to find solutions to the problems
being encountered.
Since the commencement of the new year, areas
visited include
Maichony Creek to address concerns arising out of the flood, and West Coast
Berbice. In the coming weeks, teams will fan out to cover the East Coast of
Demerara, The Soesdyke/Linden Highway communities, Rupununi, Pomeroon, Mahadia,
Kurupung, and
communities in Region 1 (Barima/Waini).
The AFC intends to field candidates in each
of the electoral Regions, and will also be seeking to identify candidates to
represent the movement both at the National and as well as Regional levels.
Reports and photographs will be posted at the
conclusion of each visit.
January, 10, 2006
farmers consider pulling out of area …AFC distributes hampers (Kaiteur
News)
Some farmers of flood-hit Mahaicony Creek are
contemplating leaving the area, while others fear that their properties may be
seized by lending agencies because they are unable
to repay their loans. The farmers expressed
these fears on Saturday when Executive Members of the
Ramjattan, Mrs. Sheila Holder and Mrs. Gaumatie Singh, visited the community to
distribute flood relief hampers and to have a firsthand look at the crisis.
According to some farmers, flooding in the
community has worsened during the past 10 or 12 years.
They said that as soon as they try to recover
by taking loans to replant, the area would be flooded again.
“Many of us have properties that are at
very high risk of being seized by the bank and lending agencies, and the
government did not even make a move to help us to come to some
reasonable solution to get out of this
mess,” one farmer said.
“I don’t believe that all the flooding
we have in this area came from the rainfall. Some is due to the negligence of officials
and these persons must be held responsible for some of our losses and
punishment.” Another farmer said that over 50 acres of his rice is
completely destroyed and he already utilized more than 1,000 gallons of fuel in
an effort to save the rest. He believes that even though some crops might be
saved, they will not make any profit because so much is spent on trying to save
them. “I will try and save some of my crops but what about those persons
who don’t have millions left to invest in saving theirs?” he asked.
“I think that after this flooding a serious change will be experienced in
this area, either many farmers will leave or they will be forced to leave
knowing that they don’t have the
finances to replant their crops.
“The contribution and visit by AFC has
helped because listening to the plight of the people and helping them to find
solutions to their problems has restored some hope in us today.” Yet
another farmer who has lost millions due to the floods said many of the cattle,
especially the calves, are stranded on small areas of land surrounded by flood
waters and as a
result they will die. He said over 50 acres
of his crops are already destroyed and over 30 calves died. He anticipates more
losses in a few more days. “This is serious suffering the people in this
area are going through. It will be very difficult to pull ourselves out of this
disaster. I have to spend over $1,500 a day just to send my
child to a secondary school. “Tell me
how we can manage this when so very often our livelihoods are destroyed by the
floods. I think a lot more can be done by the government to prevent this
flooding or even reduce it to an extent and I also think that they can do much
more to help us at this point in
time.” They alleged that only once have
officials from the Government visited the area since the floods began. They
were reportedly given $100,000 which they think is inadequate, considering
their losses amount to millions. “The $100,000 compensation cannot even
help us save our crops much less to help us replant or get back on
track,” one man said. “At the moment we are concerned with having
the water drained out of the area and none of that was discussed by the
government official who visited. “They just come in and try to fool us by
giving the money but they should have estimated our losses and then come
in” one farmer said. The residents thanked the AFC executive members for
the hampers and some remarked that at least somebody has their concerns in
mind. Farmers are also complaining about the poorly maintained drainage systems
in the area and additional water which they think was drained into the area
from another area or
possibly the conservancy. “The members
of AFC really impressed us…they don’t have the resources and finances
that are available to the government and yet they can come and help us.”
The residents said they are also encountering several other problems in the
area. AFC Executive Member Khemraj Ramjattan said the AFC will be following the
flood closely and immediate arrangements will be made to distribute more relief
to the residents who
are severely affected. He pointed out that
the AFC will also be visiting the area again since the interest and concerns of
the people of
are a first priority.
2006-01-28: The AFC has been
engaged in meaningful dialogue with most of the opposition parties An open
letter to Br. David Hinds
color:blue’>
Dear David,
Thank you for your interest in the future
well being of the AFC and promoting the movement as having creditability and
influence to change the political culture and landscape of
At last count according to GECOM, some
thirty-one political parties had registered their intention to face the
electorate at the upcoming General and Regional Elections. Except for the two
dinosaurs and a couple of others, you seem by your ommission, to have dismissed
the other parties from sharing the political space, and being part of a
possible National Unity Government that you are so eloquently promoting.
For the records since last year the AFC has
been engaged in meaningful dialogue with most of those opposition political
parties that you identified in your letter of Jan. 25, 2006 (SN). Unfortunately
the WPA though invited did not display any measure of good faith and/or
commitment, and opted not to be part of these engagements giving the seat issue
as the basis for non-engagement.
The AFC leadership did not set any terms or
preconditions for current engagements with other parties. Fortunately for the
process, every representative who participated, rejected outright the terms and
conditions for participating, which had been proposed by the WPA – What Irony!
The critical issue is not the political
posturing of the WPA and you, as their mouthpiece, on a Government of National
Unity, which you have so justifiably presented as the only hope for
that unity of oneness and committment to
ethnic security, social and economic advancement, which the Guyanese electorate
and those in the Diaspora are expecting from all parties occupying the
political space in
Incidentally, it is well known that the AFC
has never shied away from a discussion on the issue of a Government of National
Unity and has repeatedly stated its commitment to work towards the
establishment of the framework of such a government.
The AFC has listened, and Guyanese at home
and abroad are of one voice which is that – It is Time for Change! Most agree
that the two monoliths have had their chance and both failed miserably. That is
why the space was created for you and the WPA starting almost three decades ago
and now for the AFC and a few others.
The last thing anyone wishes to see at this
crucial time is a crab-in-a-barrel mentality.
This is not the vision of the AFC and its
Agenda For Change.
The AFC avails itself to continue meaningful
dialogue with the other political parties and looks forward to the WPA
participating even at this stage, it is never too late.
Youre faithfully, Steering Committee Alliance
For Change
2005-10-30:
By Miranda La Rose (Stabroek News) Sunday,
October 30th 2005
Khemraj Ramjattan is the Leader and Chairman
of the newly-launched Alliance For Change (AFC), while his colleague Raphael
Trotman, is the party’s presidential candidate.
The announcements were made at the official
launching of the party at the Ocean View Hotel and Convention Centre,
Liliendaal yesterday morning. Trotman, who along with Ramjattan outlined the
party’s vision, said the ceremony was not the launching of a political party
but the birth of a movement of consciousness that says the people have had
enough and want their due of respect, equality, prosperity and security.
WPA MP Sheila Holder, who worked with the AFC
in its establishment, chaired the programme which included prayers by the three
major religious groups, Christian, Hindu and Muslim. The packed auditorium
included special invitees, members of the diplomatic community and members of
the AFC from various parts of the country. The auditorium was decorated in the
party’s green and gold colours.
Twenty-two year-old Ryan Samuels gave his
perspective on the AFC, saying he had felt "left out" of the older
political parties and as such had opted to join the AFC instead.
The AFC’s leadership style would see its
prime ministerial and presidential candidates, if successful in their bid to
form a government, each hold office for half a term. After that they would
switch posts.
Similarly, Ramjattan said, if the presidential
candidate were only to be elected opposition leader, that office too would be
held by the presidential candidate for half the term and thereafter be
transferred to the prime ministerial candidate.
He said the party took this position
conscious that unless innovation in political procedure and arrangements was
created, the racial and ethnic divide would persist. These decisions, he said,
were agreed to by the party’s steering committee and were to be ratified by the
party’s membership.
Apart from Holder, Ramjattan and Trotman, the
party’s steering committee includes attorney-at-law, Gaumattie Singh;
television station owner, Anthony Vieira; administrator, Chantalle Smith and
economist and former finance minister in the PPP/C administration, Asgar Ally.
Strategic goals
Outlining the party’s strategic goals,
Ramjattan listed one of them as being improving the living standards of
Guyanese from US$600 per capita to US$6,000 per capita within ten years. This
was to be done through the introduction of information technology and market
linkages, and then through high productivity.
The party intends to achieve balanced and
sustainable development of all regions and all people as far as possible;
ensure an economically just society in which there is fair and equitable
distribution of the wealth of the nation and full partnership in economic
progress; and substantial investment in education and human resources to
support the needs of the changing society and a competitive economy.
The party also intends to restore
independence, confidence and integrity to the existing government and state
institutions and to establish new and appropriate institutions to protect and
advance the constitutional rights and freedoms of all Guyanese. It also aims to
reconfigure and strengthen the processes and institutions which would enhance
and guarantee the people’s representation; and bring respectability to the
judicial process and the rule of law by the timely dispensation of justice.
Ramjattan said an action plan along with mechanisms
and processes to realize these strategic goals was far from complete, but a
major effort was ongoing to ensure completion within a couple of months. The
AFC would conduct a public consultation with major stakeholders in determining
its final action plan in relation to its economic, social and political
platform. This was mandatory in view of the demand for a new dispensation in
politics, he said.
Referring to the view held by some that they
had been sluggish, Ramjattan assured the audience that they had actually been
hard at work, understanding and formulating a cluster of strategic goals to
make
develop as a nation.
He addressed the issue of a diversified
agricultural sector and industrialisation in relation to the AFC economic platform,
which, he said, was based largely on private sector enterprise with the state
being the facilitator.
Noting that the National Development Strategy
was still a useful document, he said the basic building blocks and guiding
principles on which the strategy had been based no longer existed, and there
was need to revise its strategies and policies.
Noting that funds were available to achieve
the party’s strategic goals, Ramjattan said an analysis of the state’s finances
revealed that $.2 billion per month was lost through ill-advised and
misconceived enforcement procedures at almost every revenue-collecting
institution, the biggest being the Guyana Revenue Authority. With the political
will, he said, this situation could be corrected.
Additionally, the Guyanese diaspora’s
contribution through remittances was another source to tap for nation building.
The adoption of innovative methods to "fund ourselves out of poverty"
was not being done by the government at present, though the head of the Poverty
Alleviation Committee was paid the sum of about $2.6 million per month.
Vision
Apologising for levelling accusations at the
PNCR over the attacks on his home recently, Trotman said: "We have become
impatient and intemperate making utterances that are hurtful and unnecessary,
as even I have regrettably done quite recently. Like a spent arrow, the spoken
word could never be recalled but one should be able to say sorry."
Addressing concerns and discussions about his
continued involvement in the affairs of the National Assembly, Trotman said
that as Speaker Ralph Ramkarran had given his ruling on the matter of his
disqualification, he believed the time was propitious for Leader of the PNCR
Robert Corbin and himself to meet, "as he recently proposed, to discuss and
decide as mature and responsible representatives of our respective
constituencies, my resignation from the Assembly. I hope that he would keep his
promise to meet and speak."
While he awaits that information, he said he
intended to keep himself gainfully occupied with the people’s business by
advancing the cause of public access to information, accountability and
transparency in government.
He spoke too of the crime situation in
defence against it; the need for indigenous peoples to be recognized and
accepted as the first peoples of
respect and not handouts and prescriptions; and of a tiredness with the old
politics.
He outlined the party’s vision which he said
was no different from that of Martin Luther King Jnr’s dream for the betterment
of the people.
Noting that in recent times, he and Ramjattan
had been described as "wish-wash rejects" and would be accused of
every possible crime and vice, he said that if there were believers, Psalm 118
reminded us that "the stone which the builder refused is to become the
headstone of the corner."
He said that having walked the country and
listened to the voices of the people, the AFC believed that Guyanese wanted the
emergence of a new political consciousness and a wholesome form of government
which would peel away the layers of old hatreds and old wrongs, political
recrimination, finger-pointing, killings, corruption, mismanagement and
lawlessness. The AFC, he said, intends to bring this vision into reality.
Interest of the people
Also addressing the issue of seats in
Parliament, Ramjattan said when they were elected members of the National
Assembly, their respective parties regarded them as worthy representatives of
the people. "Surely it cannot be presumed that we were selected into the
National Assembly to represent our respective party’s interest over and above
the people’s interest or the national interest. This is precisely why the party
which selected us cannot terminate our duty to represent the people and the
national interest in the National Assembly on the ground of party
disaffiliation." He added that the constitution did not give power of
removal to political parties.
He said there was constitutional recognition
of the fact that in the National Assembly the interest of the people was
greater than the interest of the party. That was why there was no prohibition
against any member of the National Assembly voting inconsistently with the
party’s other members, or refraining from voting consistently with them.
He argued those MPs who perceived themselves
as representatives of their respective parties rather than representatives of
the people were subscribers to the concept of party paramountcy and the
democratic centralist doctrine, and were corroding and eroding the essence of
parliamentary democracy. As such, he said, the call for himself and Trotman to
vacate their seats on the narrow grounds of disaffiliation from parties was
misconceived.
He gave the assurance that they would
continue to occupy their seats in Parliament until such time as they
individually decided to vacate, "if ever we so decide."
He said that because of old contorted
politics, national interest was being subverted for partisan party interests.
For that reason, the Procurement Commission was not constituted or operational
so that awards of contracts were not scrutinised, among other reasons.
The launching ceremony also featured a number
of greetings from friends and well-wishers in
There was also a video documentary of
greetings from the local constituency from various parts of the country and a
Hilton Hemerding song sung by Sharon Archer with musical accompaniment by
Trevor John.
2006-1-3:A
Free Press (
Edition)
rises in protest among young Guyanese, wanting urgent reform – deep change
within the nation’s political culture
Elections come next year. And the old
habits of the old parties live on – divisive ethnic voting patterns. The
incumbent Party, the People’s Progressive Party, and the main Opposition,
the People’s National Congress, defend the system as it suits them, it
seems, changing rules only to preserve themselves in power
This forms the impression of the young Guyanese
today – a disdain apathy towards the political culture that has stifled
the glorious talent of a creative and powerful people. The nation from all
economic indicators continues to sink. Crime fills the national media with gory
stories every day
Corruption and brutality and bad manners
and a sickening slide in public morals sink the ship of state into a state of
pathetic beggarliness
Along comes two young men with ideals and
ideas and plans on how to fix things
They approach their seniors in the ranks
into which they had decided to serve, and expressed revolutionary ideas of
reforming the dreaded political culture
But, alas, new thought does not find a
welcome mat at the doorstep of the
that drives 87 percent of
skilled citizens to “better pastures” overseas blocked any progress
they planned
But these two young men fight for what
they believe in. Raphael Trotman decides to stand on his own independent feet
against his political superiors at
Place
experience a revolution, Khemraj Ramjattan decides to toll some bells at
Freedom House
Neither Trotman nor Ramjattan found
dancers for their tunes. Instead, they both got unceremoniously kicked out. The
unimaginative, uncreative, stifling bureaucratic monster reared its head and
sternly rebuked these young reformers for even daring to speak up against the
stultifying system
But a nation’s cry rang in the ears
of these two young men. So they joined forces, almost two strange bedfellows,
and decided to form an
For Change. Finding strong support among the people whose cries they had
answered, Trotman and Ramjattan launched the
challenge the old horses at next year’s elections
They have started with gutsy courage,
enterprising enthusiasm and lively faith
They believe with passion that they will
make a change and steer
into a future of bright hope
Joining them on this mission, a band of
likeminded leaders pledged to support them every step of the way. Sheila
Holder, a veteran advocate for consumers’ rights in Guyana, and an
excellent parliamentarian for another opposition party herself, joined the band
that trooped over to the Alliance For Change camp
Holder, Ramjattan and Trotman became
household names overnight, largely because they refused to give up their
parliamentary seats.
They had won these seats under the banner
of the old parties, and those parties wanted back those seats
Trotman gave his up last week. Ramjattan
and Holder are holding on to theirs, “for now”
A nation’s destiny lies outside
deliberate plans. And Guyana’s destiny may very well have reached a
tipping point when Holder, Trotman and Ramjattan found themselves companions on
a 36- hour flight from Guyana to Finland. The three ended up together because
they “were picked” to represent Guyana at a seminar dealing with
parliament and poverty
“We were in the first class section
of the plane for a very long flight. And so we ended up talking. And here were
three Members of Parliament, from three opposing parties, saying exactly the
same thing about Guyana’s problems. We found we were agreeing on what
needs to be done,” Holder said
Holder talks with great animation about
the Alliance. She believes in its purpose heart and soul
She was on a whirlwind tour of Toronto
recently to set up initial contacts for the three of them to officially visit
Toronto and spread their message, sometime early next year
She graciously granted an exclusive interview
to Guyana Free Press, after Canadian-Guyanese community leader Derek Kowlessar
talked to her
Holder said that the Finland trip caused
herself, Ramjattan and Trotman to work together, and their alliance on that
mission forged them together. They found that their ideas were similar, and
they wanted the same things for their nation
“Our aim is for the alliance to
bridge the ethnic divide that has afflicted this nation,” Holder said She
said people are responding to the Alliance in its early days with enthusiasm
and hope. “The Movement has given people a lot of hope. I believe that we
have a realistic chance of winning the elections”
Holder said that “parliament has
been dysfunctional” and this system of representation must change
“In parliament, issues are voted on based on party position, not to
affect the best interest of the people,” she said Holder, a staunch
member of the Working People’s Alliance before she joined the Alliance
For Change, said this is a different time than
when Walter Rodney tried to initiate
similar changes in Guyana’s political culture. Rodney was killed in a
political assassination “This is a new chance and people recognize that
We have been given a new chance to get our house in order,” she said The
trio believe so much in their mission that they journeyed last month to the US
– to meet with noted figures in Washington. They
met with the International Monetary Fund,
the World Bank, State Department officials and members of the overseas Guyanese
community in New York and Washington
“We saw extraordinary success in
those meetings,” Holder said Holder believes that “Guyana as a
society is at the point of failure. Crime and corruption pose the biggest
problems facing us. We need to see a God-fearing, honest, decent government manage
the affairs of the nation,” she said
“It saddens me to see what has
become of my country. I have served for 30 years in voluntary work And I wanted
to see the country achieve good things. It breaks my heart to see where we are
as a people today” But Holder refuses to give up. Just like she did under
Rodney’s leadership, she has agreed to throw her weight behind the
Alliance For
Change to heal the gapping wounds
crippling a nation that can achieve so much if the right leadership can govern.
2006-1-23: Letter to
Commissioner of Police after visit to Fort Island, Essequibo
The Commissioner of Polic
Leary, Georgetown.
Dear Sir,
On behalf of the Executive and members of the
Alliance For Change, I bring you belated New Year’s Greetings and a
pledge of support for your work in the months ahead. This year will test the
mettle and character of most of us and we have every confidence that you, your
officers and ranks, will discharge your duties in the highest professional
manner.
Our particular purpose for writing is to
address the issue of the besieging of Fort Island, Essequibo River on December,
23, 2005, and the horrific crimes which were committed there. No doubt you are
familiar with this event. Having visited the island recently, we undertook to
bring to your attention the following issues on behalf of victims and members
of the community:
Residents remain traumatized and
insufficiently advised as to the state of the investigation and prosecution of
the perpetrator apprehended thus far. There needs to be an update as to the
progress of the investigation. We suggest for your consideration, that a team
visits the island on a confidence building exercise.
Articles recovered to date including,
outboard motors and cell phones, have not been returned and are desperately
needed. We suggest that you consider issuing an instruction that the articles
be returned forthwith, after being photographed and the necessary markings
placed thereon.
That consideration is given to the placement
of an outpost on the Island, or for an increase in river patrols to assure the
residents that there is a measure of security in place. A complaint was made
that on the night of the incident a call placed to the Parika Police Station
revealed that only one rank was on duty and he expressed helplessness at being
able to respond. Fort Island houses historical structures and sites which have
been declared national monuments. A police presence on the island would be very
reassuring to tourists and residents alike.
id=”_x0000_i1026″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_0.jpg”>That the idea of a
community policing group be given serious consideration including, assistance
in its formation and training of members.
Those suitable members of the community are
identified for the granting of firearm licences. It is our information that
some members have already forwarded applications.
We trust that you will interpret these issues
raised in the helpful context in which they are intended. We offer our
assistance in any way that you may find useful for addressing them, or any
other matters that may arise.
Yours Respectfully, Mr. Raphael Trotman
Alliance For Change
height=1 id=”_x0000_i1027″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_1.jpg” align=”">
align=”">
Dear Editor,
In my letter published on Thursday, February
9, I said the following:
"It is indeed ‘unfortunate’ that after
hearing so much about the Alliance for Change, we haven’t heard them take a
public stand on the execution of Ronald Waddell in this, an election year. I am
willing to retract this if indeed I missed it in the newspaper reports or if
they did issue a statement and it wasn’t reported."
I have since received the following from
Sheila Holder of the AFC:
"Please be advised that as leader of the
AFC, Khemraj did issue an immediate public statement of condemnation of
Waddell’s murder on the electronic media.
"It appeared on a newscast the night
after the murder became known and was broadcast in full on the AFC programme, ‘Alliance
On The Move’ a couple days later. Raphael and others were out of the country on
business during this period.
"Khemraj Ramjattan in fact called for
the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to move quickly to solve this brutal murder and
not allow this one in particular go the route of the others that were left
unsolved but to bring the perpetrators to justice to give some level of
satisfaction to Waddell’s grieving family and supporters. He expressed sympathy
to them and also called on Waddell’s supporters to use restraint and not to
retaliate as an eye for an eye would leave us all blind; but allow the GPF to
do the job that was expected of them.
"He also asked that the GPF increase
their presence in East Coast villages in order to deter any wanton acts of recrimination.
Of course you know Noel and I attended the funeral to represent the
AFC…"
I would like to publicly acknowledge this
response.
Yours faithfully, Alissa Trotz
2006-2-1
the road since the launch introducing themselves to Guyanese at home and in the
Diaspora (Stabroek
News)
Dear Editor,
The heightened interest being displayed in
the activities of the Alliance For Change (AFC) is indeed refreshing. Such interest
can only serve to energize and propel us further.
The AFC has recognized contributions to the
daily newspapers by Bro. Dr. David Hinds, an uncharacteristically benevolent
article by Stella Ramsaroop, the concerns of Dr. Alissa Trotz following the
slaying of Ronald Waddell, and recently, the more expansive review by F.
Skinner now being supported by Paul Ramsaroop. As an aside, I have to concede
that it is beginning to appear that the Ramsaroop family’s concern for the
survival of the AFC is genuine. We view these interests and the sometimes
stinging criticisms as actual displays of genuine concern and support for the
AFC, as we are undoubtedly and expectedly being held to a higher standard than
is required by all others.
I hope Stella would not be offended if I
borrow from her article in the Kaieteur News of Feb. 5, 2006, when she quite
aptly stated of the AFC "…the people’s third force alternative lies
squarely on your shoulders now." Certainly, when the AFC was launched in
October, 2005 those who participated in the ceremony and were in attendance
felt the weight of responsibility that had been transferred from the shoulders
of those who had been battling for a breakthrough for decades, to the shoulders
of those of us in the AFC, and other parties, who have taken up the cause
because we believe that Guyana can only survive if administered a strong
injection of a healing serum.
The AFC has never doubted for one moment the
significance and magnitude of the task, and quite frankly we have found it to
be a humbling and at times an intimidating experience; yet we are persevering
nevertheless. Today, some months on, the AFC remains intact despite every
attempt to disturb and destroy it. We have thankfully remained on friendly
terms with all parties which formed the now defunct GTF platform and resolve
not to allow our relations with any party to disintegrate into open hostility
though the provocations will be ever present.
The principals and other leaders of the
movement have been on the road since its launch, introducing ourselves to
Guyanese at home and in the Diaspora, and have commenced the arduous task of
raising finance to fund our activities. We have been busy engaging and
attempting to recruit the best minds and abilities to support and enable us to
discharge the burden of responsibility that has been placed squarely on our
shoulders. One truism which we accept is that we cannot do it alone, and it was
to our great disappointment when the GTF platform went "caput," as
Stella described its unfortunate downfall. Despite differences in approach, the
AFC intends to continue to engage all the former members of the GTF and others,
in our quest to do what is best in Guyana’s interest.
Admittedly, we have not been doing enough to
give prominence to publicly communicate our position on issues and are taking
steps to remedy this situation. However, we have made various pronouncements
included in the speeches at our Launch, released information to the media, and
distributed materials. Unfortunately, because many persons living abroad feed
on the material placed on the online versions of the newspapers, and on second
and third hand information provided from friends and relatives, they are most
likely to miss the facts as they are, as was recently the case with my sister
Alissa a week ago.
As patriotic and caring Guyanese we in the
AFC are concerned about crime and security, the economy and job creation, and
good governance as being the issues occupying the minds of our brothers and sisters.
To this end, the AFC is studying and refining every useful comment and
recommendation on the above and more, that has been made by all stake holders
whether they be in, or out, of Guyana. We have stated the AFC’s position
against the call for an electoral boycott, long before others expressed their
views. We have condemned violence in all its forms, and at every available
opportunity so much so that on a recent visit to Buxton, the AFC was invited to
help mend relations with neighbouring communities; and have now publicly called
for national healing and reconciliation in a recently published advertisement
(SN & KN of Sun. Feb. 12, 2006).
Representatives of the AFC have travelled
literally from Corriverton to the borders of Venezuela and Brazil and have
entered villages and towns not because we wanted to share footballs and
trophies, but because we were invited by the people to hear from them their
anguish about how they feel about the decay that has set in on the body of our
motherland, and of their sanguine expressions of hope for a change.
We acknowledge that all questions raised must
be answered. Our commitment to the notion of servant leadership has compelled
us to adopt a bottom- up approach for inputs to influence and contribute to
designing an action- plan for change and development. We must listen to the
voices of those who have experienced and suffered the most from the degradation
that has taken place over the decades.
We recognize the need for expert advice from
those at home and just as importantly, from those abroad and this is where the
Stellas, Alissas, Davids, Skinners and Pauls, will prove invaluable if they
decide to put their shoulders to the wheel. With the AFC putting its best foot
forward, and with their invaluable assistance, we would be able to provide all
the answers to the questions and more in the most reasonable timeframe.
The AFC therefore urges all those who believe
in the inevitability of change and transformation not to snipe at it, but to
blow wind into its sails by offering encouragement, objective criticism and
tangible support. With the right attitude, support, faith, and timing, all
things are possible.
Individuals who have an interest in the AFC
and its activities may contact us directly at our offices at 354 Cummings
Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, Guyana; telephone (592) – 225 – 0452 or
225 – 0455, or by email at alliance4change @yahoo.com; or by visiting our
website www.afcguyana.com; or securing a copy of our monthly publication The
Key.
Remember, Choose Change …It’s Time! Yours
faithfully, Raphael Trotman Chairman
Alliance for Change Chairman Raphael Trotman
is passionate about Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation and a bill that
seeks to bring this about, a labour of love for the AFC, is to be tabled as a
private member’s bill.
"Our main duty is to bring this bill to
the place of the peoples’ representatives and we would like to see how the
peoples’ representatives react to a bill that is going to open up press
freedoms and so on," Trotman said in an interview with Stabroek News on
Monday.
AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan has presented
the bill to the Clerk of the National Assembly. Ramjattan, who was expelled
from the PPP/C and another AFC principal Sheila Holder, who formerly
represented GAP/WPA, have refused to give up their seats in Parliament. And
while Trotman acknowledged that it was an issue, which was not going to go away
completely, he said the AFC was continuing to review it. "We continue to
act in what we think is best for the movement and what the people want,"
he said.
While Ramjattan’s absence is noticeable in
Parliament at many sittings, Trotman said he was pressing forward "with
the work that we have committed to; he is seeing it [the FOI bill] through.
That bill is before the Clerk’s office to be sent to the Chief Parliamentary
Counsel Office for review."
Trotman, who had resigned from the PNCR, had
also held on to his seat in the House for a while before withdrawing as he had
promised he would do. He said the withdrawal of the others would be in keeping
with their internal arrangements to pilot the bill through Parliament and in
time they would follow suit.
Told that there were other MPs in Parliament
and within the opposition who could have piloted the FOI bill, such as ROAR MP
Ravi Dev, who some feel the government and the main opposition would have been
more inclined to support, Trotman said that argument was "disingenuous".
He said no other MP had ever proposed,
offered to draft, or had been involved in drafting such a bill. "This is
our labour. We have also received assistance from the Human Rights Initiative.
They are in contact with us two or three times a week. So we have a commitment.
It is a private member’s bill. It is something we feel strongly about. While we
feel others would take it through we recognise that the others have never in
the past identified it as an issue that they wanted," he said.
Asked whether he thought an "AFC"
bill would get the required support for enactment, Trotman said, "I’ll
tell you what is important. What is important is that a FOI bill sees the light
of day in Guyana. If the government is as backward enough to shoot it down…well
then it just adds another nail in its coffin." If the main opposition went
the same route, he said, in 2006 when the cries of corruption, nepotism and
cronyism are so alive and rampant, then, its members too, would have to give an
account of themselves. Asked whether the AFC drafters consulted other MPs,
Trotman said some of them behaved as though the FOI bill was not needed.
Trotman added: "We have shown it to some
stakeholders in civil society. It is posted on our website. When we get a
signal from the Speaker that it is ready, we intend to hold public symposia on
the issue. We are going through the various stages."
Elections
Asked whether the AFC would support the call
for a boycott of the general elections due by August 4 this year, he noted that
the party had already said it was not in favour of a boycott based on ethnic
grounds which appealed to one ethnic group in society only. "That would
only reinforce the division rather than help the situation," he said.
He said the African Cultural Development
Association (ACDA), which put forward the notion in the first instance, should
have called for a national boycott, which would have given it credibility,
rather than appeal to a section of society.
While he could appreciate where ACDA was
coming from and the frustration it was expressing given the fact that after
three successive elections the lot of Guyanese of African descent has not
improved, he said there was a growing sense that the utility of political
parties and elections was lost and what was played out at elections was an
ethnic census. "We share ACDA’s concerns and sympathise but believe that
true power could be shown at the elections rather than staying away from
it," he added.
Asked about alliances and why the AFC was not
part of the Guyana Third Force Platform, Trotman said the platform was launched
before the AFC was, so it could not have been part of the initial process.
However, he said, after the AFC was launched a series of meetings were held
between the AFC and the GTF; the last one was in December when the GTF members
asked for a postponement of the talks because of an internal issue they wanted
to resolve. He believed the internal issue had to do with GAP Leader Paul Hardy
leaving the platform.
He said when he last spoke with Vision Guyana
Leader and member of the GTF platform Peter Ramsaroop at a Miami airport,
Ramsaroop confirmed there would be no further meetings between the GTF and the
AFC since the notion of what the GTF stood for was lost.
Alliances
Trotman said it was not a case where the AFC
refused to be a part of the GTF and while some had objections to the AFC coming
on board until Ramjattan and Holder had left Parliament, it was not seen as a
stumbling block to discussions.
But since the GTF platform has more or less
collapsed, Trotman said, the AFC has been making itself available for political
unions or collaborative efforts. The AFC has had talks with the Justice For All
Party (JFAP), GAP, ROAR and the Unity Party. "All are led by persons and
have persons within who are making or could make a contribution to
Guyana," he said.
Asked whether the AFC was courting these
political parties to join the movement, he said the ideal was to have everybody
under one banner but barring that the next best thing would be to have a
working relationship for a common purpose with a preagreed agenda should they
get into Parliament.
But isn’t that going back to the GTF platform
set up? Trotman replied that even though the third force concept came from
Ramjattan and himself about two years "predating Peter Ramsaroop’s
platform" they never claimed ownership of it. "We don’t say we have
copyright for it. At the end of the day, the most important thing is a working
relationship of third, middle, or, centrist parties, which do not cleave to the
two major parties."
He said all the political parties that stand
in the middle and are prepared to offer themselves as an alternative to the
PPP/C and the PNCR would be friends of the AFC in the preelections period. In
the postelections scenario, he said, the AFC would have to work with them all.
"We are not out to destroy the PPP or
the PNCR," he said. "We are out to change the political system so
much so that if at the end of this exercise the PNCR and the PPP/C collate, or start
to speak to each other, we would have been successful. We intend to create
space between them. It is for the people to decide how wide that space would be
in terms of how many seats they are going to give us. Both parties have people
who are quite worthy."
On current engagements, he said the AFC was
enthused with the way discussions were going and were moving to formal talks.
However, he said the fight was not for one group only and they could either go
as a union or as groups within a given set of rules.
In terms of preparations for the elections,
he said that apart from administrative matters, the AFC was benefiting from the
advice of some external campaign strategists.
To date, he said, outreach programmes have
had positive results and have penetrated traditional PPP/C or PNC strongholds.
These include some support in the Corentyne, West Coast Berbice and sections of
the community in Essequibo, Pomeroon, Port Kaituma, Mabaruma and the North
Rupununi. He said the support was encouraging but there was need to consolidate
it.
On the remarks by PPP General Secretary
Donald Ramotar that the upcoming elections would be a contest between the PPP/C
and the PNCR with no space for the smaller parties as they have created no
impact, Trotman said he disagreed based on surveys and meeting with the people.
He said people would either reject the third force change concept or accept it
all together.
Stating that Ramotar would be proven wrong,
he said he was aware that the PPP/C continued to pay keen interest to the AFC’s
activities and was worried. Even the Bisram opinion poll showed that the PPP/C
was not likely to get the 51% of votes required to form the government, he
said.
To charges that the AFC was bringing nothing
new to the political stage, Trotman said the AFC was going to push the issue of
healing and reconciliation, atonement and forgiveness and call on the people to
do likewise and put aside grievances and race hate. Already, he said, leaders
in Buxton have asked the AFC to help heal relationships with Annandale and the
process has begun.
Dear Editor,
I am aware that Mrs. Sheila Holder, GAP-WPA
MP and the WPA whose women leaders identified her as a likely MP, are now at
variance.
This letter will steer clear of that issue
and of reports of what her new platform thinks of the WPA. I simply wish to
make sure that the contribution of persons who do good work in any area be not
clouded by issues that arise later. Her breach with the WPA does not erase the
work that she did.
I did not know Mrs. Holder well before she
became politically active. I wish to say some things about her, as a newcomer
to national politics.
As an MP Sheila Holder has been zealous, hardworking,
alert and competent. She reads every official document and always has a living
grasp of the issues. She reads the Auditor General’s Reports and seeks out and
obtains information relating to the work of the National Assembly, and the
welfare of the country. She is not shy of economic, financial or budgetary
issues, memoranda of understanding, documents from the multilateral or
international financial agencies, and of procedure; she has harried the
Ministers with questions and has been always articulate in communicating. I
know of her efforts along with a few other MPs to implement the changes to the
constitution made by the CRC.
When I was in the Rodney House as general
political handyman and co-opted member of the Executive, we visited several
villages, often with Desmond Trotman, the Centre Manager and my fellow office
jumbie. We even began trying to make young people in three West Coast Berbice
villages aware of the threat of HIV and AIDS. She drove us there, as we had no
other transport.
With a public-spirited supporter of the
GAP-WPA, Richard Finemesser, a non-member, she followed the WPA tradition of
ongoing service to the remote Pakaraimas, Region Eight, and assisted in the
formation of an empowering local organisation among the residents. She
frequently lamented the failure of the Parliament Office to serve her fellow MP
from the Rupununi.
Her request for office space at parliament
building, refused by the Speaker on suspicion, showed the narrow concept of the
rights of MPs and thus of the people they are seen as representing.
I know nothing of her early, formal
preparation. From the news she has been known as a consumer activist, an area
also occupying the talents and competence of an exceptional Guyanese resource,
Ms Eileen Cox, Mr. Pat Dyal and others. This pursuit seemed to penetrate every
aspect of public life often involving the thorny and complicated issues of
utility regulation.
It will be no exaggeration to say that,
because of the decision of the main opposition to boycott most sittings of the
Assembly in line with their view of things, for much of the time a handful of
MPs often one, carried much of the weight and brunt of the attempts in the
National Assembly to make the government accountable.
Since no one else may be willing in these
circumstances to speak of Mrs Holder’s service to the country I do it, aware
that the politics of the letter may be misunderstood.
Elsewhere I have regretted that MP Mrs
Backer’s most ingenious motion on the conduct of the Guyana Police Force has never
been debated, first because of the government’s stubborn refusal for about a
year to bring it forward and next because of her own party’s boycott of the
Assembly. A timely debate on that issue would certainly have made a difference.
Two years of negative developments might have been avoided or might have taken
place in quite another context.
I suspect that some of the personalities
named in this letter might not have chosen to be read on the same page as
others. I have not spoken of similar persons, but of persons whose service may
have gone unnoticed. I hope that this qualifies it as a non-partisan or
politically neutral letter.
The PPP also has resourceful women, but they
have been too cramped until recently with democratic centralism, as we were reminded
by Dr. Luncheon.
Yours faithfully,
Eusi Kwayana
Dear Editor,
If one is to take President Jagdeo’s recent
fulminations on crime, security, and politics at the sacred Babu John Memorial
site seriously, one would believe that there is no government and leadership in
Guyana. The President’s analysis is that the real power is growing out of the
barrels of guns held in the hands of a guerrilla force operating under the
auspices of the opposition parties of Guyana. The nation expects that the
Head-of-State and Commander in-Chief will display greater strength in times of
national upheaval and not be given to irresponsible and unsubstantiated
outbursts. To date, there are approximately thirty opposition parties intending
to contest the upcoming elections. To believe that one or more of them may be
involved in unlawful, insurrectionist activities is a serious charge which must
be fully investigated and proven, failing which, an apology should be issued
forthwith.
Certainly, in Guyana we have seen a
remarkable increase in the level and frequencies of crimes all of which have
certain common features namely, the use of force and the use of weapons,
including the lethal AK-47 assault rifle. The question is whether these crimes,
as they are still described, have a political motive or edge to them. In
October, 2004, the Commissioner of Police made remarks to suggest that the
criminal elements on the East Coast had a political agenda. This sentiment is
now being echoed by the President. If what they say is true then we are in
serious trouble and something must be done urgently and immediately to avert
the coming anarchy. Insurgencies take root and thrive where there are
governments that are incompetent, corrupt, and place continued enjoyment of
power ahead of making changes and reforms that would negate the insurgent’s
appeal. Most experts agree that a viable insurgency has three defining
characteristics:
1.
hierarchy of command, and a distribution of function within its ranks.
2.
armed force is usually deployed in the countryside.
3.
years.
A cursory examination of Guyana’s
circumstances establishes the presence of one or more of these characteristics.
This in itself does not point to any political agenda to remove the existing
government, or to re-arrange the political status quo. Experts have been
careful to point to the fact that criminal gangs involved in kidnappings,
narco-trafficking, and robbery are just as organized, and can also have the
self same characteristics as an insurgent force. However, where we are, and
what we are to do about it, are matters that should concern all of Guyana’s
leaders. Rather than repeating unsubstantiated generalizations we need an
intelligence led operation to ascertain and analyse what is taking place in
Guyana.
With the daring and spectacular assault on
the East Bank seen in conjunction with the disappearance of 33 AK-47′s and an
assortment of handguns, the fear that grips Guyana is palpable and can be felt
everywhere. Of all the weapons most feared, is the AK-47 which is often
described as the world’s most popular assault rifle capable of indiscriminately
firing 600 rounds per minute. One realistic observation put forward as to the
AK’s awesomeness is: "There it is, the AK-47. When you absolutely, positively,
have to kill every single person in the room, accept no substitute." The
military has a lot of explaining to do and seems oddly enough more interested
in who on the outside could have moved the weapons, than on those on the
inside, who must have assisted in carrying out the crime of the millennium.
Since the disclosure of the loss we have seen photographs published and heard
of DNA testing of heaps of human waste, but little else as to the serial
numbers of the weapons, and the names, ranks, and photographs of the persons
within the military who ought to be persons of interest.
The continued presence of these weapons on
the streets of Guyana is a matter of grave concern as we witness the steady
drift into lawlessness and anarchy. Every person, every organization, and every
leader, has a duty to stand united against those who would bring our country
into chaos. The Alliance For Change extends its support to the security forces
in their fight and remains ready, willing, and able to assist in crafting a
strategy to stave off the coming anarchy. It would be remiss and irresponsible
of us if we did not take the opportunity to point out that systems have been
too lax and someone must be held responsible. This situation if left alone
without drastic intervention has the potential to plunge this country into an
unprecedented dark and dangerous period.
Yours faithfully, Raphael Trotman
Oh my gosh! We have found a new gig that
pitches tasty foods, delightful drinks and a great company of men and women who
are just party animals. The “party” part is more important than the
“animals” part. There’s a reason for that.
Last weekend, the Mangoville Lounge was jamming
with Caribbean rhythms and brimming over with a colorful cast of Indo and Afro
Guyanese folks celebrating change. Lots of changes too!
The food was strictly Indian with a marvelous
touch of authentic Indo-Afro Guyanese blend, fusing tradition and technique. It
was one of those “home-grown” flavors that is a huge departure and
a fascinating time-out from the rum-shop/cookshop “authentic Guyanese
cuisine” that clutter the Richmond Hill – and some neighborhoods in
Brooklyn -areas. Well, that’s a good change. Celebration, c’mon!
But one thing remains unchanged in these
get-togethers. The bar is literally a watering hole for real party animals.
Like desert creatures anticipating a long, scorching trip in the sun, the guys
were guzzling up drinks and stockpiling them in their body reservoir for the
long haul. In a sense, the bar was an oasis, and no one was moving until they
were completely replenished.
The fundraising dinner that benefited the
Alliance for Change was in many ways a grand event – and a great adventure
in exploring Indo-Afro relations. Like the aroma of curry and the different
flavors of true Guyanese ingredients, Indo and Afro Guyanese were participating
with each other, exchanging notes, toasting and working together on a formula
to get rid of the disease that’s eating Guyana.
So how is it possible that folks were writing
out checks much bigger than their week’s salary? Because people were
investing into the future of Guyana’s politics. Like the futures market,
folks were convinced that a down payment today would earn great dividends
tomorrow – or next week. They were absolutely sure that they were
qualified investors and shareholders in Guyana’s future prosperity.
And how big is this market? As big as Guyana
itself. And the actual market segment is the totality of the voters list. And
if PPP outcast Khemraj Ramjattan is to be taken seriously, this market for his
political vision is enlightened by the madness that is developing in the Guyana
equation. His political premise is simple: The diffuse, fast moving threat of
social, economic and political collapse requires a fast, moving response.
To put it another way: there is a huge
windfall given the PPP/Civic’s ineffectualness and the PNC/R’s lack
of credibility to run an efficient government as an alternative. And anyone
with a sense of Guyana’s turmoil today will easily gravitate toward the
politics of change as a radical alternative. At least that’s what the
brokers are saying. But this is going to be a different ball game than the
commodities trading market.
The Alliance for Change believes that they
have just run into a political bonanza. Strange how they seem to detect
opportunities in a minefield of corruption, racism and brutal violence in the
land they call “home.”
So when pitchman Khemraj Ramjattan and
colleague Sheila Holder arrived in town last week to provide impetus to the
marketing strategy they were both aware of the political season. Both speakers
worked the floor, shaking hands, greeting people and extending personal
invitations while revving up interest in the audience.
In his discourse, Ramjattan started things
off by explaining the current position of the PPP and the PNC/R in relation to
the growing influence of the Alliance for Change. He warned that it
wasn’t going to be a walk in the park. He continued to reiterate the
differences he had with the PPP while he was with them; he also shared the
positions of Sheila Holder and Raphael Trotman who subsequently left their
respective base.
Ramjattan stated that the trading will get
rough (meaning hot clashes with PPP and PNC/R hoodlums); hard times will be
ahead but the payoff will be magnificent. “Panic,” he assured the
audience, “both parties are showing signs of nervousness at the sway of
the Alliance of Change. We are digging roots in the villages across the
regions.”
Damn right. The anxiety has already rippled
outside Guyana. The PPP support group in New York had deployed their
“crashers” Saturday night on a recon mission to evaluate, access
the progress at the Mangoville meeting. Confident that they were incognito, the
dumb, rookie spies misunderstood their welcome even though the ghost whisperers
had snickered satirical cordiality at their entry. And their “next
day” delivery of the bad news was leading story in their session.
In the crowded hall, Ramjattan quickly went
over the relationship of both the PPP and the PNC/R pointing out the evolution
of Guyana’s disaster. A “symbiotic” relationship he
synthesized, recalling some history to illustrate the point. In dismissing their
importance, he referred to both parties as “dinosaurs.”
There’s always something majestic in a
stranger who’d stop by to detail to you what you’ve always felt and
known. Guest speaker David Cosada, an ex-employee of the U.S. State Department
and currently a writer, gave a synopsis on the Carroll Thomas case. Remember
the visa scandal in Georgetown a few years ago?
David Casavis was an investigator in that
matter which required him to stay in Guyana for a while. According to him, his
inquiry was limited to the embassy case but the tour offered him a first hand
look at the rot and decay at the carcasses of Guyana’s body politics -and
the ever burgeoning corrupt bureaucracy in the PPP/Civic’s
administration.
To the supporters of the Alliance for Change,
David Cosada hit stardom that evening. His speech gave credence and bolster
confidence in the struggle to free up Guyana from the clutches of the
PPP/Civic.
By the time the speeches and photo-ops were
finished, people were throwing away money in this project. One man showed up
with $50,000. Others were happily casting their envelopes in the tithe basket.
Yup, big money. Big business. Big ambitions.
Ramjattan was right; nothing can be achieved without pumping lots of money into
it. People were authorizing contributions as if an explorer had just stumbled
upon the Golden City of El Dorado. Call it risky financial and political
behavior, but the dollar amount was enormous.
Whatever it is the Alliance for Change has
tripped up upon in New York, it seems to be working with an infectious appeal.
So deep the Alliance for Change has plunged into so-called PPP/PNC territory,
some say, even a few PPP folks were selling tickets in Queens for the
fundraiser.
The folks at Freedom House ought to feel a heart
attack coming on.
The Guyana Elections Com-mission (GECOM)
needs to inform the public about the issues that ought to be addressed in
relation to the upcoming elections, the Alliance For Change (AFC) said.
At a press conference held at its Cummings
Street headquarters on Wednesday, the AFC said GECOM needs to reveal the
process by which an acceptable list of electors would be compiled for the
elections and how, when and through what process recruitment and training of
the some 15,000 electoral officials needed for the conduct of elections would
be accomplished.
The press conference, according to AFC
Vice-Chairman Sheila Holder, was the first in what is expected to be a regular
feature for the party.
The AFC said GECOM needs to say how and when
the 2,000-odd polling places, adequately provisioned with sanitary facilities
and electricity would be identified; when and through what procedure the
printing and placement of the Preliminary Voters List (PVL) for the
distribution around the country would be done; and what tested system is in
place for communicating results of the elections in the various divisions
within a reasonable time (by the end of polling) given the collapse of the
cellular phone system in the last elections and the protests, confusion and
violence that ensued when announcement of the elections results was extensively
delayed.
GECOM also needs to say what options it is
considering to deal with the various forms of multi-registrants if these are
found at the conclusion of the Jamaican Biometrics System, which has been
employed for that purpose. It also needs to say when, how and where ballots
would be printed for the elections.
AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, said GECOM is
not doing the best of jobs as regards these issues and needs to be more
forthcoming to give the electorate some confidence in the process.
GECOM has since advised President Bharrat
Jagdeo that elections will not be possible until after August 30, 2006. The
constitutional deadline is August 4.
The AFC also suggested that GECOM and its
secretariat, under the control of the Chief Election Officer, ensure that on
elections day every voter would be able to cast a secret ballot in circumstances
free from fear and intimidation. The party also called for respect for the
meaning of Article 161B of the Constitution, which limits the role of political
parties and their nominees in the conduct of elections, and which specifically
precludes them from any form of active management of the electoral process.
GECOM should uphold firmly the principle of equality among political parties,
which must of necessity mean the dismissal of the categorisation being peddled
in some quarters and which seeks to differentiate between parliamentary parties
and non-parliamentary parties as if the former possessed more entitlements than
the latter in an elections race, the AFC said.
Elections must be delivered under the
principle of ‘one man, one vote’, the party said, since GECOM must ensure that
disenfranchisement of eligible voters is a thing of the past and that there is
no multiple voting or potential for stuffing of ballot boxes after the close of
poll.
With regard to a delay in the holding of the
elections, AFC Chairman and presidential candidate Raphael Trotman said the
party would not mind if there was a reasonable delay of probably three to four
months but it did not want there to be a caretaker government in the interim.
Speaking of the code of conduct for political
parties and candidates, which the AFC drafted and invited other political
parties to sign on to Trotman said they were disappointed at the negative
response of the other political parties. He said the AFC had sent copies of the
code to all the political parties and was surprised that some parties said that
they had not seen it. Unofficial discussions were also held on the code as
well. However, he said, the AFC would abide by the code and the party was also
prepared to sign onto any prepared by GECOM, the Inter-Religious Organisation
or others once it was in keeping with best practices. Ramjattan was of the view
that the other political parties were not appreciative of the code because they
felt "the AFC had stolen their thunder."
height=1 id=”_x0000_i1029″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_3.jpg”>
The AFC, as one of the contesting political
parties in the upcoming General and Regional Elections, holds the view that
free and fair elections require adoption of the following by GECOM and its
Secretariat under the control of the Chief Elections Officer (CEO):
The ability of every voter on elections day
to be able to cast a secret ballot in circumstances free from fear and
intimidation. The CEO and his staff, in keeping with the Constitution and the
relevant electoral laws shoulder the responsibility for making arrangements for
efficient polling, counting of ballots, tabulating of votes and declaring the
results.
Respect for the meaning of article 161B of
the Constitution which limits the role of political parties and their nominees
in the conduct of elections, and which specifically precludes them from any
form of active management of the electoral process. Contesting political
parties must not be allowed to undertake responsibilities legally assigned to
the Chief Election Officer who is required to create a level playing field for
all contesting political parties without interference or coercion. Such
interference has to date undermined the electoral process, and created
unnecessary tension, fear and distrust. Our history of a divided politics which
generally permits unscrupulous politicians to play on elections-time emotions
and fears in furtherance of their own interests will only derail free and fair
elections. It is the objective of the AFC to prevent this.
Upholding firmly the principle of equality
among contesting political parties must by necessity mean the dismissal of the
categorization being peddled I some quarters and which seeks to differentiate
between “parliamentary parties” and “non-parliamentary
parties” as if the former possessed more entitlements than the latter in
an elections race. Equal treatment of all contesting parties therefore; require
that no party be seen to have an advantage over any other. All Contesting
parties should have equitable access to the state-owned mass media and all
other media outlets and should agree on an Electoral Code that sets agreed
standards for mobilising financial and other resources; should adopt standards
of behaviour for candidates; should meet all existing legal post-elections
reporting requirements and that should determine specific consequences for
violating all agreed standards
The delivery by GECOM of elections where the
principle of “one man, one vote” is truly a reality; where
disenfranchisement of eligible voters is a thing of the past and where there is
no multiple voting or potential for stuffing of ballot boxes after the close of
poll.
It is therefore, on the basis of these
principles that the AFC sees the verification of the Official List of Electors
(OLE) as a tool, exclusively in the hands of the CEO and his technical
personnel in the GECOM Secretariat to be used for the purpose of delivering an
acceptable Preliminary Voters List so certified by him.
Based on the Guyanese elections experience
and those in other countries, the contesting parties need to have a frank
discussion on the ways in which the vote can be manipulated; then the GECOM
Secretariat should be asked to indicate how these will be dealt with to ensure
one man, one vote.
The AFC feels that all fears and concerns
surrounding elections could be allayed through negotiation between GECOM and
the contesting parties and therefore recommends the use of facilitation by an
institution such as the OAS or any other credible institution to settle this
issue.
The AFC reserves the right to express
legitimate concerns as regards the slippages which have occurred to
GECOM’s timelines and opines that the public needs to know why this
happened and what is being done to remedy the situation.
In the meantime, other important questions
pertaining to the state of readiness of GECOM and its Secretariat ought to be
addressed and the public be informed about. These questions include the
following:
id=”_x0000_i1030″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_4.jpg”>What is the process by
which an acceptable list of electors will be compiled for the elections?
id=”_x0000_i1031″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_5.jpg”>How, when and through what
process will recruitment and training of approximately 15,000 electoral
officials needed for the conduct of elections be accomplished?
a.
polling places needed to be found that are adequately provisioned with sanitary
facilities, electricity, etc. be accomplished?
b.
of the PVL for distribution around the country be accomplished?
1.
results of the elections in the various divisions within a reasonable time (by
the day’s end of poll) given the
2.
elections and the protests, confusion, violence that ensued when announcement
of the elections results were extensively delayed in the previous elections?
c.
with the various forms of multi-registrants if found at the conclusion of the
Jamaican Biometrics System being employed for that purpose?
id=”_x0000_i1032″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_6.jpg”>When, how and where will
ballots be printed for the elections?
height=1 id=”_x0000_i1033″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_7.jpg” align=”">
align=”">
src=”images/LatestNews_img_9.jpg” align=”">
2006-5-1: More inclusiveness
needed to avoid constitutional crisis – Raphael Trotman –says PPP/C,
PNCR cannot solve problems alone (Kaieteur News)
Chairman of the Alliance For Change (AFC),
Raphael Trotman has stated that a constitutional crisis in Guyana could be
avoided during the run-up to elections if involvement in the solution is
widened to include major stakeholders such as civil society and contesting
parties in the 2006 polls.
Trotman described the stage after the due
date for the dissolution of Parliament on May 4 as a “period of
constitutional unorthodoxy.”
He stated that the AFC accepts that the
country has to be governed until general elections are held and, as such,
supports the continuance of the current executive at the helm, providing that
the executive is prepared to abide by certain conditions. These conditions
include the acceptance that there is no longer a government and opposition but
parties contesting the elections. The PPP/C will be acting as the trustee or
custodian of the State and is expected to manage the affairs of the State
responsibly. Trotman said this means not abusing State resources, not
suppressing the political fortunes of other political parties and not utilising
State resources in select constituencies in a
discriminatory manner. “We believe that
the use of all State resources, including but not limited to the State media,
should be available to all contesting parties to ensure a level playing
field.” Trotman also suggested that police protection should be provided
to candidates of all parties contesting the elections, as what obtains in
Jamaica . Speaking on the current impasse in the Guyana Elections Commission
(GECOM) where the opposition-nominated have withdrawn from the Commission, the
AFC Chairman said he
shared the disappointment of the nation that
six competent men cannot ‘get it right’. He mused that maybe if a female
was involved in the process at the GECOM level then elections probably would
have been held by the August 4, 2006 constitutionally due date. “The
image of GECOM is of a broken, disjointed, and disunited group made up of
individuals, each clinging to narrow political and partisan interests,”
he said. “They may all very
well be right and they may all very well be
wrong but unfortunately the debate as to correctness is past and what we are
most interested in is a solution as to how to extricate ourselves from this
looming disaster.” Trotman stated that if no elections are held in the
near future, the country will continue to spiral out of control and collapse
will hasten. He pointed out that Guyana is faced with a possible constitutional
crisis because GECOM has failed to deliver elections by the August 4 date. The
functioning of the Legislative and Executive branches of the State will proceed
into an unprecedented and unwelcome mode of unorthodoxy,” he said. He
noted that such a situation last occurred in 1990 under the Hoyte
administration when the PNC used its two-thirds majority to extend the life of
Parliament. The ruling PPP/C has only 51% control of Parliament.
Trotman said every effort should be made to
avoid a constitutional crisis. He noted that President Bharrat Jagdeo and
Opposition Leader Robert Corbin have met to begin addressing the problems but
he reminded of the track record of talks between the two sides which he said is
less than encouraging.
“Once the rules of engagement are
accepted that the PPP/C and the PNCR alone cannot be depended upon to pull us
back from the brink, then we can begin in earnest to engage in serious
negotiations as to the several viable options presenting themselves, including
an extension of the life of the incumbent government with
conditionalities.” Trotman underscored his party’s position that
verification of the 2001 Official List of Electors is a must for the upcoming
elections to be conducted in a free and fair manner. He said GECOM has to
identify the form of verification to be used, since house-to-house verification
is just one form.
“GECOM needs to deal with the burning
issue that the list could be padded and identify the best way to deal with it
on elections day to ensure one vote – one person,” he said. Trotman is of
the view that there will not be a total absence of fear surrounding the
upcoming elections, in the wake of Agriculture Minister Satyadeow Sawh’s
assassination and given the fact that there have been disruptions at previous
elections.
“It is for the police and the Guyana
Defence Force to assure the nation that they could take care of the security
concerns,” he said. “We expect that they will be honest with the
nation and indicate if they are unable to do
so and, if so, seek assistance from the CARICOM security forces in the same way
we provided support to others in the time of need.” Asked about a report
that a recent poll conducted by US expert, Dr. Frank Luntz, which shows that
AFC could garner 25% of the votes if elections were held now, Trotman offered
no comment.
Dr. Luntz is an experienced pollster whose
company operates out of the US . Kaieteur News was reliably informed that the
recently commissioned poll showed that the AFC could win the equivalent of 16
seats on Parliament. This means that the vote in Parliament could split at
least three ways, with the PPP/C and the PNCR taking up the majority of the
other votes. Trotman refused to say if he is aware of the poll or who
commissioned it. But he did indicate that the AFC will soon take on board the
services of an experienced overseas-based campaign manager. (Andrew Richards)
A former campaign manager of US President
Bill Clinton will be in Guyana next week under the auspices of the Alliance For
Change (AFC). The AFC intends to recruit him to head the party’s campaign for
the 2006 general elections.
When contacted yesterday, AFC Chairman
Raphael Trotman confirmed that Dick Morris will head the AFC’s campaign team.
Trotman did not elaborate but said Morris worked with Mexico ‘s President
Vincente Fox, and also in the United Kingdom , Argentina and Japan . Morris
will now be bringing his skills to the AFC in an effort to boost the party’s
chances at the elections slated to be held no later than September 3, 2006.
Trotman said that Morris will hold a press conference during his visit to
Guyana to give a more detailed outlook on how he intends to work with the AFC.
According to the Wikipedia Encyclopedia, Morris was born in New York City and
is a political author and commentator who was once a successful pollster and
campaign consultant. Morris is best known for managing Bill Clinton’s
successful 1996 bid for re-election to the office of President of the United
States . Morris has since turned his focus to media
commentary. He now writes a weekly column for
the New York Post and appears regularly on the Fox News Channel. The Wikipedia
Encyclopedia said Morris has emerged as a harsh critic of the Clintons and has
written several books that criticize them, including Rewriting History — a
rebuttal to
Senator Hillary Clinton’s Living History.
Morris first worked with Bill and Hillary Clinton during Bill Clinton’s
successful 1978 bid for Governor of Arkansas.
Though he did not work on Bill Clinton’s
unsuccessful re-election campaign in 1980, Morris helped him win back the
governor’s office in 1982 and continued to work with him in subsequent
campaigns. Morris did not have a role in Clinton ‘s successful 1992
presidential campaign, which instead was headed by James Carville and Paul
Begala. After the 1994 mid-term election where Republicans took control of both
houses of Congress and gained considerable power in the states, Clinton once
again sought Morris’s help to
prepare for the 1996 presidential election.
It was Morris who proposed a strategy of
“triangulation”, where Bill Clinton would appeal to a diverse group
of voters by distancing himself from both the Democratic and Republican
parties.
2006-5-10: AFC’s consultant Dick
Morris to launch party’s poll today(Stabroek News)
In its bid for political office the Alliance
For Change (AFC) has brought on board American political consultant Dick Morris
who is expected to reveal today details of a poll commissioned by the party in
which it is showing 25% support from the electorate.
Morris, who is credited with piloting former
Ameri-can President, Bill Clinton to a comeback re-election victory in 1996
after the he had lost Congress to the Republicans two years before, was expected
in the country last night and is expected to hold a press conference at Le
Meridien Pegasus this afternoon.
AFC Presidential Candidate Raphael Trotman
told Stabroek News on Monday that Morris has been working with the party since
January. Describing him as a specialist in detecting electoral fraud, who would
no doubt be able to detect it and root it out if and when he finds it, Trotman
said this was one of the reasons why the AFC had welcomed him.
Morris’s association with Clinton began in
1977 when he handled his successful campaign to become the Governor of Arkansas
and the youngest in the nation. He did not work on his campaign for re-election
in 1980 when he was defeated but oversaw his comeback victory in 1982 and his
re-election in 1984, 1986 and 1990.He has worked with other senators and
governors and for Mexican President Vicente Fox. Speaking briefly about the
most recent poll conducted on the AFC’s behalf which is some 300 pages long,
the party’s leader Khemraj Ramjattan said that it was the third the AFC had
commissioned and it showed an increase in support for the party for the
upcoming general and regional elections.
While he noted that the previous poll showed
17% support for the AFC he did not say what were the results of the first poll commissioned.
However, he did indicate that the support base is mainly in the younger age
group but said that Mr Morris would reveal who had done the poll and answer
questions on it at today’s press conference. This, Ramjattan said, would also
set the party in campaign mode for the elections. The party’s campaign manager
is Clayton Hall.
The AFC has also begun the production of its
official organ, The Key, which is published every two months and so far is
being circulated free of cost.
So said American pollster and elections
campaign strategist, Dick Morris who is currently serving as a consultant to
the AFC. Morris feels that the AFC as a party and Trotman as its presidential
candidate have an excellent chance of winning the upcoming general elections,
taking a number of seats in parliament and ending voting along racial lines.
Morris made these statements at a press
conference at Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel yesterday while giving a sketch of the
results of the survey he conducted in March along with Republican pollster
American Frank Lunz. A total of 1,063 eligible voters were interviewed
throughout the country, which he said meant that about one out of every 750
Guyanese was sampled.
The methodology of the survey was not
disclosed. There was no mention at the press conference of how many votes
smaller parties such as the GAP/ROAR alliance, the Justice For All Party headed
by television owner CN Sharma or the WPA would gather. There was also no mention
of how the question was framed and whether respondents were given the names of
leaders and asked who they supported.
Also at the press conference were Trotman;
AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan; Vice Chairman, Sheila Holder; media consultant,
Frank Barath and political consultant Luiz Morales.
The survey is said to have a 95% accuracy
rate and if every person in the country was interviewed the results would be
the same plus or minus 3%, Morris said.
Morris said that among mixed voters the
results were 43% for Corbin; 33% for Trotman; 22% for Jagdeo; and 2% for the
others.
The poll, Morris said could have the tipping
point that would be a revolution to shake Guyanese politics to its foundation
and "if there is any country’s politics that needs to be shook" it
was Guyana’s. He believes that Trotman and the AFC could get at least 30% of
the votes at the elections which would effectively make it a three-way tie.
Two months ago Trotman and the AFC polled 17%
of the votes according to a poll the AFC had commissioned.
Stating that most voters believe that the
government was corrupt; drug dealers out of control; economic development
lagging badly and the party in government was probably the only
pseudo-communist Marxist/Leninist party in power in the world except for Cuba
and North Korea, he said that the AFC offers the chance to assuage the fears of
the other racial groups sufficiently so that change becomes possible.
Among Afro-Guyanese, Corbin polled 64% of the
votes; Trotman, 27%, Jagdeo, 6% and others 3%. Among the Indo-Guyanese voters
where Jagdeo got 80% of the votes; Trotman got 12% and Corbin 6%, indicating,
he said, that Trotman was demonstrating an ability to pull from both sides of
the ethnic divide.
Earlier in his introductory remarks, Morris
said that he could not think of another country in the world that has a fully
integrated civil society like Guyanese where Indo and Afro Guyanese go to
school together, play together, work for each other in business together and
even inter-marry, but could not get along in politics. To see political
polarization along a racial line was unique in the world.
Morris said when they probed further about
the political parties in the country, they found there was huge discontent from
a quarter to a third from the Indo-Guyanese voters with the PPP, while half of
the Afro Guyanese voters were discontented with the PNCR.
Among the Indo Guyanese, half said there was
too much corruption in the PPP; 38% of Indo-Guyanese voters said the PPP had
"let drug dealers get too much power;" 25% of Indo-Guyanese voters
said the PPP had been in power for too long; 27% said the PPP "does not do
a good job of addressing the real needs of the Indian community;" 46% of
Indo-Guyanese voters said the PPP keeps power "only because Indian voters
feel it is the only way to avoid the repression which we experienced in the 70s
and the 80s"; and 35% of Indo Guyanese voters say it would be better to
replace the PPP with "an ethnically balanced party."
These numbers, he said, gave the impression that
it was possible for the AFC to peel off about a quarter or a third of the
Indo-Guyanese votes if there is a genuine bi-racial multi-ethnic alternative
party to vote for. The reason for hanging on and voting for the PPP is because
they are scared to death of what would happen if the PNCR ever took office.
Most of them do not believe that the PNCR could change; that Corbin could grow
new spots; and they continue to vote for a party they do not like much but feel
they need because the alternative would be to surrender the role of governing
to a group of politicians they do not trust.
Among Afro-Guyanese voters, 37% said the PNCR
has not really "changed since the days of repression and has not learnt
its lesson;" 45% said it would be better to replace the PNCR with an
ethnically balanced party;" which gives an indication that there was a
real recognition among Afro-Guyanese that the PNCR cannot win the elections, he
said.
Forty-nine to thirty-five mixed voters
believe that the PNCR "keeps losing elections because of its past;"
and 40 to 38 agree that "Indian voters and those of mixed or Indigenous
ancestry will not vote for the PNCR because of its past."
Noting that the polls focused on Indo and
Afro Guyanese and did not take into account the views of the Indigenous peoples
who represent 10% of the country’s population and how they would affect the
polls, Morris said that he thought that the Indigenous peoples would be
supportive of the AFC. "But I don’t know that because we had too few in
our polls for a statistically significant amount. We polled 1,000 people. We
had about 80 or 90 who were Indigenous, which is what it should be, but it was
too small a group to be able to analyse the data. So for technical reasons I
did not comment on it. But I bet my bottom dollar they would be heavily
involved with the AFC."
Asked how much he was being paid to assist in
the AFC campaign, Morris said he decides every elections cycle that he would do
one campaign pro bono where he would be reimbursed for travel, accommodation
and polling but an actual fee, "I wouldn’t charge one." He added that
Guyana couldn’t pay a fee even if he charged one and even if the AFC won it
wouldn’t be able to pay him. "So, it’s no great loss," he said. His
previous free service offered was in the Ukraine and Mexico.
Asked about his history of losses, he said he
has made about 100 mistakes but did predict a number of victories, which he
assisted in. These included President Bill Clinton’s reelection; Vicente Fox in
Mexico; and others that ended years and decades of political domination in
Argentina, Taiwan, Japan, Ukraine and Romania.
On the detection of electoral fraud, Morris
said that in Guyana "we are going to do an exit poll on election day, which
is going to be an extensive poll and very expensive poll that would predict the
results of the elections extraordinarily accurately and the government wouldn’t
have a chance to monkey with the numbers because the exit poll results would be
released five minutes after the polls closed." He said that a similar
exercise was done in Mexico and the government did not have a chance to adjust
the numbers. The exit poll showed a victory by seven points and four million
people in Mexico City demonstrated that night and the government could not come
out three days later with the results.
HBTV Ch 9. Tuesdays 9:30 – 9:45 pm CNS
CH. 6 Sundays 8:30 – 8-45 pm LRTVS CH. 10 Sundays 5:00 – 5:15 pm RCA Ch.
8 Thursdays 7:45 – 8:00 pm NCN LINDEN Saturdays 8:00 – 8:15 pm
TARZIE BARTICA Fridays 7:00 – 7:15 pm VCT CH. 28 Tuesday 6:30 –
7:00 pm
I was reading an Internet forum for Guyanese
on Tuesday where one conversation remarked that the AFC is picking up a lot of
support with the younger generation. Although this makes perfect sense, the
remark still took me completely by surprise.
It is difficult to gauge any progress the AFC
is making because they are not in the news on a daily basis embroiled in one
political battle or another, like the PPP and the PNC. Thus, it is sometimes
easy to mark such an entity off as out of sight, out of mind.
However, this does not seem to be the case
with the AFC after all. One Guyanese on this forum said, "I keep hearing
people and I mean lots of people saying, ‘ Alliance boy, the Alliance . I’m
giving the Alliance my vote’."
If this is the case, the very first question
I am forced to ask myself is whether the AFC can deliver for Guyana . If we are
to be honest with ourselves, it would be irresponsible to vote for such a
drastic change without first determining whether this baby party is up for the
job.
It seems that when Guyana achieved its
independence, those who were entrusted with governing the nation were not ready
for the task at hand. This was the case with many of the colonies when they
were granted their independence. It is difficult enough to learn how to govern
a nation when it is young and just forming.
But to take over the leadership of an already
established nation, with previously established problems, is a task that is
most times beyond even the most well-intentioned leaders. The good intentions
of early leaders never really got to mature and many of these nations have
floundered about for decades.
So what makes the AFC any different from the
PPP or the PNC? Does this new party finally have the right type of leaders to
help Guyana recover from a long history of problematic leadership? Maybe.
To start with, the AFC has Raphael Trotman,
Khemraj Ramjattan and Sheila Holder – all of whom are seasoned leaders.
Moreover, these leaders have somehow found a way to work together long enough
to make this party gel. This is a tremendous feat in Guyana .
How many other politicians have attempted an
alliance of this magnitude and failed? It is utterly frustrating to watch
supposed mature and intelligent leaders bicker and posture over minor
territorial issues when the real focus should be the best interests of the
people.
Could it be that Guyana does have some leaders
who can see the big picture and work together for the good of the country? I
must say that it is impressive just to see the AFC come this far without
imploding like many of the other "third party" hopefuls.
What this means to me is that there must be
an overarching attitude of compromise from within the party. If so, this in
itself is very positive news. If they can work with each other, regardless of
their differences, then perhaps they have what it takes to govern a country
like Guyana, where the people have spent so much time focusing on their
differences that they have forgotten there are some very advantageous
commonalties.
However, seasoned leadership and the ability
to build a cohesive team from a diverse group of individuals do not exempt the
AFC from the temptation of corruption. I truly believe that when an upright and
conscientious government finds its way into office in Guyana , it would be the
day when the people will start enjoying a far better standard of living.
When all foreign aid goes to its assigned
purpose, when bribes and kickbacks to government officials are absolutely
forbidden, when there is a government who will openly account for the money it
spends, when there are leaders who know how to facilitate economic growth
– this is when Guyana will be better off.
Can the AFC do this? Can they pull off such
an enormous task when historic precedence is pressing down on them to be as
corrupt as the last two parties? I cannot answer that question.
However, I can say with confidence that
neither of the last two parties have been able to create an effective
government that would produce a thriving country. And neither party has found a
way to work together for the good of the people. At least the AFC has done this
much.
As the PPP and the PNC do everything within
their power to divide the nation by race in the next few months leading up to
the election, it will be interesting to see if the AFC will find a way to bring
their spirit of compromise into Guyanese politics at large.
The Alliance For Change (AFC) will not be
comfortable with the Preliminary Voters’ List (PVL) until the Guyana Elections
Commission (GECOM) can say what the claims and objections process has achieved,
including expunging the names of the deceased and of persons not residing
permanently in Guyana.
GECOM needs also to say how the PVL would be
verified to the satisfaction and comfort levels of all political parties, AFC
Chairman and presidential candidate Raphael Trotman told Stabroek News in a
telephone interview on Friday.
Trotman said GECOM and other stakeholders
need to ensure that the PVL meets international standards.
The upcoming general elections, he said,
"are not a club elections and the process by whichever party is elected to
run the government should stand the scrutiny of Guya-nese as well as the
international community. So where do we stand? We believe that the list should
be sanitised, that there should be verification."
Asked how the party felt about house-to-house
verification, which is currently a bone of contention between the PPP/C and the
PNCR, Trotman said that as one of the parties contesting the upcoming
elections, the AFC wants the list to be as sanitized as it could ever be, to
meet "…our comfort and… the comfort levels of all the contesting
parties and other stakeholders."
The AFC believes GECOM needs to say to the
nation how the list would be verified to the satisfaction of all. "We will
not go into a position of comfort or satisfaction until we know, for example,
what is happening with the fingerprinting exercise being done by the Jamaican
electoral office."
Stating that GECOM needs to allay the fears
and concerns of everyone at this stage, he said the AFC could not say whether
it was satisfied with elections preparations until it knows what safeguards
were in place to ensure "one person, one vote" on polling day.
The party, he said, was aware of the stuffing
of ballot boxes and what could happen if the names of the dead or those who
live outside Guyana permanently remain on the Official List of Electors (OLE).
Asked about the party’s silence on the issue
of the house-to-house verification, Trotman said the AFC did not subscribe to
the view that it must enter into destructive politics characterised by the
"shouting matches" mainly between the PPP/C and the PNCR.
In a letter to this newspaper, G Nurse had
said the party’s silence on certain issues was a sign of weakness and
deviousness in competitive politics. But Trotman said the AFC had no intention
of becoming involved in "a big shouting match in which no one gets
heard." Rather, he said, the AFC would continue to pick the issues on
which it felt statements should be made and do so at the appropriate time.
In addition, he said the AFC’s opinion is
that there was no longer anything like competitive politics in Guyana. "We
have destructive politics, where you go out not to compete based on issues or
personalities. You are literally sent out on the front line to deliberately
destroy the leadership and the ranks of the other camp. So the practice of
politics in Guyana does not fit the standard mode of competitive politics where
the more deserving or best candidate wins based on issues and a good
programme," he said.
Claiming G. Nurse was a pen name of a very
senior official of a political party, whom he knows, Trotman said the letter
was meant to appear to come from an impartial onlooker.
He said the shouting match between the PPP/C
and the PNCR was quite normal and it took place every five years. "Those
who could remember would recall when Joseph Hamilton was skilfully able to have
thousands of names removed from the list. The PPP/C made the same counter arguments,
so this is not new. It is part of the cut and thrust of elections preparations
in Guyana."
Public meetings
Asked about public open-air meetings, Trotman
said once the campaign season was official, the AFC intended to hold public
meetings, but he was not sure about "whether we would hold mass
rallies."
The AFC anticipates a difference in this
election campaign and that there might be less emphasis on public meetings
given the blanket of fear that exists with regard to crime. "Many people
may not be persuaded to come out for public meetings that go late into the
night but that does not say that they are not with you," he added.
He said the AFC anticipates that parties may
have to tailor their campaigns to deal with the issue of insecurity, especially
where persons are threatened or are afraid to come out on their own.
But the AFC has already begun holding public
outdoor meetings and has held one in at Port Kaituma in Region One
(Barima/Waini) where several hundred people attended, he said.
The traditional politicking would continue in
bottom houses and public indoor meetings. In preparation for the outdoors,
Trotman said, overseas supporters have donated public address systems,
generators and lighting systems.
Noting the support that the AFC has been receiving
countrywide and overseas, Trot-man said that the party was due to open branch
offices at the end of this month at Golden Grove on the East Coast Demerara;
Dundee, Mahaicony; D’Edward, West Coast Berbice and Leonora, West Coast
Demerara.
Donations in cash and kind had been
"coming in" from local and overseas-based supporters, Trotman said,
though he could not give a total figure, as he did not have it available at the
time of the interview. He said the donations were helping to meet the heavy
administrative expenses of maintaining ten offices and staff. "So we have
been getting enough to meet our operational expenses," he said.
Stating that the AFC’s campaign was
proceeding according to its own deliberate judgment and based on advice from
its campaign strategists and others, Trotman said that the AFC was waiting on
GECOM to signal exactly when elections would be held.
Coming as the underdog in the elections, he
said, it would be unwise not to be in a state of readiness. "We just hope
that when the elections are finally announced that we can all go at it as
competitors and respect each other’s positions and respect the outcome as well.
If there is to be a delay, we would deal with that then, but as of now we are
preparing for elections to be held in September," he said.
On talks with other political parties and on
public opinion, which appears to favour an AFC/GAP alliance, Trotman said at
present there are no official talks, but the AFC has not closed the doors to
other opposition political parties.
Noting an opinion piece which said that the
third force ideology is still kicking and in effect, he said the AFC’s policy
is to treat all of the third parties as allies, equals and as friends in the
field and on the campaign trail even if there is no official or formalised
coming together.
On the number of political parties that would
contest the elections, Trotman said he felt the 30-something parties would
eventually whittle down to about 12. And while he refrained from commenting on
how the other parties would fare, he was confident that the AFC would make an
impact.
Icons
Asked how he felt about the current issue of
the controversial tapes which purport to implicate Commissioner of Police
Winston Felix in illegal actions, Trotman said it was "of course being
politicised because we are in the political season. As I said, we are no longer
in competitive politics but in destructive politics. So each group or the major
parties have icons that they have to preserve and protect. Any attempt to knock
any of the icons off the pedestal is defended, and so you are in a constant
battle to gain prominence and to deny prominence."
And with regard to the government trying to
investigate or interdict the Police Commissioner, Trotman said that without the
voices on the tape being authenticated that was tantamount to putting the cart
before the horse. All those who made great mileage over what was said would not
be able to use it as evidence in keeping with law and procedure, he said.
With regard to Roger Khan, he said his arrest
would bring an end to the daily exchange of statements, counterstatements and
accusations in the media. "It was an unhealthy situation of having this
conversation going on in the press every day. I didn’t feel that it helped the
country’s image or that it augured well for the national security situation. I
read the papers with interest on Friday morning about his arrest and I am
surprised at the ease and simplicity in the way he was apprehended in another
country."
Besides the American strategist Dick Morris,
the Alliance for Change has deployed yet another of it’s most formidable
long range missiles capable of hitting Guyana’s mainland last weekend in
the Bronx.
It was a successful test mission that
validated all planned parameters. And those who were itching for war were quite
comfortable with the results: the threat to the PPP Civic and the PNC/R is most
imminent. This missile is called “politics through arts and
entertainment.”
It’s an irresistible compulsion: pump
up the volume, bring in the dancers, loose the comedians, and throw in a few
singing acts, fix the drinks, spice up the dinner and … hallelujah!
People were showing up with wads of cash
flaunting jingoism by the dollars. It’s the kind of patriot game, this
ritual self interrogation that tuned out the discouraging news about gas prices
and Middle East politics and bad weekend weather.
What in Heaven would that be? Here’s a
hint. Take international dancer Dheeraj and his troupe, for example. His piece
was small; yet no way inferior in a setting that was gorgeous and was best
appreciated seen up close. Against the infectious sound style of Anand
Yankaran, Dheeraj presented a wide-ranging piece with imagination and intricate
construction.
So was Jumping Jack who was a delightful
scene in which he invented himself as something between Johnny Walker and John
Travolta. His Bollywood act was an unusually lavish piece bringing vibrancy in his
comedic art form.
Trevolta Karran hit gold poking fun at corny
old creole telephone talk. His act was a cheery, self-mocking inventiveness
that was consistently fresh, tuneful and organic to the plot of a Guyanese
nephew panhandling his U.S. uncle on the phone. He even threw in a few
improvisional punch lines in a sort of ostentatious crudeness, reinvigorating
the AFC apart from “dat KFC fowl business.”
Now, what does this has to do with politics?
If you’re a PPP dialectician, and you haven’t picked up on that as
yet, tell yourself you’re stupid. This is what you call a new act of
revolutionary creativity, and PPP’s reprobate politician Khemraj
Ramjattan – a one time disillusioned young Central Executive Committee
member of the PPP, whose loud mouth openness about his party’s dirtiness
that has provoked some of the most dramatic showdowns in the press – is at it
again.
The dinner and dance in the Bronx was
something very new. And it is not just a long way from the ideals of stomping
for support. It is the very antithesis. It represents a romantic break-away
from the usual “begging bowl” approach, an escape from the act of
belittling oneself and the freedom of reaching into one’s check book and
happily fill out the Payee’s line.
It is the power of the gospel according to
the AFC’s approach to fundraising. Nothing too strange here, but under
examination, you can find certain parallels with the Baptist church’s
method of evangelism.
It is here where the AFC has cleverly tapped
into: the reservoir of common people searching for a break from the everyday
drudgery of mediocre politics; where music, dance and food and wine act as an
ice breaker to forge newer friendships while strengthening existing ones.
Think about it. Nothing new. Really. But the
AFC has played this hand marvelously last weekend, bringing a sizeable audience
into a “concert” setting and appealing to their better
sensibilities. And it worked. The meeting represented the fury of many Guyanese
people desperate to escape the marginality imposed on them by the twisted
politics of Democratic Centralism and the wretched tactics of armed resistance.
No one could have said it better. Ramjattan
spoke with conviction inciting interest in Guyana’s deteriorating
politics and the hypocrisy inherent in the two monoliths. In fact, he submitted
that the tribal politics of both the PPP and the PNC/R is spiraling Guyana into
a lower part of hell. The atmosphere he presided felt distinctly different, the
concept of racial war more ominous.
The solution he proposed was the risky
business of departing from the Coolieman/Blackman syndrome in which both races
distrust each other under the leadership of their respective racial leaders. It
was a powerfully simple speech, and many people thought that his words stand as
an example of substance and music of politics in its grandest form and highest
purpose – to heal, to educate, to lead.
He challenged his supporters to demonstrate
Guyana’s healing by being a living example of neighborliness and
friendship. In other words, compassion, love and generosity that would jump
mathematics and race.
Pure Gospel. In the age of the politics of
the damned where the nasty new turn of events has characterized Guyana as a
place where mafia politics and gangsta violence are the feed of endless bad
news. You just can’t make this stuff up.
Now that sounded like this man is the brother
of Billy Graham. He was predictable and most influential. But he was also
firing away at what he called the curse of the “visa” mentality.
Ramjattan knocked a lot of sense into his audience, explaining that a sense of
malaise has become so pervasive that the Guyanese fighting spirit is fading
away and that everyone is hoping someday for a visa to leave the country.
Then add the pathetic “send some
money” pitch that has underscored the laziness that is rampant in some
areas in the country. Well, Ramjattan taught some serious fiscal
responsibilities to the overseas diaspora: the power of No.
And he connected that to the problem of a
shameless dependency among Guyanese at home, and its place as a part of a
national problem. He pointed out the little kitchen garden in the countryside
is fast becoming a relic of the past. People are so demoralized and despondent
that they are losing a sense of history.
That kind of talk provided Khemraj Ramjattan
a political windfall. And by continuing to bash the PPP civic on the issue of
crime and corruption, one got a glimpse of a man who is hell bent on dissing
his former colleagues.
Far fetched? Not really, when you consider
the kind of financial commitment people are willing to make in seeking an
alternative to the PPP/Civic and the PNC/R. And it is here where the AFC has
developed a sleek marketing strategy in mobilizing Guyanese for a genuine
change.
From Charity to Lethem to Crabwood Creek to
Linden, the theme is for change. Ramjattan pointed out that the ultimate goal
is to dismantle the monopoly that the PPP and the PNC/R have on their
respective race.
And he was selling dreams: that Guyanese can
remain optimistic; that it is possible the country has not receded entirely
into the mists of history. That all Guyanese – East Indians and blacks
– together can find common ground in a common struggle for a common
future.
Now that’s marksmanship. People
actually believed in it. Cha-Jing! The money poured in; folks were registering
to be new recruits in this new pursuit. And so the movement of the AFC has
proven that it has a few smart bombs in its arsenal of political weaponry.
So while the PPP and the PNC/R continue to
wrestle with the messy business of the voters’ lists, the AFC has been
tactfully insinuating its presence in their strongholds, quietly tearing away
at their support and building up mass power for what can be a season of change.
Say what you will about the outcomes, but the
enthusiasm at the meeting was quite glorious: defiant, courageous, romantic
against all that is fixed and immovable and oppressive in Guyana.
That makes perfect sense. With a faltering
economy fueling social and political turmoil; and with the PPP and the PNC/R
putting their own political survival ahead of the country’s economic
survival, and – with no sign that the trend is moderating – the AFC is
playing a powerful hand in the game.
But history will have the bottom line. Either
the AFC’s program is one crazy idea or the greatest idea we’ve have
heard in recent times.
Alliance For Change (AFC) representative in
Essequibo, Talesh Jaffar has said that a new policy in agriculture is needed to
have added value to farm produce. In Essequibo, he said, a population of some
58,000 cannot survive on the rice industry and therefore employment, a high
cost of living and migration are plaguing the region. According to the AFC
politician, the one-sided development of the national economy has led to
disruption in the social and economic life of the people. Charity, he said,
should be a port of exit so that rice and other farm produce can be exported
while as a port of entry, imports such as cement, fuel, fertilizers and other
commodities from the Caribbean could come in.
Jaffar said his party will definitely develop a new and meaningful policy for
the nation, while farmers and other producers would have more to earn.
“Communism has collapsed; it has not
been smothered. This collapse has dented the dream of our world for a better
life. But we will dream on; because liberal and neo-liberal paths to
development cannot provide solutions.” Almost to a letter, the words just
quoted have constantly found themselves in every major document of the PPP
since communism’s collapse in the 1980′s. Most recently they were restated and
emphasised in the Party Programme’s newest edition – 2005 to 2008. Could
you imagine!
Prior to its collapse in the 1980′s, the
Party’s message on communism was most emphatically encapsulated in the words of
one of its early stalwarts, Brindley Benn: “You can stop tomorrow, but
you cannot stop communism!” Brindley Benn, after experiencing the harsh
treatment which flowed upon any dissension with the Jagans, later was to deem
both Jagans, Cheddie and Janet, the “running dogs of Soviet Imperialism”.
As a youth leader in the 80′s and early 90′s
within the Party’s ranks, I too became troubled when millions of Eastern
Europeans were venting their spleen on their leaders, burning and pulling down posters
and statues of Lenin and the lot. That kind of future flashing across over
television screens we were never prepared for. Our propaganda czars at Freedom
House simply could not reply to and rebut the questions which came in torrents
from the more questioning amongst us. One ideologue, who up to then was highly
regarded, would simply pluck out one by one the hairs on his eyebrow. This was
most inadequate a response. His other response, which was even worse, was:
“Don’t believe everything you see on television, that is the work of
imperialists! And you comrades, especially you Cde. Prak, stop reading all that
revisionist/liberal trash.” I heard him; but I never listened to him.
This actual experience of seeing the grand
communist edifice crumble, which edifice PPP’s propaganda used to tell us is
indestructible, is what I think more than anything else made me the
“deliberative democrat” that I became.
I thus began treading cautiously, questioning
things more, deliberating on them rather than accepting wholesale – even
if they came from Ma and Pa.
And guess what happened? This questioning,
enquiring approach soon was not going down well with the czars and czarinas
within the PPP. I had always distrusted the principle of democratic centralism,
which was the organisational principle being thrown at me to counter my
approach and style. And so a fierce battle commenced. This fight got fiercer
when, at the Enterprise Congress of the PYO in 1995, the words Marxism
Lennism/Socialism/Communism were deleted from the PYO’s constitution. This was
a major victory for the “deliberative democrats” who were growing
within the ranks of the youth section of the PPP.
Of course, I was badly battered in 2002 at
the Port Mourant Congress of the PPP. The attempts I led through the Section K
Campbellville Group to delete these identical hard-core concepts, on very good
geo-political grounds, all failed. But so much for my experiences.
What I have come to realise of greater
gravity is the insincere double-speak of the Executive Committee of the PPP.
These Comrades would preach the gospel of communism in the Party and the
Congress and decry liberalism and neo-liberalism, yet apply at the level of its
Government every aspect of liberalism and neo-liberalism. What hypocrisy! This
is probably the most obscene aspect of PPP’s politics. It preaches one thing,
and practises another. And it goes about its business as if nothing is abnormal
or disturbing about this gross inconsistency. The farce and façade of
this two-facedness, a sort of Jekyll and Hyde scenario, is used to beguile its
members and supporters on the one hand, and the donor community on the other.
At the group meetings and Regional Conferences, the Communist preachers tell
the congregation: “It is no fault of ours that you remain poor. The fault
lies in the blood-sucking local capitalist class, and the international cartels
in association with the IMF/World Bank. They pauperise you. Not us! We are
trying our best for you.” At the high-powered meetings with the donor community
and financiers of various programmes, the language is spoken of how truly free
market and liberal oriented the government is.
This big lie, this monstrous insincerity must
come to a halt. If this kind of double-speak can be perpetuated at this level,
by the leaders of the governing Party, why then could it not be perpetuated at
every other level?
It is exactly for this reason why these days,
when this PPP leadership says that it wants Parliament to be truly functional,
the ordinary people know, like Sir Michael Davies found out, that such an
assertion from such a leadership may not be functionally true.
It is obvious double-speak, too, when the
PPP, who used to decry the PNC’s shameless abuse, dominance and monopolisation
of the State media when the PNC was in power, does nothing to shed such abuse,
dominance and monopolisation now that the PPP is in power.
Whoever in their right mind will want to
conduct business with this PPP Government when it promises to honour its
financial obligations, and then most arrogantly breaches them, as is evidenced
in the most recent debacle of the bonds issue with Citizens Bank. This concrete
example of another double-speak, if not remedied satisfactorily, will destroy
all investor confidence in this country!
It is exactly for this same reason why nobody
will believe any utterances coming from some PPP leaders concerning a desire to
work along with progressive alliances, when in the same breath other PPP
leaders cuss down and denigrate every organisation and individual potentially
capable of constituting such a “progressive alliance”. But what do
you expect from a leadership which suffers from an infantile disorder?
This whole exercise of re-emphasing its
commitment to communism in the period of the Party’s life 2005 – 2008, is
a deception by the leaders of the PPP to shift the gaze of its grumbling cadres
and members away from these leaders’ corruption, mismanagement, and
incompetence. But there are limitations to this organised deception which
sooner than later will be exposed.
Khemraj Ramjattan has moved up ten rungs on
my ladder of respect this week. His Sunday column entitled,
Inflexibility of the PPP: Its re-assertion of Communism in these
his desire to be true to his communist leaders and, at the same time, live with
the reality of the collapse of communism.
I have so much going on in my life right now
that I did not read this column until late Sunday evening. My family is about
three or four weeks from relocating from the DC area to a much warmer climate
in Southern Texas. Consequently, we are in Texas for a couple of days this week
making some of the necessary arrangements for the move.
However, when I finally got the chance to
read the AFC leader’s column, I covered my face and told Paul that this is what
I have been waiting for – honesty and pragmatism. It seems like so much
of Guyana’s politics are played in the realm of the unreal with a vivid
imagination being the most valued attribute of the communications staff of the
ruling party.
I cannot begin to count the number of times
the PPP has needed a good reality check because they have produced yet one more
piece of propaganda that was closer to being a make-believe story than
actuality.
In fact, there have been many a time when I
have had to give myself a reality check because it is far easier to get lost in
their make-believe land than to live with the murders, rapes, poverty, crime
and corruption that plague Guyana every single day.
And then there is the childish blame game
where no one accepts the responsibility for the state of the nation. And there
is the racial divide, which is constantly perpetuated by the two established
parties in so many ways every single week in their feeble attempt to secure
what little hope they have of acquiring a vote from Guyanese who may gladly
live in their land of make-believe.
It is difficult to keep a firm grasp on
reality when lies and half-truths float around your head on a constant basis.
However, Guyana cannot continue on in its make-believe reverie if it ever hopes
to rid itself of those ugly aspects that everyone would rather pretend did not
exist.
This is why Khemraj Ramjattan’s column so
impressed me. He did not play the games. He did not curtsy to the long
established notions of pretending like communism was still a viable option for
a developing country in the 21st century. In the process, he allowed anyone
else in the country who has been fighting to escape from the realm of the
unreal to firmly plant their feet in reality, once and for all. Since the PPP
relies on their make-believe world to maintain their position as the nation’s
ruling party (because they could never explain their paltry performance in the
real world), Ramjattan’s column has effectively brought the PPP to the brink of
utter and complete ruin.
I know this is very cynical of me, but I have
to admit that at times I have wondered if Ramjattan was still secretly loyal to
the PPP and was just playing a game with the AFC to disrupt the baby party at
one of its most crucial moments. However, his column has proven that he is
indeed a man of the people and holds no wistful longing for his former party at
all.
I am so excited about this new development of
honest and real politics that I cannot wait to see how other politicians will
respond to it. Will they pretend it never happened? Will they respond with more
lies and half-truths (which the whole nation knows is lies and half-truths)?
Will they colour a pretty version of their
side of the story and spread their propaganda on sweet and thick? Will they
invoke the memories of yesteryear’s beloved politicians and play the
heartstrings of the people in an attempt to divert the nation’s attention from
the real issue at hand (again)?
Ramjattan has brought this election season
into a whole new dimension now, and I cannot wait to see if the PPP can keep
up. After all, it is not exactly known for its honesty, and does not seem to
deal with reality all that well either.
What I hope to see is a response that is on
the same level of Ramjattan’s honesty. This is exactly what Guyana needs
– a real election with real politicians who live in the real world.
The AFC has raised the standard of Guyanese
politics with just one simple column and I am waiting expectantly to see if the
rest of the politicians can rise to the occasion.
Most of all, I am on pins and needles in
anxious anticipation to see how Smart and Sharp Robert Persaud will respond to Ramjattan’s
column. We will finally get to see if that MBA can do something else besides
write fictional pieces.
Email: StellaSays@gmail.com
Apart from arranging for Constitutional
reform, sustained dialogue between the PPP/C and the PNCR, etc., the
Herdmanston Accord measures were to have been introduced ‘for the
improvement of race relations in Guyana, including the contribution which equal
opportunity legislation and concepts drawn from the CARICOM Charter of Civil
Society can contribute to the cause of justice, equity and progress in Guyana’.
Failure to address these crucial issues by
successive PPP/C administrations have brought our country into disrepute, and
caused our people to continue to flee these shores in large numbers to be
scattered around the world and subjected to inhospitable treatment in some
instances. Clearly, politics as has been practised by these dominant political
forces, the PPP/C and the PNCR have failed us. So what could we as women do in
view of the fact that the 2006 elections are upon us?
Women across the political spectrum should
mobilise, as other women have done elsewhere in the world, to impress upon the
major political players that we desire an end be brought to the political
bickering they have engaged in for generations; to end the misuse of state resources
and institutions by the current PPP/C government to allow for truly free and
fair elections; and for peace and harmony among our people to prevail during
this elections period. Women should position themselves between the old
political forces to prevent the realisation of the predictions by the prophets
of doom, so that an environment of political stability could develop in order
to bring in the dawn of a new era to end the physical deprivations of our
people and the mental shackles of racial politics. Women must debunk the myth
that the PPP/C owns East Indians voters and the PNCR owns voters of African
descent. This political and mental slavery must end because it is the root of
all Guyana ‘s problems. To continue to accept it is to accept the generational
sentence of political irresponsibility and disregard for our people’s desire
for peace, harmony, physical safety, justice and socio/economic development.
A little noticed statement made some time ago
by the First Lady, Varshni Jagdeo, is deserving of public attention, since it
provides one of the keys for general societal action that could lead us down
the road to achieving that which we all crave but have eluded us. The First
Lady said that the most important ingredient she found to be missing in our
public, social and political commentaries is patriotism.
We must understand that the political process
in a democratic environment is expected to enable the achievement of some basic
characteristics such as:
The democratic system of government should be
organised in such a way as to prevent an individual or one group or one
institution from becoming too powerful and prevailing over others on issues.
Thus, the adoption generally around the world of the principle of separation of
powers into different branches of government – legislative, executive and
judicial which is perceived to have been eroded in Guyana. By dividing these
responsibilities, and placing checks on power and influence, a democratic
society limits government abuses and helps ensure the rights of individuals. A
democratic government is therefore inclined, organisationally and procedurally,
to make decisions that benefit the society as a whole, rather than a particular
interest group – a signal failure of successive governments in Guyana .
Prior to the formation of the Alliance For
Change (AFC) there was developing among the Guyanese society a perception that
it was more virtuous to be a member of a civil society organisation (CSO) than
a member of a political party, so discredited had politicians and political
parties become. Today, just after seven months of existence, the AFC has
attracted thousands of members from all ten regions of the country.
In a publication titled ‘Democracy out
of Balance’, Ivan Doherty, one time General Secretary of Ireland’s Fein Gael
Party, said that: “Without strong political parties and political
institutions that are accountable and effective, that can negotiate and
articulate compromises to respond to conflicting demands, the door is
effectively open to those populist leaders who will seek to bypass the
institutions of government, especially any system of checks and balances, and
the rule of law.” He could be speaking of Guyana today.
In an NDI National survey on Increasing
Women’s Political Participation that comprised a population sample of 446
women, representative of the 10 administrative regions of the country based on
the population distribution by administrative regions, ethnic and religious
samples in proportion to the country’s social, religious and ethnic
demographics, it was revealed that:
It should be pointed out that in our
electoral process the electorate don’t vote to elect individual candidates,
they vote for a party list. As a consequence, the decision rests with the party
leader who has control of the list who should enter the National Assembly. The
AFC is committed to changing this and returning to the people the right to
directly elect Members of Parliament as was distinctly expressed during the
Constitutional Reform Process in 1999 that would allow for more direct
accountability. The Alliance For Change is also committed to revising the
Guyana Constitution to allow for a re-distribution of presidential powers.
It is instructive that some of the women
interviewed in the NDI survey held the view that benefits in the form of
electoral support accrue to the political forces that advance insecurity among
their supporters. ‘Better the devil you know than the one you don’t’ best
exemplifies the argument usually advanced by people who willingly fall prey to
this illogic, come national elections time. The fact that such an unethical
proposition has gained mileage among large sections of the Guyanese electorate
tells us either about the gullibility of the Guyanese people or about their
unabashed double standards. It is said most succinctly that a people get the
government they deserve. Whatever the reason, the result that is evident in
this country has exacted a commensurate punishment on the Guyanese people in
the form of half a century of protracted political unrest, social and economic
stagnation and the reason for half of the population opting to flee the
country. In closing, I return to the First Lady’s comments mentioned earlier
about the absence of patriotism in the local political discourse. and call on
Guyanese women to join in the effort of nation-building by getting involved
politically.
Speaking to Kaieteur News from his Queen
Elizabeth Suite at Le Meridien Pegasus yesterday, Singh said that an educated, healthy
and united people are the key to a prosperous
nation, and he believes that the AFC has the
right approach to garnering such results. He said that after chatting with
party leaders Raphael Trotman and Khemraj Ramjattan at a recent meeting in
Toronto, he became motivated to travel to Guyana to render his support, hence
his arrival on Wednesday.
Born and raised in Guyana , Singh departed
Guyana some 32 years ago to successfully establish a line of businesses. He is
currently the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Destiny Group of
Companies in Canada .
Singh said that he has embarked on numerous
ventures in many countries to provide and foster education and health with the
aim of reducing poverty. As a great reader, Singh said that he was driven to
counter poverty after reading an ingenious book: ‘ The Fortune at the
Bottom of the Pyramid. Eradicating Poverty through profits’ , written by C.
K. Prahalad.
With the knowledge acquired from that book,
Singh said that he developed a great passion to help people deemed to be at the
bottom of the pyramid, or less fortunate. “Ninety
per cent of the world’s population just want
food and a little money to take care of themselves and families, and to be able
to have some dignity.” He observed that the most successful countries do
not care for the bottom stratum of people, and they are therefore neglected,
thus setting the precedent for crime, racial hatred and other associated
upheavals, Guyana being no exception.
This, Singh related, could only be rectified
if people are educated and healthy, and are given a chance to uncover
sustainable means of earning.
He disclosed that, while he had attempted in
the past to embark on initiatives to combat the poverty situation in Guyana ,
his efforts were not readily accepted. But with the AFC’s stated endeavours,
Singh said that he knows that the time is right to render the assistance he can
afford to the land of his birth. While his efforts will not be associated with
the AFC’s campaign intents, Singh said that he will be standing in the party’s
corner and fully supports the party’s way forward. “I like the AFC
platform, ideas and strategies and I embrace them wholly,” he disclosed.
He said that he intends to work closely with the AFC, and would take cues and
feedback
from the AFC leaders on what areas the
greatest help is needed in the various regions in Guyana . As early as next
week Singh said that he will tackle the education sector with a donation of
computers, starting with his alma mater, West Demerara Secondary School . He
said that it is his belief that computer literacy is not very predominant in
Guyana when compared to Barbados , where he has rendered much assistance. The
health sector is also
high on the agenda of assistance, Singh
revealed.
He said that he has streamlined plans to
donate a significant amount of antiretroviral to the local health sector in an
attempt to assist the fight against HIV/AIDS, since Guyana accounts for the
second highest incidence of the disease in the Caribbean . Singh, who is also
the owner of a Bank, said that he is prepared to supply people with small loans
to create small businesses geared at providing them with a means of providing
for
their families.
While the assistance to be rendered has not
yet been quantified, Singh said that, with the assistance of other business
owners, fundraisers will be held to garner the necessary funding. Singh noted,
though, that while the initiative will serve to initiate a needful change, he
intends to stay on board to ensure that the change is sustainable. AFC Vice
Chairman Sheila
Holder described Singh as ‘God-sent’,
adding that there have been lots of misconceptions of the party’s source of
funding. “We have kept far from illicit or dirty money…the Guyanese
Diaspora in Canada has responded tremendously, and similar support was
forthcoming from New York ,” Holder related.
• She said the AFC recognises the
significance and quality of the support it has gained, and is determined to put
such expertise to work, not merely to raise funds, to build a reformed Guyana .
2006-7-8: AFC claims…
PPP cabinet outreach is ‘vulgar attempt’ to disguise elections
campaigning -believes Jagdeo preparing to announce elections date (Kaieteur
News)
The Alliance For Change (AFC) believes that
the on-going Cabinet outreaches that have been initiated by the Government
sends a clear signal that President Bharrat Jagdeo may be
ready to call elections while opposition
parties are distracted from preparing for the upcoming polls by issues
surrounding the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). In an interview with
Kaieteur News, AFC’s Presidential Candidate Raphael Trotman said this is just
another sinister plot that the AFC has ignored and has set about with its own
campaign strategy.
“We believe that it is a bit of mischief
on the part of the PPP and a trap that we want to avoid falling into,”
Trotman said.
He posited that the recent Cabinet outreach
is really a vulgar attempt to disguise blatant campaigning and an attempt by
the government to steal a march on the rest of the contesting parties.
“It is obvious that tax payers’ monies are being used to campaign. I
don’t know how a cabinet could be going into outreach when parliament has
ended. You are more or less a
caretaker-type situation so no cabinet could
be settling down to work out any programmes; they are really in a caretaker
mode since parliament has been dissolved.
“The outreach programmes and the fact
that the President has not traveled to the CARICOM Heads of Government
Conference and other indicators tell us that the President is about to announce
elections.” In an invited comment, Information Liaison to the President
Robert Persaud noted that the Cabinet outreach programme is a new format of the
PPP which was started by President
Jagdeo in 1999.
“We have no apology for extending
development in all the regions. The opposition parties would like to see the
government not do this so that they could use the lack of action to
campaign,” Persaud posited. He added that the government still has to “serve
the people” even as parliament is dissolved. “Cabinet outreaches
have no link to elections,” Persaud said. He said the Cabinet outreaches
were really an opportunity to allow the people on the ground to interact with
Government Ministers.
Trotman posited that the AFC is concerned
about the issues surrounding poll preparations but will not be pulled into a
debate since the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has set about preparing
for the hosting of elections despite the various concerns about the voters’
list.
“We are concerned about elections and
we are just as deeply concerned about making sure we are prepared ourselves. We
believe that the PPP is deliberately stoking the coals of these burning issues
so as to create distractions, so that when you would have awoken sometime
mid-July you hear that the President has announced nomination day, leaving you
flat-footed,” Trotman stated.
Persaud debunked these claims, stating that
the President will only call elections once he had gotten the go-ahead from
GECOM.
Trotman contends that the AFC had to make a
decision whether they were going to meet the PPP mischief head-on or divert
attention elsewhere to matters which are being discussed by the other parties.
“We don’t have the institutional capacity
of the PNCR to wage two or three battles at the same time. We choose the battle
that we could fight best and that is to prepare for the elections,”
Trotman said.
As it relates to the ongoing debate over
residency requirements for voters, Trotman posited that the opposition parties
needed to accept that the Government and GECOM is prepared to go ahead with
elections and the recent stance taken by the donor community is also an
indication that several burning issues will not be addressed in time for
elections.
“You can either settle down or go with
what is happening…or you can take a decision not to engage at all, but
for such a decision to have an effect it has to be a collective decision of all
opposition parties. For so long as two accept that they would not accept the
rules of engagement and six decide that they are, then it will make a
mockery,” Trotman stated.
He further called for a meeting of all the
contesting parties, including the PPP, to sit with GECOM so that all the
burning issues could be ironed out and for contestants to decide if they will
continue.
Trotman noted that GECOM has been tasked with
delivering free and fair elections and the AFC expects this to happen.
The Alliance For Change (AFC) reiterates its
position that a coalition with either the People’s National Congress Reform
(PNCR) or the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) will defeat its objectives of
bringing an end to race-based voting and creating a balance of power between
the two major parties.
AFC’s Presidential Candidate Raphael Trotman
made this disclosure in an interview with Kaieteur News. He posited that while
the AFC remains committed to working with all political parties to ensure peace
and stability, the party will not move to form a political union with the PPP
or the PNCR.
“We believe that by our very name, the
alliance has to be a coming together of different political forces. We have not
ruled out a coming together. We believe in the Third Force concept right
now,” Trotman stated.
He noted that before the AFC was launched,
AFC leaders had discussions with Joey Jagan, CN Sharma, Rupert Roopnarine, Paul
Hardy, Ravi Dev and Keith Scott. “The rationale for us coming into being is
to separate the PPP and PNC from the death embrace that they found themselves
locked into over the last 40 years. So to join one to defeat the other would be
that we have taken a side and that would be contrary to the basic principle of
our existence,” Trotman noted.
He stated that the party is willing to work
with other parties to bring an end to race based violence.
Party Leader Khemraj Ramjattan told Kaieteur
News that the AFC has tried in the past to bring on board other opposition
parties that share their concept but they have failed to achieve this despite
their best efforts. He posited that with elections now close, the party has
shifted its focus to preparations thus ruling out any major drive for a
coalition with the smaller parties. “If the AFC wins the elections, we
will welcome the PPP, PNCR and other political parties willing to work with us
so we can form a government of national unity,” Ramjattan noted. The AFC,
according to Ramjattan, is bent on winning enough votes to enter Parliament to
create the balance of power in the national assembly. “If we are not
elected at the next polls, whoever forms the government, we intend to support
them when they initiate development strategies but we intend to equally oppose
them when they do not,” Ramjattan
stated. (Gordon French)
Last year at the PPP’s Congress held in
Essequibo , the General Secretary of that party described the leadership of the
AFC as “wishy-washy rejects” who would burn out in a few weeks.
Well, eight months after formation we are
still here and growing stronger, taller, faster and bigger by the day. To date
we have opened 10 offices and the trends are that we will continue to grow from
strength to strength, despite all of the attacks and negativity directed
towards us.
When I read Robert Persaud, MBA, suggesting
that we should be investigated by the Ethnic Relations Commission for spreading
race politics in Guyana , I was beside myself with laughter, and quickly had to
be reminded that the more serious side of politics compelled him to say
something in the face of serious challenge. The AFC has come to be recognised
as a serious threat, not only to the PNC and PPP as such, but to the
establishment that has flourished by the backwardness for decades.
It is not only politicians who benefit from
this madness and instability, but big business, state corporation executives
and drug barons. Dismantling the establishment founded on race, reward and
revenge will not be easy. It has to start with an acknowledgement that indeed
race politics has caused Guyana to go backwards for the last forty years,
followed by a healing and a closure of the past. To pretend that the reign of
the PNC was excellent and could have been perfect, were it not for the PPP, is
disingenuous; and so too, for the PPP to champion and proclaim its own
achievements and forget the past good accomplished by the PNC is to be stupid
and shortsighted.
So it was that when the second blow of the
two-punch combination attack came from the PNCR Chairman, and described the AFC
as a “Johnny Come Lately Party” and me, in particular, as a
“stranger to the truth” and a hypocrite, I knew that we had arrived
and were now being seen as a serious contender. This was a signal that the
battle had been joined. In the immortal words of Lord Han in the Bruce Lee
classic, ‘Enter the Dragon’, I say: “Gentlemen, let the tournament
begin.” This is the reality of politics and it is apparently going to be
a bruising campaign.
As a young Guyanese growing up in the 1970′s
and 1980′s I witnessed first hand the declining state of affairs of our
country. Perhaps too young to understand why, but not too young to see the
declining standards that we were suffering, relative to our Caribbean sisters
and brothers.
This was the Guyana I knew. I admired Mr.
Burnham’s speeches and sophistication and Dr. Jagan’s tenacity and political
longevity, whilst anxiously awaiting the next instalment of the Dayclean
faithfully delivered by Nigel Westmaas. I was fortunate in a sense to know all
worlds, and had awakened to the understanding and acceptance that race politics
had not only begun to halt our national development, but was anchoring us into
the mud.
For me to say therefore that the practice of
politics has taken us backwards rather than forwards is the truth. We may have
had hundreds of miles of paved roads, hundreds of scholarships, hundreds of new
schools built, but no one cares to mention the damage done to the soul and body
of Guyana . Who could deny that there were infrastructural and other
accomplishments under successive PPP and PNC administrations over the past
forty years? One such achievement which moulded me as a young man was my stint
as a pioneer in the National Service. A brilliant idea which until today
remains misunderstood, vilified and, in many respects, badly implemented.
However, the net result of the achievements relative to the destruction we
witnessed is negative or backward movement.
I challenge every citizen and every leader,
whether political or civic, to ask and answer the questions: Do I feel better
off as a citizen today? Have I accomplished the growth and development I
dreamed I would have? Are my children and the people of Guyana any better off
today than they were in May of 1966? Was I, or my associates and predecessors,
in any way responsible for this failure? Well, let me set out some other truths
that we cannot escape today and, moreover, couldn’t have just appeared a few
years ago.
We remain the second poorest country in the
Western Hemisphere and have been for decades. (worldbank.org)
1.
skilled labour to the developed countries (source: imf.org).
2.
them would leave the country permanently if given the chance to do so. (source:
ROC Express Yourself Survey).
3.
brings, second only to Haiti in this hemisphere. (source:
globalhealthreporting.org).
4.
politically unstable Caribbean country after Haiti . (source: “The Wars
of the West Indies-A Comparative Study of State Failure in Guyana , Trinidad
& Tobago and Jamaica ”).
Mr. Desmond Hoyte constantly reminded me that
“there are lies, damn lies, and then there are statistics.” The
statistics on Guyana tell the true story. He once remarked to me that being in
opposition, after serving as President, allowed him to see firsthand, and for
the first time, the true state of suffering of the people and it was his desire
to give them the life they deserved. He died trying to do so and thankfully had
acknowledged the truth. Undoubtedly, we have each made tremendous achievements,
and each of us, as leaders and as citizens, has been responsible for erasing
those achievements. This was vividly brought home to me recently in the simple
language of a Guyanese resident abroad. He said: “They took a jewel and smashed
it.” The AFC leadership, recognising this, published its statement on
healing and reconciliation in February, 2006, and some of its words are worth
repeating:
“We strongly feel that for Guyana
to emerge from the darkness and despair after forty years of wasted political
independence, we must first acknowledge that we have all contributed, in some
way or the other, to the present situation that exists in the country, either
by our actions or by our failure to act, either by our words, or by our failure
to speak out.”
I will not set about making enemies, but
accept that enemies will be made for me. Those who are offended by the
statement that for the past forty years Guyana has been going backwards, should
ask the approx. 700,000 Guyanese living in the US, Canada, England, Barbados,
Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil, Venezuela, Suriname, Antigua, St. Vincent,
Dominica, St. Kitts, Finland, Italy and perhaps even Timbuktu, how they weep at
the mention of Guyana and why they ran and left. Visit the alleyways in Linden and
Albouystown, the red brick roads of Berbice and the people will tell you the
truth about their backward development. Walk the streets or the savannahs to
see firsthand the depravation, starvation and frustration our people
experience. If afterwards you still can’t accept the reality, then we are all
hypocrites alike. The words of Imam Baksh, the young winner of our Independence
Essay competition, should sum it up for us all:
“It might seem strange that this
essay about the Guyana of tomorrow has focused on the seemingly minor and
technical issue of our current voting system. Yet that system enables our
problems to steer us into folly and nothing positive will happen until we
discard it. Guyanese love Guyana and they love each other. If they can be released
from a system which forces them to consider their fears and insecurities,
rather than their goals and desires, then all those old clichés will
shine with the light of reality. We will have racial harmony. We will be one
people, one nation, one destiny.”
When I was some 20 years younger and in
company with my University colleagues – both from UG and UWI – we would
argue passionately and with that great enthusiasm, which is associated with
young academics. We would be loud and boisterous, with expletives and all.
The issues of debate largely used to touch
and concern heady philosophical concepts. One such topic we dealt with very
frequently was the State. There were vigorous vociferous verbal battles over
almost everything about the State – how it came about, what purpose and
function it performed and in whose interest, how and when will it wither away.
When I entered the world of work as a State
Prosecutor, a new realisation dawned on me. The State will not wither away!
Over the years I have become fortified in this view. If anything, the State
will grow in influence, because the vital public functions of formulating policy,
implementing policy, and supervising the implementation and execution of such
policy will remain exclusively in the State.
These apart, however, there are other roles
the State plays and will continue to play which will ensure its existence long
into the future. Just think about its role in the maintenance of law and order,
in providing security from internal and external sources of attack, providing
for a judicial system, a public education and a public health system, the
conduct of foreign relations and so on, and it will at once become evident that
the State is here to stay.
This being so, the big question now must be
how should the State better perform its functions and play its roles so that a
greater happiness is spread over this beautiful land. Guyanese will be a
happier people still when every aspect of the delivery of State services, or as
more popularly called – ‘public services’ – improve. Though certain
services have improved over the last decade many others have remained pathetic
and have even grown woefully worse. Great expectations have been dashed in the
area of the judicial system. There is massive disenchantment with the
procurement process. Policing services remain, for very many, within the
category of appalling.
There are many reasons, historical and
political, for this quandary. And an understanding of these reasons will make
us better appreciate why there must be a massive overhaul of our Public Service
as promised through the much-touted Public Sector Modernisation Plan.
The best analysis yet that I have seen on the
reasons for this disastrous state of affairs of our Public Service is from
Tyrone Ferguson in his book: “Structural Adjustment and Good Governance -
the case of Guyana”. More particularly in his chapter 6, when discussing
reform of the Public Service during the period 1970 to 1990, this passage
caught my eye. I am impressed by its honesty and a fearlessness to say it as it
is. At page 178, this very erudite Guyanese wrote:
“Ministerial dominance of the Public
Service became the order of the day. Ministers over time usurped control of the
day-to-day operational tasks of administration from Permanent Secretaries and
other Senior officials. The extant regulatory infrastructure and procedures of
administration were ignored on the basis of an alleged inappropriateness in the
prevailing context ……
These features of an increasingly
politicised public bureaucracy entailed the eventual blurring of the
professional and political lines of operational demarcation and functional
responsibilities.
He had earlier argued, quoting from one Evans
that:
“What is often overlooked is that
the public sector too requires an enabling environment. To be effective, public
service must be endowed with dignity and enjoy social recognition. Putting
private enterprise on a pedestal tends to lead to the denigration of public
service, making it difficult to recruit qualified personnel for the bureaucracy
and impairing the efficiency of the State”.
The Public Sector Modernisation Plan, in its
diagnostics of the existing state of affairs as at 2003, reported the damning
but true findings that vital elements of governance, namely a committed
national leadership, active citizen participation, and transparency, “appear
to have become dysfunctional in whole or in part, others simply have never
existed, while others have not evolved, collectively serving to impede efforts
to improve the quality, timeliness and effectiveness of programming”.
A further finding which catches the eye is
the present managerial culture which is aptly described as “a command
and control management culture which imposes successive levels of sign-offs and
inhibits managerial delegation.” These characteristics reflect the
centralism of the PPP/C Government.
So what Ferguson was talking about in earlier
decades remains largely extant today. To these truths, we must not flinch; but
continue to confront so that a modern Public Service could be created.
Guyanese, especially its young academics,
must embrace and honestly debate and discuss these topics, issues and matters
of the State. Deliberations on matters like these are very relevant. Let us be
loud, passionate and boisterous on these matters, expletives excluded.
(Kaieteur News 15-06-06).
Well, Stella (first, it’s nice meeting
you) a pregnant woman would have to allow a midwife to deliver her in order to know
whether that midwife can deliver. Deliver is used equivocally or in a double
meaning. Anyway, to deliver is to deliver. The AFC has the key to deliver and
two meanings of key are: (1) means of advance, access, etc. (2) solution, which
means solving or means of
solving a problem
, which the two major parties have been struggling and are still trying to
solve over the years. Out of this the AFC has put together potentially workable
solutions. The writer cautioned against rashly putting the AFC into power
without first determining whether that baby party (as she conceived it) was up
for the job. The job is big, but appropriately I wish to recall the biblical
fact of little David, a mere baby in contrast to Goliath, who aimed and struck
him at the right place with a stone from
his sling, and Goliath toppled! The AFC is
aiming at the right spots of the social, racial, political and economic –
to name a few – problems of Guyana in order to solve them. In addition,
little Boy Blue can blow a big horn, but he has to know how. The baby party may
know how to deliver for Guyana , evidently impregnated with problems.
“But to take over the leadership of an
already established nation, with previous problems, is a task that is most
times beyond even the well intentioned leaders.” Positively and
optimistically these established problems are a task within the ability of the
young energetic leaders of the AFC, coupled with their intelligence. The AFC
would take the bull by its horns.
“Does the new party finally have the
right type of leaders to help Guyana recover from a long history of problematic
leadership?” the writer queried.
Problematic leadership arises from how
leaders lead. If the leaders of the new party are not (a) egoistic; (b) not
bent towards achieving personal ambitions; (c) not inclined towards
self-aggrandisement, not scape-goating fellow leaders; (d) not tending to
monopolise authority; (e) leading by example; (f) not indulging in double
standards; (g) respecting fellow leaders; (h) not inefficient, then they can
help Guyana recover from a long history of problematic leadership.
George Carrington
Alliance For Change (AFC) Presidential
Candidate Raphael Trotman has moved seven points up on his closest rivals,
President Bharrat Jagdeo and Opposition Leader Robert Corbin,
statistically tying the PNCR and sharply
closing the gap with the PPP/C. This is according to results from the latest
polls conducted in July by Arcorp, a Mexican survey research firm that worked
with Mexican President Felipe Calderon in his latest victory.
The survey shows that if elections were held
today, President Bharrat Jagdeo would get 35 percent of the votes, Corbin 30
percent, Trotman 28 percent, while the other smaller party leaders would gain
seven percent.
The survey commissioned by the AFC sought
in-person interviews of 600 likely voters, with the results containing a margin
of error of plus or minus 4 percent. AFC Campaign Strategist, Dick Morris, at a
hurriedly called press conference last night, said the polls showed both the
PPP/C and the PNCR losing an even amount of points when compared to an earlier
survey conducted in March of this year.
“The AFC has increased its vote from 21
percent to 28 percent, while at the same time the PPP has dropped from 40
percent to 35 percent and the PNCR has dropped from 36 percent to 30
percent,” Morris told the media. He said the survey really shows that the
AFC has the capacity to draw not only from the African Guyanese base but the
Indian Guyanese base and the mixed race families as well. He said too that the
AFC gained enormously from every single ethnic group but could not say how the
Amerindian votes were split since the population was not large enough.
“I understand the elections are going
to be called soon and the AFC goes into the elections with an excellent chance
of winning,” Morris alluded. Giving reasons for the good showing by the
AFC, Morris said when there is a government as bad as the PPP/C that allows
drug lords to live freely, it is not surprising that people should flock a
“real” alternative.
Speaking of the results of the polls and the
party’s success, Trotman said the fact that AFC is cutting across the racial
divide means that the reasons for the party’s formation has so
far been vindicated. “Our appeal that
racial politics is coming to an end in Guyana and also our appeal for stronger
state and the establishment of the rule of law has resulted in the
increase,” Trotman stated.
As was previously done at the release of its
first polls, the AFC declined to divulge the methodology and the questions used
to conduct the July poll.
“Every single area in the country was
represented in this sample; it’s a statistically balanced sample of the entire
country. There was no community where there was not at least one
interview,” Morris said, responding to questions posed by the media. He
stated seven parties were identified and the main question was simple:
“If elections were held today, who would you vote for?” Morris
noted that the poll is the party’s in-house document that will be used to win
the elections and would not be released for the other parties to know the AFC’s
campaign
strategy. Vouching for the credibility of the
two polls, the party posited that Guyana does not have a political culture of
polls. When asked if the party will release the questions contained in the
survey, Trotman sought to draw a parallel with the polls conducted by Vishnu
Bisram. “Whenever next Mr. Bisram does a survey and releases his results,
you are not likely to see Mr. Bisram release the results and the questions as
well; that is the norm with the
profession,” Trotman stated.
I have already established in my previous
submission in this column that, from surveys conducted locally, the majority of
women eschew the manner in which politics is conducted in Guyana .
It was noted in the surveys I quoted that,
even though we functioned in various ways within the country’s political
system, we have stoutly expressed abhorrence for the political environment
where the erosion of civility and reasonableness pervades. In this piece, I
venture to examine one aspect of our politics which I believe is deserving of
our attention as the first step towards empowering us, as women, to become the
“Agents for Change” in this dear land of ours.
With the loss of civility and reasonableness
in our political culture, there has developed a self-interested politics that
violates core tenets contained in the preamble of our Constitution, namely to “Forge
a system of governance that promotes concerted effort and broad-based
participation in national decision-making in order to develop a viable economy
and a harmonious community based on democratic values, social justice,
fundamental human rights, and the rule of law.”
Examples abound around the country which we
as women have experienced to suggest that many a politician had made a
conscious and deliberate decision to abandon these tenets following their
experiences of diminishing electoral returns from those villages or sections of
our society known to be supportive of the other side of the political divide.
For instance, it was only recently that some
villagers were expressing displeasure at the action of President Jagdeo when he
bypassed their community during one of his recent campaign visits (disguised as
cabinet outreach exercises), only to stop at the contiguous community to listen
to those villagers problems and concerns.
That the Head of State could be undeterred by
the obvious discriminatory conclusions that would be drawn from a selective
scheduling of his visits speaks volumes about the nature of our politics of
race that we have ignored for half a century to our national detriment.
Given the circumstances of the homogeneous
ethnic make-up of some of our villages, such an outcry automatically brought
forth condemnatory pronouncements. However, from my perspective, it is
insufficient to do so without recognising the unnatural and unrewarding nature
of our politics that fuels such behaviour. Behaviour which ‘we the
people’ helped spawn and which, undoubtedly, has become a root cause of most of
our country’s problems and failures.
Clearly, what such behaviour has done is to
allow for the people’s demands and expectations to remain unfulfilled since, in
the mindset of the administration, these villages, because of their
‘ethnicity’, are perceived not to be supporters; and, by extension
unlikely to reward them at the polls given the traditional nature of our
race-based behaviour at the polls.
Unfortunately, even in those locales that are
perceived as being supporters of the incumbent administration there is
diminished necessity for them to work towards a commensurate reward being made
at the polls, or for that matter good political conduct generally or for the
observance of our constitutional tenets on the part of politicians who are
elected to public office, since the evil of racial voting ensures their
survival without any ‘performance appraisal’.
It should be generally accepted that, when
there is failure by a government to adequately address the people’s concerns
and problems and to ‘ develop a viable economy and a harmonious
community based on democratic values, social justice, fundamental human rights
and the rule of law’ as mandated by our Constitution, the people have a
sacred duty to preserve these constitutional ideals by their rejection at the
polls of an administration that has failed so to do.
To the extent that we the Guyanese people
fail to do so, we cause ourselves to suffer the deleterious consequences of
crime and violence; growth of the illicit drug trade and the corruption it
engenders; joblessness and poverty as a consequence of economic stagnation and
all the other negative spin offs we have been experiencing in our country – a
clear sign that our political system has reached a point of diminishing
returns.
It is in this context that the AFC has set
itself the target of engendering a new political culture to generate positive
transformations. The movement, therefore, looks to women to play an integral
part in spearheading this change for the better. In order to achieve this, we
need to identify and understand the problematic elements of our political
culture in order to devise and shape appropriate solutions. This is but one.
Choose change with the AFC that offers a viable opportunity for positive
solutions to the aberrations in our political culture.
It is becoming increasingly apparent that
appeal of the Alliance For Change (AFC) as an alternative to the politics of
the last 40 years is having an impact on the voting population.
Every intelligent voter is beginning to ask
themselves serious questions about their alliances of the past and the
necessity of holding on to them.
Political analysts, staunch party members of
the leading political movements are making public their positions and coming on
board with the AFC, and people on the streets are beginning to feel a new sense
of hope that there can be change; that they do have a role to play in that
change and that the AFC is the only party that has the possibility of making
the change a reality.
In the letter columns and articles in the
local newspapers, we are beginning to get the sense that the debate is having a
profound effect on the psyches of the old, archaic ways of thinking and it is
evident that the response to this will be mud slinging and pitiable attempts to
hold with the old guard.
The AFC wants to make clear that this is just
what we need to change in Guyana politics, and we want to use the media to
dispel the idea that we are incapable of defending our position.
We want to acknowledge the comments of
Charles Sugrim, Emile Mervin, Rawle Small, and Jonathan Bratt of the
Mittelholzer Foundation that point to the positive approaches some are taking
as we present our positions on the way forward and we know that they are
representative of a significant number of readers and we would like to respond
to some other comments that were made that suggest that we are reneging our
responsibility to our constituents, the people of Guyana.
First, the comments of Mr. Braithwaite in the
Monday 24th issue of the SN. Mr. Braithwaite is suggesting that our ambitions
are less than altruistic because we have evidenced support for the voters’
list. Please sir, we have made quite clear our position on the list. We are of
the opinion that while there may still be irregularities with the current list,
we don’t feel there is enough evidence in this regard that this should
forestall the holding of elections at this time. We are at a crucial time in
our country’s history and the people must speak with a united voice about the
issues that are affecting them. Even if there are flaws in the list, once
enough people realise the need to get away from the two old divisive forces of
the PPP and the PNC, we will have enough votes to change the direction in which
this country is headed. It is our aim at the AFC to get them to come to this
realisation.
In response to Mr. Murtland Williams’ letter
claiming that we are playing mind games, let us assure you sir that we are
“rejects” because we chose to stand up and dared to be different to
some of the decisions and attitudes of some within those parties to which we
respectively belonged, to try to institute change within those single-minded
monoliths and found that it was impossible. We chose to be
“rejects” because they have no intention of changing, and while
they serve different constituents, they both have shown the similarity of their
attitude while in government. The AFC has always been open to any individual or
group that shares our vision and passion for a brighter Guyana , and that can
tear itself away from the past and reach for a future where we can realise our
true potential.
And getting back to the question of polls,
there is suddenly a spate of polls that show different results from those
provided by the AFC.
We have no intention of challenging these
efforts since the polls we carried out were done for use as an internal
mechanism for defining strategy and to give the general public an understanding
of how much they as a group are looking for an alternative to the old ways
which have been so destructive to our society. The final judgment will be the
election that will be held on August 28. This will be supported by an exit poll
that will be done by one of the most reputable pollsters in the Western
Hemisphere .
Every Guyanese of every race, class,
colour or creed has the opportunity to come to their conclusions based on what
they have seen over the last years and we know that in the end they will make
the choice that will give them a chance for a better future…we can take
no more of the divisive politics of the past.
Sheila Holder
2006-7-30: The PPP has
already been campaigning for some time through the misuse of state media and
state resources (Cabinet Outreach) (Stabroek News)
Dear Editor,
With the exception of a few public meetings,
the PPP’s campaign is virtually complete at this stage of the race. Voters have
already heard the PPP’s message thanks largely to the misuse of state media
(through GINA) and state resources (Cabinet Outreach), and so there remains
nothing more of substance that the PPP can add.
The PPP’s support will further decline
because of their puerile and reactive nature, as evidenced by their behaviour
on Nomination Day, the Berbice Expo incident, and their attempts at character
assassination. After uncle Cheddi’s death, I had struggled to reconcile what
the party had become with who I am, and their behaviour now has only served to
enhance my own sense of liberation.
In the Berbice Expo incident, the PPP
attempted to separate itself from the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce,
just as they pathetically try to argue that they are separate from GINA. The
party can argue all it likes, with Adrian Anamayah on the PPP list (his reward
for having dismantled our booth?), and the saturation ad nauseam of the public
media by GINA, there are very few Guyanese that can be convinced otherwise.
The AFC did not have a rent-a-crowd on
Nomination Day, nor fancy flags and banners, or a ‘big set’. Our movement is a
peoples’ movement with a life of its own. This makes the threats my father
(Boyo Ramsaroop) and I have received utterly meaningless. I also rather face
the risk of death than be a second class citizen in another country – in any
case, I am guided by Hindu philosophy and so I am not afraid. What was seen on
Nomination Day was the unfettered desire of our people. That cannot ever be
killed.
Sadly, the achievements of this present PPP
administration have been overshadowed by corruption and crime. No doubt our
President is hard working, but unfortunately is surrounded by woefully inept
ministers and officials. Clearly, it is either a case of competent people
unwilling to serve him, or where he has chosen to be surrounded by those not so
competent (or good people ill-positioned, like Gail Texeira and Bibi Shaddick)
so he would have to constantly intervene and save the day and can conveniently
cast blame. Let us not be fooled, the President has shown time and time again
that he is in control, and not Freedom House. Whatever the case, we the
Guyanese people have suffered undeservedly.
This disastrous rule has caused the PPP to
lose its majority today; no matter which poll you subscribe to. Guyana’s political
landscape has now forever been changed. Gone are the days when the PPP and PNC
can dominate the way they have for over fifty years. I would strongly urge that
they both use the four weeks they have left to uplift themselves in preparation
for a new Guyana. The AFC has delivered to the Guyanese people, or rather, I
should say, the Guyanese people have delivered unto themselves.
Yours faithfully,
Gerhard Ramsaroop
2006-7-30: Trotman vows:
“No retreat, no surrender” as AFC kick starts campaign • says
hundreds abroad ready to return once right Government in place By Gordon
French (Kaieteur News) Presidential Candidate of the Alliance For
Change (AFC) Raphael Trotman has pledged to forge ahead onto victory at the
August 28 poll.
Speaking at the launch of the party’s
elections campaign at the Parade Ground on Friday night, Trotman told the
gathering that while the party has managed to attract many supporters locally,
there are hundreds abroad ready and willing to help develop Guyana once the
right government is in place. A night that should have been a big one for the
party was marred as the make-shift stage set up for the rally collapsed with
party leaders. It wasn’t long before a decision was taken that allowed the
rally to proceed as speakers mounted the back of a pickup truck to articulate
the party’s message, much to the
appreciation of the crowd that gathered on
Burnham Court and over-spilled onto Middle Street . “This movement once
begun must not falter, it must not be turned back, there will be no retreat
there will be no surrender,” Trotman said to loud applause. Trotman said
the party has a plan to address the critical areas of public concerns of crime
and security, healing and reconciliation and jobs. “We believe in a stronger
and independent police force, not one rocked by scandal and corruption. We
believe in fighting crime viciously and equally as well as the causes of crime
such as poverty and ignorance,” Trotman
posited He said the AFC believes in a strong and sovereign state with the means
to protect itself from external and internal aggression. “We believe in
ensuring that the hatred, suspicion and animosity that have been played up by
politicians in the past can be rolled back if we celebrate our unique diversity
and
togetherness. We believe in the truth and we
believe in reconciliation. We believe in protecting the minds of the young from
people of the world who want to sow evil within them
and exploit them for their own
pleasures,” Trotman outlined. On investment, Trotman said the AFC
believes in providing opportunities for people to thrive in a wholesome
atmosphere where there are investments and development taking place within the
country and where there is trade in CARICOM and with our neighbours in the
south.
He said the leaders of the party have tried
to initiate change within their former parties but with no success.
“We stand on the threshold of history
and change and we are about to do something that has never been done. We stand
in the alliance for change against racism and bigotry, we stand against poverty
and backwardness and we stand against corruption and lawlessness…with you
we are ready to make a change,” Trotman implored. He told the gathering
that the road ahead will be difficult while warning of attempts to destroy the
movement so that it could miss its disappointment with destiny. Referring to
the 40 th Anniversary symbolically, Trotman said the party believes that life
can begin at 40. Trotman posited that the party’s list of candidates is sound
and will realise a new beginning and a new Guyana after August 28. “There
are hundreds more abroad who are ready, willing and able to bring their skills,
their wealth, their ideas and their love and passion but first the right
government must be in
place. We intend to be that government come
August 29,” Trotman said, pumping his fist in the air.
He said the AFC reaffirms its commitment to
work with all groups and all individuals who are prepared to work for this
wholesome change, noting that things are bad and much work has to be done.
Trotman implored the gathering not to vote race but vote for change. AFC
Chairman Sheila Holder, who took the microphone first after the stage
collapsed, urged that the spirit of God be invoked since there is fight raging
with an evil force. “In the days to come we are going to be tested far
more than we have been before,” Holder said, referring to the collapsed
stage. She stated the AFC has good cause to save the country from the racial
politics that has ruined Guyana for forty years. “The Alliance For Change
has a major task to break the evil back of racial politics that we the people
of this country have allowed to survive for forty years…We in the
Alliance For
Change are the vehicle to bring us out of
this,” Holder said. Party Leader Khemraj Ramjattan was also optimistic
about bringing an end to race-based voting. He believes that racial politics
must be purged and Guyanese must be able to see each other as brothers and
sisters “We have to realise that is Chanderpaul and Hooper who have to
score the runs for us; if we don’t realise that, we will be the failed state
that this PPP government is driving us
towards,” Ramjattan stated.
He described the Government as a group of
people who make promises and deliver scams. They cited the milk scam, the duty
free scam, the dolphin scam and the Roger Khan scam. “That is not good
government, that is not character, that is corruption. This is going to be the
movement [AFC] that is going to replace corruption and bring back character.
This is
the movement that will remove promise and
bring back principle because that is what we stand for,” Ramjattan
stated. He said the AFC realises that a country needs to have a private sector
wanting to stay to invest. “This country’s private sector because of what
this government does, all want to send their monies overseas; they all want to
send their children overseas,” Ramjattan concluded. He cited that the AFC
intends to break down the bureaucracy and cut the red tape that is associated with
Guyana ‘s investment climate.
height=8 id=”_x0000_i1036″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_10.jpg”>
Forty years ago, a nation was born. This
nation, as a child, was said to be full of promise and potential. She grew
quickly and was smart, but then started to show signs of illness. A deformity
soon became evident, and that was that her right foot and left foot always
became entangled with each other so that whenever one made a step forward the
other got in the way and tripped it down. Soon, the other limbs and organs
began to fail, as each found itself working independently and selfishly. The
result is that we now have a fortyyear-old nation that is underdeveloped and
abused and has found its progress retarded. We no longer can boast of having a
nation of one people striving for one destiny, but rather a collection of
peoples calling themselves indo and afro, indigenous, and mixed, with the
others being almost forgotten. Many have even been forced to renounce or deny
their Guyanese heritage because of the harassment and victimisation they
experience abroad.
This was not the Guyana that our foreparents
endured horror and hardship for, and shed their blood, sweat and tears for
centuries ago. This is not the El Dorado that Guyana has the potential to
become. Where did we go wrong? What did we do wrong?
We know what the problem is. The AFC has the
medicine to fix this aliment. This is going to be a bitter medicine that many
will refuse to drink and will even try to destroy. Some say get more financing
and reduce our debt and then all will be well, others point out that we need
healing and reconciliation and then the funds will come. Well, we in the AFC
believe that there can be no progress without healing and no healing without
progress. We have left this task to the responsibility of others, and despite
their best efforts they have been unable to get the job done. God knows we
ourselves tried from within to make a difference, and God knows as well that it
was not His desire for us to do so in our former parties. I, and the other
leaders within the AFC, have acknowledged our own responsibility to this grave
state of affairs that we find ourselves in, and having recognized where we
erred, we now ask for an opportunity to make it right.
Today, we stand on the threshold of time and
change ready to begin to confront the evils that have affected and retarded us.
We stand against racism and bigotry, we stand against poverty and backwardness,
and we stand against corruption and lawlessness. Today, with you, we stand
ready to make a change.
The number 40 is symbolic in many religions
and in many cultures. Today, we claim the symbolism of the forty and say that
life can begin again at 40. It is time for change.
The road ahead is going to be difficult.
There will be every attempt to destroy this movement so that it misses its
appointment with destiny. We are not going to let that happen. Brother will be
put against brother and sister against sister, but we assure you that we will
prevail. Rumour and lies will be sent up, and possibly even the weapon of fear
and intimidation, but they will not prevail, because we know with certainty,
however, that no weapon formed against us shall prosper.
Today, we pledge to remain steadfast and to
do our duty to the end, even if it means death, for a brighter and better
Guyana . This movement, once begun, must not falter and must not be turned
back.
The journey, begun nine months ago when we
launched our movement in the face of ridicule and skepticism, saw us days ago
presenting our lists of candidates, and for not one, but for all ten regions of
Guyana . The good and gracious gentleman who sought to describe us as
“wishy-washy rejects” found himself rejected when, in a moment of
infamy and disgrace, he tried to muscle past us to steal the glory at City
Hall. Then, they sank so low when they claimed that they will get more votes of
Afro-Guyanese than we do altogether. The AFC is not about Indo and Afro or
black and Indian, yellow or brown, we are about Guyana . We don’t count our
votes by colour but by numbers, and right now the numbers are in the tens of
thousands.
There is a higher force at work. The PPP
sought to challenge us with a larger crowd and they lost; they tried to bore
past us and they lost; they tried to attack us and they lost. People of Guyana
, gather your belongings, for the long wait in the wilderness of despair and
hopelessness is coming to an end. Come August 29 th the sun will rise in the
East and bring with it a new dawn, a new beginning, a new energy and a new
Guyana . It is time.
We ask you to enlist in our army for change.
Our cause is a just cause, and your reward will be great and immeasurable. In
the days ahead, remain steadfast, stand your ground, do your duty, pass the
word and gather in Guyanese of every walk of life. No one is to be excluded. It
is gathering time. In your thousands, you are called upon to rise up peacefully
and retake this country.
The people of Guyana have identified some
critical areas of concern, including crime and security and racial healing and,
of course, jobs! The AFC has a plan for all these, as you would have seen in
the publication of our Action Plan in the newspapers. We have decided against
publishing a traditional manifesto, which no one remembers after the day of
voting is over.
We believe in a stronger and independent
police force, not one rocked by scandal and corruption; we believe in fighting
crime viciously; and equally as well, the cause of crimes such as poverty and
ignorance; we believe in a strong and sovereign state with the means to protect
itself from external and internal aggression; and we believe in ensuring that
the hatred, suspicions and animosities, which have been played up by
politicians in the past, can be rolled back if we celebrate our unique
diversity and togetherness rather than keep highlighting our differences.We
believe in the truth and we believe in reconciliation. We believe in protecting
the minds of our young from people who would want to sow evil within and
exploit them for sadistic pleasures and banquets; and we believe in providing
opportunities for our people to thrive in a wholesome atmosphere where there
are investments and development taking place within the country, and trade with
our Caricom and South American friends.
We believe in a better tomorrow. That is why
all care and attention have been put into ensuring the right and the best people
were placed into positions on our lists of candidates, and that the best minds
have been recruited to craft our programmes for reform and restoration.
We caution that the task ahead is not just
about voting but, just as importantly, the period beyond is critical. In this
regard, the AFC pledges and reaffirms its commitment to work with all groups
and individuals who are prepared to work for Change. We welcome the objective
criticisms of others, and invite them as well to join us to complete the tasks
ahead. We know that we will not get everything right every time we set out to
do so, but we will learn from each experience as we get better and better.
We in the AFC are honoured that you have
chosen us to take you into the future. We will not disappoint you…IT IS
TIME…DON’T VOTE RACE, VOTE CHANGE!
We ask for your prayers and support and for
your guidance and protection, and yes, we ask as well for your votes.
NEW AMSTERDAM, BERBICE – People of all
races turned up at Main Street and Shoe Lane on Friday evening when the
Alliance For Change (AFC) held its rally in New Amsterdam .
There were screams of delight, chants and a
festive atmosphere as they got a glimpse of the party’s leaders. By the time
the main speakers took the podium, the crowd had reached thousands. “Stop
voting for race and vote for issues. Vote according to what you know is right;
not because your aunty, uncle, momma and papa voted one way means you have to
do it,” exhorted Presidential Candidate Raphael Trotman.
The party’s Prime Ministerial Candidate,
Khemraj Ramjattan, told the crowd of what he described as efforts to stifle the
small man who attempts to attain a plot of land for an investment, “How
can we move as a nation? We cannot!” He spoke too of corruption.
“And you know how we will cut it? We have to start with a leadership that
has some integrity.”
He called on persons to free up their minds
of radicalised politics. Mr. Trotman urged his supporters to read their action
plan. He said that he is at home in Berbice to defend his title and responded
to a statement made by one of his contenders at a political rally on the
Corentyne recently.
“I am told that he referred to me as a
jackass. Is it true?” At this point the crowd went wild and his
supporters shouted, “Yes!” He assured them, “But the AFC is a
dignified party…We are a civilized party…” He cited a song by
Dave Martins and the Trade Winds then said, “You can’t put a bridge at
the mouth
of a fast flowing river and hope it would stay…You
can’t build something and call it a health centre and people still got to go to
Georgetown for treatment…Who civilised and who’s the jackass?”
According to him, the 2004/2005 US annual report on Drug Control was a shameful
piece on Guyana . He said that cocaine was concealed in almost every type of
product to be
exported from these shores. He pointed
fingers at the government of the day when he acknowledged that none of his
members ever had a visa revoked. Vice Chair Sheila Holder said that the Alliance
For Change is no different from parties but the principle under which it
operates is committed to decency, honesty and integrity. The meeting was
punctuated by a number of cultural items.
Prime Ministerial Candidate of the Alliance
For Change Party Khemraj Ramjattan and Vice Chairman Sheila Holder left Guyana
today for Toronto Canada where they will meet members of the Guyanese Diaspora
living in Canada.
The two Leaders will be in Canada until
Thursday when they will return to Guyana. While in Toronto they will speak at a
major Fund Raising Dinner organized by the AFC members in Canada. The fund
Raising Dinner which is scheduled to be held on Wednesday Evening is expected
to attract Guyanese Businessmen and women and other AFC supporters living in
Canada.
Mr. Ramjattan and Mrs. Holder will present
the party’s plans and proposals for moving Guyana forward. In addition
they will present a status report on the preparations for General Elections in
Guyana and other aspects of the over all plan. Inclusive will be the
anticipated role of the Guyanese Diaspora in effecting the necessary change to
return progress and dignity to Guyana.
REGIONAL WALK AROUND
Regional Representatives of the Alliance For
Change party will meet with residents of Coomaka, Three Friends and old England
in Region 10 Linden and Upper Demerara in what is termed a Walk Around.
The Regional Representatives will walk around
these communities meeting residents and sharing with them the AFC vision and
plans for a better Guyana. In addition the Regional Representatives will
organize and hold video shows and conduct Road side discussions with residents.
THE AFC SPARKS BUZZ AND ENTHUSIASM
It has been close to two weeks now since
President Bharrat Jagdeo announced Nomination Day in Guyana. This announcement
officially launched the election campaign period in Guyana running up to
General Elections scheduled for August 28, 2006.
The battle lines have been drawn and the
major political parties in Parliament have begun their campaigning. However,
the newest party in the race in the Alliance for Change led by Raphael Trotman,
Presidential Candidate; Khemraj Ramjattan, Prime Ministerial Candidate and
Sheila Holder vice Chairman of the party.
Despite criticism from certain quarters that
the party is childish, fly by night and other choice campaign slugs the AFC has
demonstrated that it is a force to be reckoned with. That it has presented
itself as a Third Force in the tapestry of Guyanese politics is no idle boast
and contrary to Prem Misir’s contention that there is no real Third Force
in Guyana the AFC has been able to create quite a buzz and whipped up
enthusiasm among Guyanese young and old.
AFC is on the agenda and every where
discussions of which party will form the next government are not without the
AFC being regarded as a strong contender. Thousands of young Guyanese are
rallying around the AFC. Guyanese are coming out in their numbers to listen to
the AFC Leadership outline the party’s plans for a better Guyana.
At every rum-shop, beer garden, market place
or public meeting place the debate among peers is that it time for a change in
Guyana. Change from the old political structure with its inherent anachronisms.
Of course there are those who are afraid or are led to be afraid of change and
would feel comfortable with the status quo remaining as it is. There are
others, however, who contend that the AFC will bring about the required change
in Guyana.
The ruling People’s Progressive
Party/Civic (PPP/C) has declared that it will win and presumptuously advertised
its most recent rally at the Kitty Market Square as a victory rally. The
People’s National Congress Reform One Guyana (PNC/R OG) is also confident
that it too will win. All three parties, however, have attracted thousands of
persons at their rallies. The two major Political parties took to their strong
holds to launch the campaigns while the “new kid on the block”
without a traditional stronghold took to the city and kicked off with a rally
that attracted more than six thousand persons.
The fact that President Jagdeo, singled out
the AFC for scathing criticism at the launching of the PPP/C campaign at
Albion, Berbice, indicates that he sees the AFC as a threat, at least so the
people feel.
However, in spite of the rhetoric and regular
election promises from both the PPP/C and the PNC/R OG the people of Guyana are
balancing their chances of seeing real change in Guyana against the backdrop of
42 years of rule by the PNC and the PPP. Guyanese have not forgotten that the
economy of its country is now driven by the transshipment of drugs, mothers and
wives are terrified that their sons and husbands may not return home at nights.
Corruption is rife in Guyana, young people
are losing faith daily some commit suicide, murder and other serious offenses
are on the increase, hopelessness and joblessness dominate. However the PPP/C
believes Guyana is doing well and that public servants should be happy and
content with a minimum wage of $125.00 US per month.
What are the chances of the AFC winning the
General Elections? Well one can take a cue from the buzz and enthusiasm the AFC
has created in the country.
More than 300 persons comprising stall holders
and shoppers took time off from their usual Thursday afternoon shopping for
vegetable at Merriman Mall Bourda Green to listen to AFC speakers Desmond
Moses, Boyo Ramsaroop, Fahzeela Mohames and Trevor Millington.
The speakers touched on many issues facing
the Guyanese society and encouraged the listeners to give the AFC the well
deserved chance to return hope to Guyana and bring about the change every one
is so eagerly expecting.
The Youngest speaker Ms Mohamed pointed out
the wanton waste of vegetables and also hinted to the fact that Guyana can feed
itself and others. She noted the need for food processing plants and canning
industries which would not only provide job opportunities for Guyanese but
would create skills and allow Guyana to present its natural capital to the rest
of the world.
Indeed it is time that Guyana gets the
opportunity to present its uniqueness to the rest of the world but this can
only become possible with political leadership that goes beyond petty personal
gain and self aggrandizement.
The AFC in its meetings has been pointing
Guyanese to some of the areas to which the party will pay attention in creating
and returning pride and dignity to our country. Among these are health,
security, job opportunities, investment opportunities, education, foreign
relations, creation of wealth, and equitable access to opportunities for all
Guyanese based on abilities personal will and not on race or racial
considerations.
The AFC continues to create interest and
raise enthusiasm among Guyanese of all walks of life and the party is still
high on the agenda of the people and is a talking point in almost every
discussion on politics.
One pollster (NACTA Polls conducted by
Mr.Vishnu Bisram operating out of New York) claims that the AFC with a possible
15% chance at the General Elections while the PPP/C has 45 % and the PNC/R 28%.
His Poll suggests that out of a sample of 1,
238 respondents; the AFC moved from 13 % in July to 15 % in August while the
PPP/C moved from 42 % to 45 % and the PNC/R decreased from 29 % to 28 %. It
must be noted, however, that the NACTA poll sampled 569 Indians which accounts
for 45 or 46 % of the sample whereas other polls show that the present
population of Indians in Guyana is about 40 %.
MORE MAYHEM IN GUYANA
Reports from the ancient county of Berbice
have indicated that heavily robbers attacked and robbed two commercial banks at
Rose Hall Corentyne Coast East Berbice and injured at least one person.
It has not yet been confirmed whether only
one person was injured and how much money was stolen from the banks. Reports
are sketchy; but what is clear is that something is amiss. What is more evident
is that the PPP/C government is incapable of protecting Guyanese in and out of
Guyana. They have no control of the crime spree and the people are losing
confidence if they have not yet lost it, in the Police, the National Security
Forces and the ability of the government to curb crime. Many Guyanese are of
the view that a government cannot be mate to drug lords and try to master crime
at the same time, drugs and crime are inextricably intertwined.
The Peoples’ Progressive Party/Civic is
running true to form and continues to advocate a desire to exercise control of
the public service ultra vires the Laws Guyana. More Particularly President
Bharrat Jagdeo has been promising that one of his post elections plan is to
revamp the Guyana Police Force. To give credence to this promise or as another
elections gimmick the government has contracted the services of Ex- New York
Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik to assist in the revamping of the Police
Force.
It was made clear by the President that he is
dissatisfied with the present constitutional protection of Senior Ranks of the
Police Force. At the moment the Constitution provides for the appointment of
Officers of the Police Force to be made by the Police Service Commission. As
such the President cannot unilaterally install nor remove any such officers, although
it is he who appoints the Commissioner of Police.
Last Thursday August 10, 2006 the President
publicly stated that he should be able to appoint persons to the joint services
and be able to remove them but that at the moment his hands are tied.
The operative word here is “I.”
The President by his own admission wants to be able to personally appoint
Officers whereas at the moment Officers of the police Force are provided
constitutional protection, which the President regards as uncomfortable
restrictions.
This could only lead to persons being
appointed who have partisan interests rather than interest in the fair and
professional execution of their duties. The appointment and removal of Senior
Officers, by the Police Service Commission provides the checks and balances
against such anomalies.
THE NUMBERS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES
At Leonora West Coast Demerara a community
once known as a PPP/C stronghold the PPP/C and the PNC/R at their recent public
meetings in that community could only attract crowds of less than 100 persons
while the AFC at its public meeting last evening Friday August 11, 2006 amassed
a crowd of more than 500 persons in that community.
The crowd was jubilant and cheered with vigor
as they listened to Raphael Trotman, Khemraj Ramjattan, Sheila Holder, and Boyo
Ramsaroop deliver the party’s message and plans.
Boyo Ramsaroop was a well known PPP/C
Activist with more than 20 years service to the PPP. He has become dissatisfied
with the hypocrisy and failed policies of the PPP/C and has moved to the AFC,
he provides a wealth of experience and is a tower of strength. When compared
with the attendance of at the PPP/C and the PNC/R meetings the turn out of
people at the AFC meetings and their responses provide reasonable indication of
the continued fervor among Guyanese in their quest for change.
More so the PPP/C cannot find fault I the AFC
because party comes with clean hands to the people in the absence, therefore,
of political impediments the PPP/C has sunken to attacking not the ideas and policies
of the AFC for which they can find no fault, but the physical appearance of the
AFC Leaders.
The AFC on the other hand is maintaining its
dignity and decency and not allowing itself to be drawn into argumentum ad
homenim. It is not surprising that the PPP/C would resort to such tactics for
what can they tell the Guyanese People when amid all the noise and clamor
criminals are bold facedly carrying their murderous acts of terror with
impunity in spite of the PPP/C gimmicks and promises. To convince an electorate
takes more than rhetoric, taunts and stand up comedy; it requires a delivery
with substance and that is lacking what the PPP/c speakers had to offer the
people at their meetings on the West Coast Demerara. Why would the PPP/c garner
only 50 persons at a public meeting at Leonora their one time stronghold?
Simple they did not bus in supporters as is the trend in their rent a crowd
tactics and because out of nothing cometh nothing.
The afternoon sun set gently in the community
of Grove East Bank Demerara as technicians test their equipment in preparation
for the AFC public meeting. The sound of the powerful loud speakers brought out
hundreds of residents as they converged at the cross roads. Hundreds of others
stood at their gates and from their verandahs listened to the introductory
speakers.
For as far as 300 yards along the two
intersecting streets men, women, and children stood listening to the powerful
and dynamic presentations of Boya Ramsaroop, Neilson McKenzie, Miguel Singh
among others.
Prime Ministerial Candidate Khemraj Ramjattan
was the main speaker. Like Boyo Ramsaroop, he told the residents of deceitful
nature of the PPP/C and their intention to keep Guyana where it is.
Mr. Ramjattan emphasized the dangers of
racial politics and racial voting. Ho noted that both the PPP/C and the PNC/R
are pedaling falsehoods about the AFC because both parties are bent on
continuing racial politics and on creating a false image of the AFC.
Ramjattan declared emphatically that the AFC
is an independent party and has no intention of joining forces with either the
PPP/C or the PNC/R. He said the AFC will give its votes to neither of the two
because to get into bed with either of them is to be just like them. Birds of
Feather flock together and the AFC is not of the feather of PPP/C or PNC/R it
is a party after its own making with a vision to carry Guyana forward, bring an
end to fear, racial politics, racial insecurity, and ensure equitable distribution
of resources to all Guyanese.
He chided the PPP/C for its inability to
accept new ideas and the PNC/R for turning a blind eye to the truth. Referring
to the partly constructed roads, which indicate a hurried attempt to impress
the residents of Grove Ramjattan noted that it a tactic of the PPP/C to rush
into villages just before elections commence infrastructural works when they
had 5 years before to do it in an attempt to beguile the people into believing
that they are doing something for them. But as the youthful Miguel Singh had
earlier put it, the construction of roads and drainage are not favours being
done by the government; it is their duty and a duty that should have been
carried out long before.
All the speakers called for unity and oneness
on mind that is to turn Guyana around the AFC must be given the chance.
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young people for jobs. Recruit professional qualified teachers by providing an
incentive package for primary and secondary teachers that better reflects the
worth of their work to society and
includes special arrangement to assist
teachers in owning a home. An Employment Insurance programme that provides job
training and self employment assistance. Train women in non – traditional
sectors. Provide the opportunity of finding alternative means of employment.
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Nursery to University to ensure that educational and management methods are
effective and relevant for students in all regions, include subjects that will
lead to a better understanding and appreciation of our religions, and civic
responsibilities in the national curriculum.
Distance and open learning education
programmes for Indigenous Peoples and people living in the hinterland areas.
Train teachers to use teaching methods that recognize that they are many ways
of defining intelligence and that each child has a special intelligence and
motivation which teachers, parents and others working with children have an
obligation to discover and build upon.
Provide school uniforms and text books to the
most vulnerable as defined by a means test.
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people to travel in – country to work on volunteer community projects
while acquiring skills and deepening their love for the country. Social
Assistance that provides opportunities for unemployed persons to be trained
while receiving benefits. Provide on going opportunities and incentives for
training and skills building. Embark on a public awareness campaign to educate
the youths about their responsibilities and to be law abiding citizens.
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activities for youth. Introduce quality out of school sporting, recreational,
cultural, entrepreneurial and other programmes from primary to secondary
school. Create and strengthen initiatives such as a national orchestra, a
national dance company and prizes for literature and the performing arts.
Festivals for the celebration of the performing and literary arts.
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vulnerable groups. Programmes to use the skills and experience of retired
professionals to train youths for job opportunities. Introduce quality out of
school entrepreneurial and other programmes from Primary to Secondary. Training
programmes to teach youths to use computers as a tool for enchancing their job
skills.
SCHOLARSHIPS?
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brightest and the best with the opportunity to realize their dreams. Reform the
system for granting National Awards to the youths for outstanding achievement.
Certificates in youth participation
HOUSING?
Guarantee every citizen a home by providing
funds for rental and mortgage supplements and incentives to banks to extend
mortgage loans at reduced interest rates.
Citizens of Georgetown today were forced to
make a detour around the Georgetown Prisons as Police, Soldiers and the Fire
Service ranks cordoned off the area around the Prisons.
There has been much ado about the conditions
in the prisons particularly the remand section. Over the past few days inmates
have been behaving riotous damaging sections of the prison and causing anxiety
and fears of a planned jail break. The city is tense after the senseless
killing of the four staffers of the Kaiteur Newspaper Printery. Over the
weekend the fifth employee of Kaiteur News Newspaper Printery
succumbed to the gun shot injuries he
received.
Yesterday three of the suspected bank robbers
who carted off millions of dollars from the Republic Bank and Demerara Bank at
Rose Hall on the Corentyne Coast, Berbice were killed by Police and millions of
dollars along with two AK 47 Assault Rifles were recovered. The Guyana Defence
Force has announced that the weapons were from the set stolen from its
Headquarters at Thomas Lands a few months ago. The Army and Police continue to
have a strong presence in the Buxton/Victoria
Backlands. The three suspects, however, were killed deep in the backlands
somewhere near Brotherson, Canje Creek, Berbice.
However even as major unrest exists at the
Georgetown prison Magistrates today were still remanding persons accused of
bailable offences as if to add to the chaos and confusion at the Prison. The
conditions at the Georgeotwn Prison are below human standards, as rancid air
reeking with the stench of human sweat, feaeces and urine replaces oxygen. Men
sleep huddled
together in much the same manner as human
slaves were stacked in the holds of ships from Africa to the West Indies.
Today on remand who are on the self-support
plan had to go without meals as relatives could not get close to the prison to
deliver meals. Many returned home while other waited for hours in the broiling
sun, until the food they brought became spoiled and then left with the hope
that by this evening they may be able to take dinner for their relatives. In
the meanwhile the PPP/C government turns a blind eye to the human suffering at
the Prisons and the violation of Article 141 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana,
which states that
Many Guyanese are expressing shock at the age
of the persons committing crimes in Guyana many of them are as young as 11
years of age. One 19 year old youth nicknamed “skinny” along with
three others, was arrested over the weekend by Police. He is suspected to be
the brain behind the murder of Kaiteur Newspaper Printery Staff.
It is noteworthy that these young-men were
toddlers in1992 when the PPP/C took hold of the reins of power. They have since
been the victims of, joblessness and hopelessness and have lived all their
lives in abject poverty, their parents themselves victims of the same
pernicious state of affairs. Meanwhile the only solution the PPP/C offers to
solve the social problem of poverty and crime is to kill the victim cum
perpetrator.
With the upcoming elections foremost in the
minds of most Guyanese, the citizens of Georgetown are reeling from one
shocking crime to another.
The city is tense after the senseless killing
of the four staffers at the Kaiteur Newspaper Printery. Over the weekend, we
have learnt that the fifth employee of Kaiteur News Newspaper Printery, has
succumbed to the gun shot injuries he received during the brazen and utterly
lawless attack. Yesterday three of the suspected bank robbers who carted off
millions of dollars from the Republic Bank and the Demerara Bank at Rose Hall
on the Corentyne, Berbice were killed
by Police and millions of dollars along with
two AK 47 Assault Rifles were recovered. Officials from the Guyana Defense
Force have confirmed that the weapons were from the set stolen from its
Headquarters at Thomas Lands a few months ago.
Meanwhile, the Army and Police continue to
have a strong presence in the Buxton/Victoria Backlands to deter any further
violence. Amidst all of this, citizens of Georgetown were today forced to make
a detour around the Georgetown Prisons as Police, Soldiers and the Fire Service
ranks cordoned off the area causing anxiety and fears of a planned jailbreak.
Over the past few days, inmates at this facility have been rioting and have
damaged several sections of the jail, which is located within Georgetown.
It has been reported that the conditions at
the Georgetown Prison are below human standards, as rancid air reeking with the
stench of human sweat, faeces and urine replaces oxygen. Men sleep huddled
together in much the same manner, as human slaves were stacked in the holds of
ships from Africa to the West Indies.
If this was not enough, Magistrates are still
remanding persons accused of bailable offences thus adding to the chaos and
confusion at the already overcrowded and festering Prison. While the ruling
government appears to be turning a blind eye to the human suffering at the
Prisons, most Guyanese are expressing shock at the age of the persons
committing crimes in Guyana. Many of these offenders are as young as 11 years
of age. One 19-year-old youth nicknamed “skinny” along with three
others, was arrested over the weekend by Police. He is suspected of being the
brain behind the murders at Kaiteur Newspaper.
It is argued these youths are themselves
victims of joblessness and hopelessness and have lived all their lives in
abject poverty. Their parents themselves are victims of the same pernicious
state of affairs. It would appear that the social fabric of Georgetown has
degenerated to that of a cesspool and that citizens are bracing themselves
since the worse is yet to come if significant changes are not made.
As more news becomes available, this hotline
will be updated.
If you are at all concerned with the state of
affairs in Guyana, please help spread the word. Have your friends and family
call this toll free hotline so that they too can listen to the message of hope
and begin to exert the change that is necessary to lift our once proud homeland
up from the bottom of the barrel. We would also love to hear from you. You can
press the # sign on your touch-tone phone to leave us a message. Meanwhile, do
your part.
Spread the word. Be a catalyst for change.
God bless you and God bless Guyana.
Unrest continued top prevail today at the
Georgetown Prisons as inmates continued to behave riotously in protest against
the inhumane conditions they are made to dwell in. It has been revealed that
persons on remand for narcotics are also housed in the Capital Block
irrespective of whether the allegation relates to a minor quantity. In Guyana
the
presumption of innocence does not apply to
persons on Narcotics charges as such a person accused of being in possession of
6 grams or Marijuana or as little as ½ gram of cocaine will be remanded
without bail. It has become so ridiculous that one accused on remand has been
there for 9 months on a charge of Larceny and he has not been afforded a trial
date, another person was
yesterday remanded by a Magistrate on an
accusation of depriving a woman of a gold chain, while yet another person is on
remand for Assault. These are all bailable offences. Magistrates have been
indicating that they are being instructed by the Chief Justice as to how, when
and in what circumstances to grant or refuse bail. In other cases bail is being
used as a punishment and is set beyond the affordability of defendants thus
leaving them to be incarcerated. The Chief Justice is acting Chancellor of the
Judiciary, while still the incumbent Chief Justice a situation that is rife
with political considerations and clearly against the
Constitution of Guyana.
It appears that for questionable reasons the
Chief is interfering with or fettering the discretion of Magistrates as it
relates to bail and to how they should execute their duties as such the prison
is unacceptably overcrowded and unhealthy. There has been a recent out break of
chicken pox in the remand sections of the prison the medical needs of inmates
are catered for by a Medics and not a full time Doctor. The Prison authorities
have complained to the Minister of Home Affairs but the situation remains the
same. Meanwhile the same Minister of Home Affairs Gail Texeira recently
announced that the government that is the PPP/C government wants armed
criminals and gang members who
have been terrorizing villages dead or alive
but more particularly dead. In the circumstances there seems to be no concern
for such perpetrators to be brought to justice so that the
courts could be possessed of all the facts
surrounding the activities of these persons. Many questions remain unanswered
as to how these bands or armed youths acquired high powered assault rifles, who
is financing their operations, where the 30 Rifles (AK 47) stolen from the
Guyana Defence Force are located these and several other questions will remain
unanswered if these men are killed on sight as seems to be the interest of the
PPP/C government and like so many other questions and missing persons and
sponsored murders there will be no answers and no trials.
One Magistrate in protest yesterday adjourned
all cases indefinitely and walked off the bench.
AFC presidential candidate Raphael Trotman
says that power has to be given back to the people starting with the Office of
the President.
In an interview with Stabroek News, he said the
Alliance For Change (AFC) has been campaigning in strongholds of the PPP/C and
PNCR and is aiming to secure at the minimum, 34 parliamentary seats. "If
the AFC treats these areas as strongholds of other political parties, that
would daunt our spirits, and make us apprehensive and fearful, but we are
confident," he said.
On the campaign trail in known PPP/C or PNCR
strongholds there has been no open or naked hostility, he said, noting that the
complaint they get is that people need to hear more from the AFC on the need to
end racial politics and violence. He noted that the party’s message on the need
for development that sees all Guyanese working together has been well received.
Asked to comment on remarks that he and prime
ministerial candidate Khemraj Ramjattan were not electable because of their
past association with the PNCR and PPP/C, Trotman said that "people who
are bitter" would make those statements. He said that the voters recognise
that the leadership of the AFC is different and that the alliance is making
inroads in "so-called strongholds."
He cited as unacceptable the outburst on
Nomination Day by PPP/C’s presidential candidate Bharrat Jagdeo, that the PPP/C
would gather more Afro Guyanese votes than all of the AFC’s votes together. The
AFC, Trotman said, does not go around seeking support by colour but its support
is coming from Guyanese from all walks of life.
Noting too that some disparaging personal
remarks were made against the AFCs leadership at the PPP/C rally at Albion, he
said that based on all he has read, heard and seen on television, all the
contesting parties, with the exception of the PPP/C, were trying to address
issue-based politics but the PPP/C was behaving as though they were characters
in a comic strip by making references to cock-eyed policies in evoking laughter
and trying to ridicule.
Issue-based campaign
"The PPP/C cannot speak to crime issues
because the crime rate has increased a hundred fold over the last five years.
They have failed in crime, infrastructure, health, and in terms of the economy.
They cannot come with an issue-based campaign. In their campaign, they would
have to personalise the attacks on the leaders of other parties," he said.
On the alliance’s governance plan, Trotman
said the AFC believes that power has to be given back to the people starting
with the devolution of power from the Office of the President and reshaping the
regional system to be more involved in the decision-making and implementation
processes. The AFC believes that the Regional Executive Officer should be an
elected official as it has found that the REO’s position has become very
political.
He thinks that "the traditional notion
of public servants being insulated from political interference and influence
has been shattered in Guyana. One has to only look at the PPP/C list of
candidates and find that there are two permanent secretaries on the list of
candidates… We have found in all the regions that the persons appointed REOs
invariably have been persons who operate at the displeasure of the citizenry
but based in part on the diktat of the party to benefit supporters and their
family members while the poor struggle to eke out a living."
He feels that as obtains in other countries,
where municipalities are treated like corporations, the chief accounting
officers for the administrative regions should be elected. If they cannot
perform then they should be removed from office in local government elections.
And apart from the mayors, town clerks too should be elected.
He said it was agreed generally that the
winner-take-all system was not working for Guyana so that on taking office the
AFC would offer 50% of cabinet offices to other parties and technocrats.
Because the winner-take-all system has failed he said the AFC would initiate some
constitutional engineering to start the process of change in governance.
Asked what the AFC’s main priority or concern
is, Trotman said crime and security in keeping with the views of the Guyanese
people, and the AFC has drawn up plans with the help of security experts in and
out of Guyana. To highlight this issue, he related that on Wednesday an
Indo-Guyanese woman made him her ‘rakhi’ brother. As she was doing so at the
AFC’s office in Cummings Street, he said, she said she was doing so on behalf
of Hindu women who were living in fear. "She was literally trembling and
moved to tears as she spoke. She said it was their belief that the AFC could
protect them and asked me to do so," he said.
Ministry of
National Security
One of the planks of the security plan is to
form a ministry of national security. "We intend to transform and transfer
the functions of the ministry of home affairs. We intend to build a new prison
outside of Georgetown, resuscitate a special squad to respond to vicious crime
and criminals, consolidate and reform all criminal law legislation looking at
the entire process from investigation to prosecution, sentencing and
punishment, and to appoint special categories of prosecutors for special
categories of crimes such as drugs and those in which guns are used."
Trotman said that transforming the economy
would be difficult but the party has its strategic plan, which was put together
with local and international planners and economists, for wealth generation and
job creation. It includes excerpts from the National Development Strategy
document which was pulled together by a number of local experts.
Campaign financing
Speaking about the AFC campaign financing,
Trotman said that contrary to popular belief that the party was overflowing
with money, the AFC has struggled. He said one of the advantages of joining the
race late was that the AFC did not have to sustain a party over a period of
time so they put all the resources into campaigning "but we have begun to
look beyond campaigning for the long term."
The AFC has benefited from contributions from
persons in the diaspora, particularly London, New York, Atlanta, Washington and
Toronto. Locals involved in business and commerce have also assisted. "The
talk of millions coming from different governments is as mythical as Raleigh’s
El Dorado. We have not received any funding from any foreign government or any
foreign government-funded institution in Canada, England or the USA. It has not
happened. It will never happen and the AFC would not accept even if
offered," he said.
He understands that one political party rang
the US-based National Democratic Institute (NDI) to find out whether the AFC
had received any funding from them.
Talking about the elections, Trotman said
that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has gone ahead with poll
preparations for August 28 but the AFC was still concerned about GECOM’s lack
of communication on elections security before, during and after polls, the
transmission of results from the place of poll to GECOM, the manner of the
declaration of results given past instances where a statement of poll reflected
a certain number of votes for a certain party but by the time it reached GECOM
the results had changed.
The AFC is also concerned about the printing
and the sanctity and integrity of ballot papers during and after poll. "It
would appear that the devil goes to work after six in the Guyana
elections," Trotman said noting that activities after that hour need to be
carefully scrutinised.
Exit poll Even though international and local
observers monitored the elections in the past, he said there have been
complaints that the majority did not witness the count of ballots leaving room
for electoral fraud and as such the AFC has decided to do exit polling using a
reputable firm. The Gallup Poll organisation is likely to conduct the exit poll
so that by nine at night on the day of elections, the AFC would know what to
expect.
Trotman said that one of the complaints about
the international observers is that they leave the next day or at the close of
polls without witnessing the count of ballots. He believes that the elections
are conducted in four parts – registration, polling day, the declaration of
results and the swearing-in. The observers need to be on the ground throughout
the entire period, he said.
And as GECOM has given assurances that
credible elections could be held within a limited time frame given
constitutional dilemmas, Trotman said the commission would have to accept the
consequences of failure, which would be dire if the elections are badly
handled.
He said the AFC has also written to the
Chairman of GECOM, Dr Steve Surujbally, expressing the AFC’s displeasure at the
meeting convened only for the government and the PNCR1G platform which sends a
message across the board that preferential treatment was being given to the two
against the other eight contesting parties. GECOM should have held individual
meetings or collectively with all ten contesting parties, he said. The AFC has
had no response since.
The fact that the AFC was in the race coming
only months after the party’s launch and being able to garner support and
candidates in all ten regions to contest the presidential, national
parliamentary and regional elections, was a tremendous achievement, he said.
He is urging that on the eve of elections
day, all AFC candidates, members and supporters spend the day in prayer and
reflection.
The Alliance For Change continues to draw larger
crowds at its public meetings than the PPP/C and the PNC/R 1 Guyana. Last
evening August 17, 2006 the AFC held a meeting at Festival City Entrance
Georgetown where it amassed a sizeable crowd. Many persons returning home from
work stopped to listen while others came out of their homes.
The meeting was punctuated with recorded
music much to the delight of the audience, which numbered about 150 persons. It
was reported that in the same area the PPP/C only managed to attract about ten
persons. This has been the trend from the commencement of the elections
campaign.
Prime Ministerial Candidate Khemraj
Ramjattan, and Vice Chair Sheila Holder were the main speakers. The crowd
cheered and shouted in agreement as the dynamic leaders outlined the
party’s position on crime, job opportunities and as they debunked the
PPP/C statements and advertisements. Also adding to the enthusiasm were
Attorney-at-Law Gomattie Singh and
At the AFC meetings people are also coming
forward and seeking membership on the spot at the moment the AFC membership has
risen to well over 7,000 persons a frightening position for the both the PPP/C
and the PNC/R 1G
MORE SUSPECTED BANK ROBBERS KILLED IN BERBICE
Reports from New Amsterdam Berbice have
indicated that during last night or the wee hours to this morning security
forced killed two more suspected bank robbers and wounded another thus
accounting for eight persons killed so far.
The wounded suspect up to this morning was in
police custody and it was unclear whether he was taken to the hospital for
medical attention. Three other suspects in the bank robberies were arraigned
before the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on indictments and were not
required to plead.
Persons continue to air concerns over what
seems to be a deliberate plan to wipe out the suspected bank robbers. In the
meantime the Guyana Defence Force claims that the AK 47 rifles recovered from
the bank robbers were from the set stolen from its Headquarters in Georgetown.
PPP/C NEW AMSTERDAM TURN OUT DISAPPOINTING
Presidential Candidate for the PPP/C has been
in Berbice over the past two days on the campaign trail. That party attracted
fair crowds on the Corentyne Coast albeit smaller than in the past. Thousands
of Guyanese from the Corentyne dubbed a PPP/C stronghold had migrated out of
dissatisfaction. The young people on the other hand are clamourng for a change
and a chance to see their country stand among respected nations in the world.
The PPP/C meeting which was held over the
past two days in New Amsterdam attracted a disappointingly small crowd of some
50 persons though the main speaker was the party’s Presidential Candidate
and the incumbent President.
It is believed that the PPP/C miscalculated
its impact in New Amsterdam based on the recent hurried infrastructural works
commenced in that township. The AFC rally in New Amsterdam at the intersection
of Main Road and Shoe Lane had attracted thousands of supporters and residents.
The Alliance For Change (AFC) continues to
remain optimistic about the upcoming Regional and General Elections slated for
next Monday. Through the expert advice of Party Adviser Dick Morris, the AFC
had retained the services of a polling company, Arcop, which according to
reports is one of Mexico’s best. At a press conference Friday at the party’s
Cummings Street office, Morris said that it was observed that, based on recent
polls, the AFC has surged past the PNCR-1G and now holds
a firm second place while the PPP/C remains
in the lead. According to the Arcop poll, the PPP/C is in first place with 36
per cent of the votes, the AFC in second with 27 per cent and the PNCR-1G in
third with 19 per cent. “It is now clear that the real opponent of the
PPP/C is the AFC,” Morris declared, adding that the PNCR-1G is no longer
the opposition. He pointed out that the PNCR-1G’s assertion that a vote for the
AFC is a wasted vote is totally wrong since the AFC is the only party which
stands a chance at beating the PPP/C. The sampling design for the polls was
based on the construction of a sampling frame that combines the information of
the list of voters by districts of Guyana from the Guyana
Elections Commission internet website.
According to polling specialist Fidel
Gimenez, all of the people involved in carrying out interviews were properly
trained and supervised and were not affiliated with any other parties. Polls
were conducted in all ten administrative regions and Gimenez said that it was
not the size of the sample that mattered but rather the quality of the sample
where it unveiled
the issues to be addressed in a particular
area.
According a release from the AFC, in the
survey pollsters asked those who did not vote for the PPP/C “which party
has the better chance of defeating the PPP/C: the PNCR-1G and Corbin or the AFC
and Trotman?” Voters said that the AFC and Trotman had a better chance of
winning by 48 per cent to 33 per cent, while in a previous poll on August 8
when the same question was asked the
PNCR was favoured as having the best chance
of defeating the PPP/C by 38 to 28 per cent. This was regarded as
‘”The Tipping Effect” by Morris who predicted that the AFC is
now poised to make a run at the PPP/C. He predicted, too, that the all of those
races who are disappointed at the record of crime, corruption, sheltering of
drug dealers and violence that the current PPP/C Government
has brought to Guyana will now rally behind
the AFC and propel it to victory. The polls also addressed which party people
think would do a more effective job at promoting jobs and helping the economy;
fighting crime and drugs; and ending racial politics. The polling result for
August 16 showed that the PPP/C garnered 34, 28, and 28 per cent in each
respective category, the PNCR-1G with 21, 20 and 18 per cent while the AFC
acquired 29, 31 and 34 per cent. And the
Kaieteur News killings were among the subjects addressed by the polls. Thirty-
nine per cent of the sample believes that the killings were politically
motivated while 32 per cent believe that it is very likely that the killers
wanted to sabotage the elections by creating a climate of fear. As such the
question of which party (AFC or PNCR-1G) will be the best party to bring fresh,
new ideas to Government, and attract young voters, the AFC was unchallenged by
the
PNCR-1G according to the results of the poll
with 57 and 59 in each respective category compared to the PNCR-1G’s 25 and 26
per cent. Regarding Arcop as one of the most accurate polling companies,
Polling Specialist Fidel Gimenez told Kaieteur News that Arcop has conducted
three polls for the AFC. These were completed on July 8, August 8 and August 16
which showed the AFC constantly building momentum in its acquisition of votes
and according to another Polling Specialist,
Luis Rosales, the ‘tipping effect’ is
likely to continue. And while no poll can guarantee a party’s victory, Luis
Rosales, also of Arcop, said that the purpose was intended to help the party
derive strategies for its campaign. He said that although the AFC is already
quite a sophisticated party it still needs a scientific way to determine
exactly where it stands in terms in votes. He pointed out though that there
could be some disadvantages to the polling system since it could be used by
corrupt sects to defraud the electoral process thus making the need
for exit polls imperative.
2006-8-28 7:00pm Campaign
Mgr’s unofficial assessment by Mr. Oma Sewhdat
We started getting calls around 5:30 am
saying that the AFC polling agents were being shut out from polling stations
across the country this am. The Returning Officers were demanding a ‘letter
of appointment’ in addition to ID cards. This letter was never a
requirement, and this was later confirmed by the Chairman of GECOMM Dr.
Surujbally.
The strange thing was that both the PPP and PNC
agents apparently had the requested letter in hand when they showed up and were
allowed in. So this illegal request by the Returning Officers was of obviously
known to the PPP and PNC ahead of time and all the Returning Officers across
the country were trained to ask for it…. But it was not a requirement and
the request was illegal. How do you explain that?
In addition those of our AFC agents who were
let in and those who were let in later after we protested, find themselves not
being given a list of voters for verification, while other agents are given
lists to be used for verification. How weird is that? For the lists, our agents
will try to verify with other agents’ lists, but they will have a hard
time. We are asking them to write down each person’s name who votes in
case we need it later.
GECOMM chair Dr. Surujbally was on TV about
11 am to clarify that this was wrong. He said that he instructed the Ret
Officers to let our people in based on their ID. He also contacted the
Commissioner of police asking him to not let the police stop our people who
have cards. So they both instructed the Ret officers to let the people in based
on their IDs, because that’s the law. Problem is – we only got into the
polling places around 11 am on average, and we do not know what was done, given
what I described above.
We have alerted all the observer orgs and
they are fanning out to go make their own assessments. We are trying to think
ahead about what will happen and what other surprise will happen when the polls
close. We are now getting reports from Berbice that our people are now being
told that without the ‘illegal’ letter, they will not be able to
observe the count. We have our lawyers working on that
This is all very irregular and smells of
mischief. It cannot be a coincidence that the Returning Officers are asking
illegally for a letter which was never a requirement, and the PPP and PNC
agents turn up with prepared letters when they showed up this morning.. you be
the judge. On the matter of the lists, it is inconceivable to me that our
people will noit be given lists. I spoke with the EU and other bodies who said
that they inquired about this.. are there enough lists and will all agents and
observers get copies. They were told yes. They also said that they were at
GECOMM today and that there were piles of lists there.. so you figure that
out..
It’s totally ridiculous, but we have
regrouped and will stay the course. We are not sure what tricks they will pull
after the polls close, but we are lining up people and lawyers where available
across the country to get engaged if reports of mischief start coming through.
2006-9-1: To the People of
Guyana
To the People of Guyana
As we await the results of the election the
Alliance for Change would like to say to all Guyanese how much we have
appreciated your support since we started this movement to fundamentally change
our country. Even if you did not vote for us we want to engage you in the continuing
process of healing and reconciliation. At this juncture as we consider the
results of the election we want to thank all those who gave of themselves and
their resources and for the warmth and encouragement with which
we were greeted in every region and in every
home that we visited. We respect everyone’s choice and now that the
election is over we expect people to move forward together as
Guyanese to help in the reconstruction of
this nation. The AFC entered this election race with the intention of ending
the racial divide and stopping the cycle of post election violence and it is
our expectation that all Guyanese now realize that we are mature enough to
conduct an election just like we go about life from day to day, sharing our
space together and living like brothers and sisters.
The AFC entered this election to deny any
single party a majority in parliament so that our parliamentary system for the
first time could better articulate the needs and aspirations
of a wider section of the Guyanese society,
and be more accountable as a society. The AFC entered this election to be the
conscience of the nation, to ensure inclusiveness and to provide representation
for the people in parliament in a responsible and constructive way.
We are willing to work with all the parties
and the people of Guyana in taking this country forward and stand unwavering in
our quest for full accountability and transparency in the
affairs of this nation to the people of
Guyana. To Guyanese in the diaspora we would like to say how much we value your
contributions to our efforts, the opening of your hearts, and your promise of
continuing support in the journey ahead.
We will create a better Guyana if we continue
to shed the weight of racial division and utilize the skills and energy of all,
for the benefit of all. The struggle continues.
2006-9-2: AFC will continue
to be a force to be reckoned with – - Ramjattan -Sees sixth seat in the offing
The Alliance for Change (AFC) has pledged to
continually be a force to be reckoned with, and assured its supporters that the
party will be around for the next elections.
Speaking yesterday at a press conference at
the party’s Lime and Bent Streets office, AFC Leader Raphael Trotman said its
contributors are elated at the party’s performance, and
many more Guyanese will gradually begin to
view the movement in a new light.
“…there will be more who see
things the way we do. Guyana will continue to grow and the AFC will be part of
that process,” Trotman said.
He stated that some Guyanese have already
decided to eschew racial voting and forge a new path towards unity.
According to Trotman, the AFC’s only regret
is that it did not prevent a single party from amassing a majority.
However, he said this is overshadowed by the
significant breakthrough in the pattern of voter trends in Guyana .
He noted that the party is still finalising
arrangements to fill the five seats in parliament even though there might be a
sixth seat to fill.
Trotman explained that five ballot boxes from
Linden are still to be counted and the party has information that it has won an
additional seat in parliament.
“We feel that we are entitled to a
sixth seat and we are checking to see in terms of transparency…We have
asked GECOM to count the remaining ballots,” Trotman disclosed.
He said the argument that AFC has split the
PNC’s votes is without merit, since a combination of the votes would not have
made a difference.
Trotman said that accepting offers to join the
government is not on the party’s agenda, but AFC is willing to work along with
all parliamentary bodies.
“But we do have our own programme of
minimum works that we expect to see the government deliver,” AFC Chairman
Sheila Holder remarked.
Holder said there has not been a level
playing field and legislation should be put in place to ensure that funds spent
on campaign trails are legitimate.
According to Trotman, the winner-take-all
system has long stifled Guyana and the party is anticipating significant
political reforms.
He stated that the party has received gifts
and loans in the form of vehicles and computers that have assisted in their
success.
Trotman stated that the AFC polls were a
major contributor and the party has kept in daily contact with Dick Morris.
He noted that the low voter turnout might be
a signal that the electorate has rejected the proposals of the respective
parties.
Commenting on the low support from Region
Six, Khemraj Ramjattan said the people were led by the PPP to believe that a
vote for the AFC is a vote for the PNC.
Ramjattan said this was improper on the part
of the PPP. He noted that the party has not been without its share of
campaigning terror, and had to deal with the detainment of one of its activists
in the bank robbery, the spray painting of a supporter’s temple and the firing
of another supporter.
However, the party said it is not daunted by
the harsh devices and will continue to grow from each experience.
2006-9-17: The Alliance for
Change Column • Voices of its principles-Why so much arrogance so
early?(Kaieteur News) There must always be an ever-present
adherence to the rule of law and constitutional governance by the political
leadership of a democracy. Such an adherence is what makes a democracy alive,
and what keeps it sustained. And this is largely so because, as a form of
government and a method of governance, democracy is indeed very fragile, moreso
when those underlying cultures of tolerance and transparency, respect and
responsibility have not as yet found firm foundation in the minds of the
citizens who live in that democracy.
Guyana ‘s democracy is indeed fragile. But
our countrymen and political leadership, right up to the swearing in of the
President on 31 st August 2006, proved that we have gone that further mile in
strengthening it. We must thank God for this development; and, of course,
ourselves.
But I have this lurking suspicion that an
arrogance, especially forthcoming from the President, is seeping in; and this
can do harm to this fragile democracy. There have been certain instances over
the past few days which have raised this red flag.
Firstly, the President well knew that after
his swearing-in ceremony on 31 st August 2006 the September 3rd nd 2006
constitutional deadline for the convening of Parliament was quickly rushing
upon him. He ought to know that constitutional deadlines should be met; after
all, the Constitution is far more supreme than his Executive Presidency. But
what was his response to meeting this deadline – a deadline which, by the way,
could have easily been met by him making the Proclamation immediately after his
swearing-in that Parliament shall be convened on 2 nd September 2006? Instead,
his response has resulted in a flagrant violation of an important constitutional
timeline. The notoriety of his ill-advised assertion, “ I will not
be rushed!” , will come back to haunt him.
This misconduct on President Jagdeo’s part in
2006 is the equivalent to the notorious flinging over her shoulder of the Court
documents by another PPP/C President, Ms. Jagan, in 1997. “ I will
not be rushed” , is tantamount to President Jagdeo flinging the
Constitution over his shoulder. Ms. Jagan apologised for her misconduct shortly
afterwards in 1997. I doubt whether President Jagdeo ever will.
Secondly, whilst the President was not
rushing to perform his constitutional function of convening Parliament within
the timeline, he was rushing to appoint Cabinet members out of persons who had
not yet reached the status of elected Members of Parliament.
It is my legal opinion that this status is
only reached when the Representative of the PPP/C List has extracted the 36
names for seats in the National Assembly, and conveyed same to GECOM!
Any other interpretation would be a strained
one. All the more reason for the significance of the AFC’s originating
litigation brought before the High Court, which will settle these issues once
and for all.
All these ministers, excepting four who can
be non-elected members, may very well have to suffer the embarrassment of
having to go through the swearing-in process a second time because of the
President’s non-adherence to the Rule of Law. By way of an aside at this point,
such a pliant selection, Nagamootoo being so violently and visibly absent, will
also not encourage strong debates and deliberations, which are good for
governance generally.
Thirdly, the contracting, notwithstanding all
the criticisms directed at him, of the services of Mr. Kerik to advise the
beleaguered Police Force, is an indication that our President does not care to
consider the views of Guyanese. A healthy democracy will have an officialdom
praising the efforts of its people who have scrutinised the background of
advisors and consultants and discovered major defects and antecedents, as were found
in Mr. Kerik. But our democracy sees its President telling his people very
directly, and the IDB very indirectly, that, “You all can haul your ?//?.
I will do what I want!”
Why this show of arrogance so early? It will
do our fledgling democracy no good.
2006-9-20: Stop the petty
squabbling (Guyana Chronicle) MOST of us have experienced apprehension,
excitement, fear and relief on the events of the 2006 Guyana elections.
Some of us have found ourselves caught up in
the tailspin and hope that the last elections would have also brought about a
change of Government from the two dominant parties, PNC-G1 and PPP/Civic. The
Alliance for Change (AFC) promoted a multi-race party, which stressed the need
for Guyanese to stop voting race, unite as one people and vote for change in
our present
society.
In many ways, the AFC did win a victory in
that it offered many Guyanese an alternative, to the historical race voting
issues and an opportunity to move Guyana forward away from the perpetual
policies of the old parties, As a Guyanese, I am disturbed by the recent
actions by one of the now resigned AFC secretaries Mrs. Gaumattie Singh against
her party, after not being given a seat in Parliament.
Her actions against the party leader clearly
indicate, in my view, that Mrs. Singh did not join the party for change in the
political and domestic arena.
The leaders of the AFC party made a choice to
appoint two individuals who they felt would represent the people in those regions.
On the AFC action plan for change one of the candidates listed is the sister of
the Leader of the party, a Mrs. Avril Anande Trotman who was also not offered a
seat. In my view, the party’s decision was not one of preferential
treatment and favouritism, but practicality. Mrs. Singh needs to be reminded
that there are many like herself who worked tirelessly as well and were not
afforded a seat in Parliament. So how can anyone measure one’s work
and support over another? Whether the AFC had
won four seats or 64 seats, there are many competent and hard working
supporters who assisted the party in its attempt to reach its goals. It is not
a measure of who worked hardest or contributed the most funds but one who can
best represent the people and be most effective in doing so in Parliament. The
decision of who to appoint would rest with the executive and the leadership for
those who would best represent the electorate. This decision becomes more
difficult with a
small poll of seats. To ensure one can afford
a seat, one needs to stay focused and assist the AFC party to win more
supporters over. We, the overseas Guyanese people, are quite a displaced race.
Some of us are treated like second-class citizens in many lands. Many of us
dream of coming home, so to you individuals who want to get involved with the
good governance of the people of Guyana, please remember our Motto, “One
People,
One Nation, One Destiny” and please
let’s stop this petty squabbling.
CANDY HARRISON
2006-9-24: Alliance for
Change Column Voices of its Principles -The Ms. Gaumatie Singh fallout
(Kaieteur News)
The General and Regional elections have come
and gone and one could not help but notice that the various local, regional and
international observer groups scrupulously avoided pronouncing the process
‘fair’. They opted instead to focus on commending the Guyanese
people, the contesting political parties and GECOM on the peaceful and orderly
path that the electoral process took. The reason being that the PPPC had taken to
new heights the authoritarian notion that ‘no smart government should
loose an elections’. Their blatant abuse of incumbency privileges is now
legendary. The Cabinet outreach exercises is but one such, the doling out of
gifts and buying votes from an uninformed and deprived electorate were displays
of gross indiscretions that will further sully the image of the PPPC as a
government steeped in corruption. Regrettably, the image of Guyana will also
suffer further damage as a consequence.
Talking about damage, one can hardly fail to
notice the great lengths to which Ms Gaumatie Singh has gone to damage the
image of the Alliance For Change (AFC) because, from her point of view, she was
entitled to an AFC Parliamentary seat based on promise(s) she perceived were
made to her by the leadership of the AFC. The AFC is unaware of any such
promise being made. She argues that, since this promise was not
fulfilled by one or the other in the AFC leadership, the AFC and all that its
thousands of members worked hard and diligently to build over the last ten
months of its existence, is deserving of her destructive wrath. Well, several
thousands of AFC members disagree.
The object of Ms. Gaumatie Singh’s
wrath and those who have jumped on the bandwagon seem to be one of destruction
of the AFC.
Her objective in this regard first came to
the AFC’s attention weeks before the elections. The occasion was the
publication of the list of candidates for the AFC which she mistakenly
concluded was published in order of priority. Threats to ‘break-up’
the AFC followed if corrective action was not taken to elevate her name on the
list. It was patiently pointed out to her then that the electoral laws did not
require the AFC to list their candidates’ name in order of priority and
if she were to look at the list more carefully she would have noticed that the
names of the AFC presidential and prime ministerial candidates were positioned
below hers. This threat to ‘break-up the AFC’ signalled that Ms.
Gaumatie Singh was unworthy to represent the AFC in the National Assembly and
thank God the Representative of the list did not select her.
It is important to note that this threat
first came not after names of candidates were extracted from the AFC’s
list for the National Assembly but a few weeks before the elections were even
run off August 28, 2006.
A meeting of the AFC Steering Committee was
called for the purpose of deciding on the selection of candidates for the
National Assembly. Ten members of the AFC Steering Committee, one of whom was
Ms Singh attended, devised the criteria for selection of candidates, and
provided the representative of the list with a short list that included Ms.
Singh’s name. By so doing the Steering Committee gave the representative
of the list the right to make the final selection of the two candidates. The
Committee had agreed unanimously on the three principals.
What followed thereafter in email
communications between AFC Chairman, Mr. Raphael Trotman, and Ms. Gaumatie
Singh highlighted the poor judgement on the part of Mr. Trotman in attempting
to calm her ranting and raving threats to do grievous harm to the body politic
of the AFC. The method he employed left a lot to be desired in that it
unjustifiably belittled Ms. Chantalle Smith’s qualifications (she has a
degree from a well-known Canadian university and a history of credible work
experiences in Canada and Guyana) for selection to serve AFC supporters in the
National Assembly. He has paid a dear price for such poor judgement, but his
saving grace resided in the fact that what he did was done in an effort to save
the AFC from the fallout it has since suffered. He has done the decent thing by
publicly apologising to Ms. Smith for the injury he caused her to suffer and in
the process strengthened the bonds in the leadership.
Many others from among the membership of the
AFC tried valiantly, to no avail, to steer Ms. Gaumatie Singh from the path of
rancour she had chosen. In this regard, a strong delegation from the membership
of the AFC Georgetown group intervened by hastily arranging a meeting with the
AFC leadership to resolve the discontent she had revealed to them she harboured
as a result of her non selection to represent the AFC in the National Assembly.
She failed to show up at that meeting which was held between AFC leader, Mr.
Khemraj Ramjattan, Vice-Chairperson Sheila Holder and the AFC group. As the
meeting was in progress, the group received word that Ms. Gaumatie Singh had
reneged on her promise to them not to publicise the matter until they would
have met with us. Thereupon, they terminated the meeting and apologised for
having wasted our time.
This sordid affair reveals one major
deficiency in our electoral system that reposes the choice of parliamentary
representatives in the hands of the representative of a political party’s
list. As the principals of the AFC have been saying since forming the AFC, this
choice should properly and democratically reside with the people.
It is clear that other political forces
antagonistic to the AFC have seized on a perceived weakness to try to destroy
the AFC by keeping the issue alive. They should be told that already Ms.
Singh’s threat to persuade supporters to withdraw their membership has
fallen on deaf ears. No one has resigned but her. In fact members throughout
Guyana have remained in solidarity with the leadership on this issue and
support its decisions. The AFC will survive this storm in a teacup because the
membership has deemed that it must.
2006-9-26: The Alliance For
Change (Stabroek News Editorial) The Alliance For Change did not get the
number of votes many had hoped it would and indeed the polls had predicted.
Possibly as election day approached there was that hardening of traditional
ethnic support that many had predicted. Be that as it may the Alliance since
its formation has had an entirely beneficial effect on local politics.
In the first place, it brought into the
political arena a substantial number of younger, well educated people who had
previously steered clear of political involvement of any kind. Though lacking
experience they brought to public life a higher level of discourse and, above
all, were relatively free of the ethnic insecurities and hatreds of the older
politicians. It also had, to some extent, the effect of making the political
campaign less virulent and uncompromising than it usually is. There was, one
might say, a softening of the traditional harshness. Indeed, as one writer has
perceptively noted, it was seen by its most dedicated supporters to be aiming
essentially at nothing less than a new political culture which sought to
transcend ethnic loyalties and insecurities and to replace them with a more
modern, imaginative and progressive outlook.
That, at least, was the dream of a new Guyana
man emancipated from tribal loyalties and it must not and should not fade. The
alliance has a substantial presence in parliament. Its primary priority,
surely, is to continue to articulate that vision which moved so many younger
people and at least temporarily took their minds off emigration and lessened their
despair. Its duty is to let its actions be clearly informed by this broader
vision.
Raphael Trotman, Khemraj Ramjattan and Sheila
Holder showed courage and energy by casting adrift from their own moorings and
trying to chart a new course. They did well. They now face the hard grind of
keeping the party going and building an organisational structure that will
last. Perhaps some of those who offered their support will continue to keep the
faith, not only because of the longer term possibilities but more immediately
because of the contribution these independent younger politicians can now make
to the political life of this country.
2006-9-27: AFC will not go
into “hibernation” —Sheila Holder – Party sets up mentoring
scheme for youths(Kaieteur News) The Alliance For Change (AFC) is moving in
the direction of solidifying the structure of the party and its Chairman,
Sheila Holder, vows that the party will not “go into hibernation”
as is the case with several small political
parties after an election. Holder, in an interview with Kaieteur News, said
that one of the new initiatives of the party is to allow its Parliamentary
representatives to provide mentorship to youths within its ranks.
“No other party has done this, but this
mentorship programme will see the youths becoming attached to our five
Parliamentary representatives. This will allow the youths to become
aware of the functioning of Parliament and
will gear them to someday take up a place in the National Assembly,”
Holder stated. According to Holder, traditionally in Guyana , the business
community will only contribute financially at Elections and many of the smaller
parties tend to go into a state of hibernation.
“We have to avoid this so we are
focused to ensure that this does not happen, while grappling with the
constitutional issues in Parliament,” Holder added. She said based on
some analyses of the results of the elections, it would appear that the party
has to spread its message and principles to the grass root level. “The
results signal to us that we need to do more work at the grass roots level on
what our principles are and the only way we can do this is to strengthen our
internal structure,”
Holder acknowledged. She noted that because
of the closeness of the elections and the party’s launch, much work could not
have been done on improving the party’s structure. “We were thrown into
elections soon after our launch, but now we have time to get down to the real
business of building a movement and mobilising people. We will not just fade
into the light as some would want us to
do,” Holder stated. According to Holder, members of the party are
preoccupied with the process of electing representatives to sit on the regional
councils. She described the process as an extensive one, which serves as an eye-opener
for the leadership of the party since the hierarchy was never involved in the
process of extracting
names from a List of Candidates.
Recently, the party’s hierarchy was involved in
a bitter row with Gaumatie Singh, who resigned her position in the party after
being promised a seat in Parliament that would later be withdrawn. Holder
related that the party’s membership has held steady despite the ensuing
controversy over its Parliamentary representatives. “A number of
political forces antagonistic to the AFC would like to keep the Gaumatie Singh
issue alive, but there are more pressing issues before the party and we will
not change
our position on the issue,” Holder
said.
Holder noted that she has always argued
against presenting “racial tokens” to represent the party and
affirmed that people who have established a credible record must always be
selected to represent the party. She posited that the AFC intends to continue a
selection trend which will see appointments based on criteria and not race.
2006-10-15: AFC to approach
elections commission about another seat -owing to miscalculation in votes
(Stabroek News)
The Alliance For Change (AFC) intends to
approach the Guyana Elections Commiss-ion (GECOM) over the next few days about
a geographic seat for Region Ten because the party believes that there was a
miscalculation in the votes at the August 28 General and Regional Elections.
In an interview with the Stabroek News on the
way forward with the AFC now that most of the dust from the elections had
settled, AFC Leader Raphael Trotman said that based on statements of poll which
GECOM finally supplied last week and based on the AFC’s documents, the
comparisons showed that the AFC had won another seat.
"We got our best support in
Linden," he said, adding, "We are now considering moving to ask GECOM
to correct that anomaly." Trotman was not inclined to give more
information on this issue when pressed but asked that we await the AFC’s request
and GECOM’s response.
He said that at present the AFC was looking
at a number of proposals to showcase its wide array of leaders and at the
possibility of rotating Members of Parliament in the lower tiers.
And while the movement had been reading criticism
about its leadership not being willing to enter into coalition with other
groups, he said that the priority was for the party to define itself in a
better way, delineate what it stands for and spell out its objectives. "We
now have an opportunity to build a political movement throughout Guyana by
having elected bodies in all ten regions with representatives. The intention is
to go to the next elections as a good and strong alternative."
Having to establish a whole new political
entity and campaign for national elections in the ten administrative regions in
under one year was a very tall order, and campaigning became a priority for the
duration. With the elections over, establishing strong identifiable structures
throughout the country and assessing the strengths and weaknesses were
important for the movement to move forward in a more structured and deliberate
way.
Noting, too, that local government elections
were due, Trotman said that as a political movement, the AFC would have to make
decisions about whether it should compete. "We are in a sense anticipating
the election and would likely make a decision to participate, except that a
nice proposal is put… for us to throw our weight behind
another group that shares the same ideals that we do," he said.
He expressed the view that local government
elections were an important part of democracy because they removed the
perception that everything resided in an Office of the President or in a
parliament, and demonstrated that there were more important tiers of democracy.
Once they were held in a timely manner they acted as a referendum on how
political parties were functioning.
Trotman said that the AFC would continue to
engage persons who assisted financially and gave of their time and service, as
well as attempt to be more self-sustaining through projects that brought an
income.
By and large, he said, the AFC was
comfortable that once it presented its new programmes, the movement would
garner enough support which was not necessarily financial but in the form of
volunteers and advice. The programmes and projects would be based on the six
themes the party had identified in its electioneering action plan and they
included issues of crime and security, healing and reconciliation, good
governance and education. "Although we are not the government we believe
that things can be done in each of these areas to continue our political
work," he said.
Asked about his assessment of the AFC’s
performance at the elections, Trotman said that they had not done as well as
they expected, since they had hoped to secure a minimum of ten seats in
parliament, but at the same time the fact that they had gained 30,000 votes was
an achievement. "We are now in fact analysing the different factors which
influenced the final results and voting patterns. We are listening to ordinary
people, to social commentators and people who are far more experienced than us
in trying to get a sense of what happened and why," he said.
As to preliminary findings, he said that
there was a general belief that the actions of the PPP/C and the PNCR had
pulled back a lot of support from the AFC once they had put their machines into
top gear. In addition, operating on an uneven playing field had placed the AFC
at a disadvantage, although "by the same token, we obviously could have
done better to counter some of what was coming against us. We accept some of
the responsibility for that." He maintained, too, that there was voting
along racial lines.
The AFC does not subscribe to the popular
point of view that it took votes from the PNCR. Trotman said: "We were all
competing in an open arena. Any vote that came to us did not belong to anyone
else. We got our best results out of Region Ten. We picked up votes across the
country. We are disappointed that we did not do better in Region Four, which is
a PNCR stronghold. It is safe to say that we got votes throughout the country
and I do not subscribe to the view that votes are owned by any political
party."
Asked for reasons why the ruling PPP/C would
have won the elections with 27,000 votes less than in the last
elections, he said that the list was inflated
going into the elections and was not in tune with the high rate of migration
out of Guyana not only to the USA and Canada but to neighbouring countries and
other Caribbean territories.
There was also an element of voters’ apathy
as regards the PPP/C. He said, "It could be that people preferred not to
vote at all than continue to support the PPP/C. At the end of the day when we,
not only the AFC, but other political parties, all complete our analyses we’ll
get a better picture of what happened there."
Asked how he felt about the Dick Morris polls
which showed the AFC would secure more votes than it did, Trotman said that,
"Certainly the polls did show that we would have done better. Even the
Bisram polls had us doing better than we did. In the last week there was a
congealing in the racial camps. Many people throughout the country thought we
would have done better. Outside of the polls there was a momentum. I think we
should focus on what happened to stifle that momentum. But there was a momentum
that showed us certain far beyond the eight per cent that we settled down with.
I wouldn’t discredit the Dick Morris polls. They are meant to guide at the same
time."
On the results of the exit polls conducted at
the elections, he said that the AFC had taken a decision a long time before not
to share the results with the media or to use it to grandstand but to compare
it with their election results’ gathering.
On the commissioning of other polls, Trotman
said that they were becoming more scientific and were a standard feature of
modern politics. He agreed with pollster Vishnu Bisram who has argued that more
polls would lead to a credible body or data base of information being
established from which all could draw. Apart from the political standings,
polls identified issues that no political party could shy away from, he said.
Noting the controversy that surrounded the
selection of the AFC Members of Parliament, Trotman said that the criteria used
when the selection of MPs was discussed at a meeting of the movement’s steering
committee was that they were not going to use race, age or gender but instead
competence and capability.
He said, "If we carried a campaign that
said don’t vote race, vote change and end up configuring ourselves based on
race and culture then we would have fallen victim to the very trap that we were
asking people not to jump into. We would have started to behave like other
parties by having token representatives and that would have in our view
defeated the purpose of our being. If it comes to that we might as well go the
way of Suriname and have parties representing particular ethnic blocks or we
not… have elections at all and instead determine by census
or some other counting measure the various ethnic blocks and have a parliament
and a government based on numerical standings of different races rather than
hold elections. It is a debate that would continue. In my view, if we continue
running on ethnic make-up and looking good only and revert to the very things
we are trying to escape then we are in trouble. Certainly we have decided that
we don’t want to fall back into the racial camps because that is what is
killing this country."
While he thought that the absence of violence
at the elections could be attributed to a number of factors including peace
messages being played, the presence of international observers and the
professionalism of the disciplined services, he said, "We at the AFC also
like to think that our mere presence in this race helped to contain some of the
sentiments or factors that could have propelled us into violence. In a way we
tried to set the tone for something different. In the main we resisted
responding in like manner to the personal attacks that came against us as
individuals. I think our presence helped to raise the standard of campaigning
and it did ultimately have a positive impact along with other contributing
factors in not seeing us tip over into violence which was widely predicted and
accepted as coming."
He concluded by saying that while the AFC was
trying to move the nation away from racially-based voting, the movement was
cognisant of the fact that it would not be an easy task since people would have
to be weaned off ‘protectionist’ type behaviour, which was innate in groupings.
2006-10-20: AFC Column
“Voices of its Principles” for the Kaieteur News Paper by Sheila
Holder
So the electoral wrong-doing meted out to the
AFC in Region Ten (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) is in the hands of the Guyana
Elections Commission (GECOM) that is in no hurry to correct the wrong.
The AFC has written the Chief Elections
Officer (CEO), Gocool Boodhoo, requesting a meeting with him but the word is
that GECOM is moving to officially publish the results of the August 28 General
and Regional election by this weekend.
By so doing GECOM, like Pilate, will be
washing its hands of the wrong committed under its watch and placing it in the
hands of the Courts which has earned a reputation for not dealing with
electoral matters expeditiously.
GECOM is essentially forcing the AFC to go
via the route of an elections petition to argue its case and have the
wrong-doing overturned, even though the Commission has already corrected its
own error observed in the first declaration of the August 28 elections results.
So we have had the first official result corrected so why the hesitancy to
correct the wrong-doing to the AFC in Region Ten?
It is unfortunate that these elections,
described by many as one of the best in recent times, have thrown up some
serious flaws. The AFC spotted very early that something was amiss with the
Region Ten results and immediately notified the CEO of this.
The day after the elections results were
announced, Khemraj Ramjattan and I met with the CEO and pointed out his failure
to include in the results of several divisions from the (Upper Demerara/Upper
Berbice) Region and at the same time requested copies of GECOM’s Statements
of Poll (SOP) for the purpose of comparing them with those in the possession of
the AFC. Week before the last GECOM delivered to the AFC electronic copies of
their SOP.
The SOPs from GECOM confirmed what the AFC
had deduced, that we had been robbed of a Region Ten Geographical seat which
went to the PPPC and is now occupied by Prime Minister Sam Hinds.
The pertinent questions to be asked are; when
are the elections results required by law to be declared? And considering that
the August 28, 2006 elections results have not been officially declared, as of
writing this piece, what are the legal consequences for all the actions that
flowed since the CEO declared Bharrat Jagdeo President and the PPPC winner of
the elections?
It is necessary to note here that, in their
recent 2006 elections report by the Commonwealth Elections Observer Group the
observers urged the administration to move with haste to reconfigure the
composition of GECOM to allow it to take on a non-political character because
of deadlock on many key issues and the delays caused in putting in place
electoral arrangements. This is not the first time that this recommendation is
being made by the Commonwealth.
The AFC agrees with the recommendation but it
must be pointed out that I had occasion to raise this matter and the indefinite
term of the GECOM commissioners during a debate in the National Assembly a few
years ago and was supported by the leader of the opposition on this stance but
to date the status quo at GECOM remains the same.
2006-10-29: The Alliance for
Change Column-LET US DEVELOP THIS DEMOCRACY…IT CAN STILL SHINE for the
Kaieteur News By Khemraj Ramjattan
My thoughts on Guyana’s democracy in a piece
two weeks ago where I argued that the political elites of ethnic-based parties
should be blamed for our unhappy state of affairs, rather than our
Constitution, obviously created some stir.
I got calls from various quarters. Almost all
of those calls had an underlying message that ethnic gravitations at elections
time by the two major ethnicities in Guyana is the source of our troubles. I
could not disagree. But many callers illogically argued thereon, that democracy
has failed us. Democracy, they asserted, in places like Guyana is not a good
thing. Forget elections, just share power! Some even said that military rule
should be the thing. Imagine that!
My rebuttal to them was that we have failed
our democracy. Further, I want to maintain my submission that rather than get
esoteric and get into the realm of the impracticable and impractical, good
governance concepts and precepts should be primary on the agenda to see this
country move forward.
What then is to be done? The below-stated
list is not exhaustive but is direly needed.
(1) Cultivate a national democratic
culture
Though this may sound trite, the first and
most fundamental step is the restoration of a national democratic culture into
the Guyanese psyche. This can only be obtained through periodic elections which
are free and fair, and free from fear. This more or less has been obtained to
date; and must be consolidated. But there must be genuine democracy. By this I
mean that we must never allow through the fall-off process of democracy, the
precipitation of a majoritarian dictatorship. It must be remembered that "even
well developed forms of direct and representative democracy cannot escape the
fact that, in some circumstances, the pressures of established majorities may
prevent certain minority opinions, demands and claims from being heard,
realised and taken seriously". Important minorities have been known to
go largely unheard of in a democratic and pluralist system. The consequences of
this can be problematic and violent. Conflicts may very well reign.
(2) Enshrine and enforce citizens’ human
rights
To quell at the embryonic stages then, the
potential for any sort of conflict will require as a corollary the genuine
entrenchment and expansion of basic human rights, the most important of which
for me is the freedom of expression. Democratic decision-making can be realised
only when the citizenry expresses itself individually, or has the unrestricted
ability to do so. Hence, opinions must be encouraged through active and passive
access to the mass media and to authentic information.
The voices of the minorities must be sought
and heard even if only through its leaflet, a protest march, or the concealed
expressions of an artist or critical lyrics of a calypso. No matter, how
unconventional the opinions, they must be heard. The strange must never be
estranged. It must be considered and taken into account. This genuine
democratic decision-making process coming out of an exercise of one’s human
rights can be a second step towards realising the Guyana we all so desire.
• An enhanced local democracy
Democracy to be genuine must also not be overly
top-directed; it must actively be participated in and directed from the bottom.
This grassroots democracy has a peculiarly significant relevance in Guyana by
virtue of the demographic enclaves to be found therein. Hence, a strengthening
of the Local Government system with an expansion of powers to it, with
proportionate Central Government support, will go a far way in promoting
cooperation within an inter and intra ethnic setting in Guyana.
(4) A responsible media
Media can be a potent force in disseminating
damaging prejudices which can give rise to sharp tensions within ethnic
groupings. Man live in ideas. Through ideas and images we seek to comprehend
our world. And through images we sometimes seek to dominate others. Images
influence people; it can avail false perceptions. Hence, it is necessary that
programmes within all sections of the media, T.V, radio, and other press,
contribute towards a liberating of the mind of false perceptions. Let new
images be created by our producers and directors, which can exorcise this demon
which sometimes unconsciously lurks in us. This will require a highly
sophisticated and intellectual set of media experts, but we can do it.
Necessity will demand that we find programmes which extol the virtues of being
judged by the content of our character rather than the colour of our skin.
(5) Better influences from religious
organisations and their leaderships
These organisations have deep-felt influences
on ordinary Guyanese. Their leadership can do, because of the immediacy of
their contacts with large sections of people, a great lot to make minimal, if
not to erase totally, from their congregations the vices of being ethnically
prejudiced. Statements of condemnations against racist fanatics, or potential
ethnic prejudices can instil the necessary ostracism which can deter the
development of such prejudices. One only has to remember the explicit and tacit
support religious organisations and leaders gave to Burnham. Similarly, today
it is quite staggering how silent they remain when so much corruption and
incompetence and arrogance is exhibited by our political leaders. Religious
leaders should not hide behind religion by simply saying politics and religion
should not mix. Their silence to national wrong-doing can be tantamount to
condonation.
(6) More relevant education policies
Our system of education and the curricula
involved within it must indulge in a harmonisation process, of inculcating
values and precepts which shed the mind of superior/inferior status of ethnic groupings.
Ethnic stereotypes and prejudiced images are absorbed by the very young during
early stages of adolescence and even earlier. An education system and policy
which is scrutinised properly to ensure there be no fertilisation of prejudices
based on skin colour or straightness/kinkiness of hair must be implemented.
Teaching personnel who unconsciously suffer from prejudices, and they are many
of them, can cause their pupils to imbibe these prejudices. They must be
spotted and counselled by specialists.
(7) Fair employment practices legislation
Getting the economy right is one solid
measure which can go a far way into curing racial/ethnic animosity. Meeting
one’s economic needs by having a job strikes at the root of the problem. Men who
are dissatisfied with their lot are the men who largely riot and cause
troubles. An economic policy which defuses the ordinary tensions and uneasiness
must be formulated and implemented.
But ensuring that there is no discrimination
at the job levels based on race/ethnic grounds can be strengthened through Fair
Employment Practices laws. This requires responsible non-discriminatory
behaviour from all employers – private and public.
2006-11-10: CALLING A SPADE A
SPADE
The hypocrisy of the practice of politics in
Guyana prevails as GECOM remains silent after a week of refusing to address
publicly, or in private, the overwhelming evidence presented to it by the AFC
with respect to the Region 10 seat. From appearances, GECOM has instead chosen
to speak through its spokesperson Donald Ramotar, (or he for the Commission).
Mr. Ramotar has been quite vocal on the issue, vowing that the PPP/C will not
surrender the seat even though the popular will of the people says otherwise
and is being flouted. That Donald Ramotar has spoken and not GECOM is nothing
short of disgraceful. By the day, GECOM’s ability to maintain a veneer of
thoroughness, impartiality and professionalism is crumbling. The time is ripe
for a complete overhaul of the laws and practices of GECOM so that political
interference and unprofessionalism are things of the past. The AFC will not let
this matter fade away as some would have us do. GECOM has egg on its face and
its starting to smell!
Recently, in a lengthy treatise by Eric
Phillips, the AFC was singled out for examination and attack. A short response
to the ridiculousness published in that letter would be to repeat the oft
quoted title of the Guyanese comedy “if Wishes Were Horses…”
However, a short response will not suffice in this instance. Now, the enemy of
the PNCR-I Guyana, and by extension, the African population has been identified
as the AFC. What poppycock! Simple mathematics would establish that even if the
AFC’s votes were added to the PNC’s the result would be the same
for the PNC and for the collective opposition. Polls and surveys aside, not
even PNCR supporters believed that that party was on the verge of a historic
victory. Perhaps the PNC and all other parties should have heeded ACDA’s
call for a boycott of the elections. The PNC itself had championed the call of
“No verification, no election” yet its strategists must have
advised that it should go into the election as it did. Then we had the
collapsing of the “big tent” with Ramsaroop, Roopnarine and Jagan
mysteriously walking away at the latest hour. The already apathetic African
mind must have been really confused by ACDA, the PNC, the collapsing “big
tent” and of course Trotman and Ramjattan. It is scape goat season and an
attempt is being made here to blame the AFC for all of the PNC’s woes.
This is pitiful. Not even the PNC would make such a claim. Many things confused
the African mind before the elections and many things led to the PNC’s
showing at the last elections which they are aware of, not forgetting those
already raised by Jerome Khan and Aubrey Norton in their Stabroek News
interview.
Mr. Phillips, both before, and during, the
2006 campaign offered valuable insight and advice to the leadership of the AFC
and even attended a meeting of the AFC Chapter in New York; making what was
considered then, to be a valuable contribution as to how we should proceed. In
fact, in his own words, he set out the AFC’s approach, which we tried to
follow as best as possible in a document entitled: “Guyana Politics-A
Third Force in Guyana” 2005 .His words which are set out below are our
best answer to his conspiracy theory of a plot to undermine African Guyanese
and the PNCR.
“Guyana’s historic racial,
political, economic and social problems can only be solved by the development
of a strong viable “Third Force” Movement. This is not a new idea
as the WPA was indeed a “Third Force” Party in the 1980s and
leading into the 1992 elections.
What is new in the equation is the ever
growing mass dissatisfaction among Guyanese of all races at home and abroad,
with the state of racial politics and underdevelopment in Guyana as a result of
irreconcilable differences between the PPPC and PNCR. The rampant crimes wave
intermixed with drug smuggling activities and death squads have all added
momentum to the general dissatisfaction.
At this critical moment in time, just prior
to the 2006 General Election, the nurturing, strengthening and strategic
orchestration of a consolidated “Third Force” Movement is more
viable than at any other time in Guyana’s history.
Such a “Third Force” will however
need to take a long term view that is enabled by a structured and
“process driven” approach, stretching over the next two elections
in 2006 and 2011, for maximum short term impact and long term sustainability.
The announcement of the planned creation of a
new Political Party by Raphael Trotman and Khemraj Ramjattan has caught the
imagination of the Public. This momentum provides a great opportunity to build
a coherent “Third Force” Movement…A strong “Third
Force” Movement is needed to change the balance of power in Guyana
beginning with the 2006 elections. Although it is highly unlikely in 2006 that
a “Third Force” Movement can win the elections, a well orchestrated
and focused Third Force Movement can prevent the PPPC from obtaining more that
50% majority at the polls. For the “Third Force” to be equipped to
deal with the cunning and organization capabilities of both the PPPC and
PNCR…” (Eric Phillips)
We share Mr. Phillips’ call for an
African Renaissance, but caution that it will not succeed if it is meant to
commence through hostile means against other political and ethnic groupings. We
wish Mr. Phillips, who we regard as a bright, upstanding and respected citizen,
well in his upcoming political endeavours.
2006-11-23: This is an edited
version of an Article on Freedom of Information (FOI) written by Sheila Holder,
Vice-Chair of the Alliance For Change (AFC) first published by the UN Human
Rights Institute in India
Guyana has to deepen its democratic and electoral
processes to ensure that democracy works to help empower citizens and improve
the competitiveness of the country by facilitating the free flow of
information.
For the last forty years since independence
from British Colonial rule, Guyana has floundered socially, economically and
politically because of race-based politics. Partisan political interests by the
two monolithic parties that governed Guyana since independence, the
People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and the People’s National
Congress/Reform (PNC/R) have been given precedence over the National welfare.
It would, therefore, come as no surprise that
a Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill, submitted to the Clerk of the Eighth
National Assembly of Guyana by Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan on behalf of his colleague
Mr. Raphael Trotman has not seen the light of day. The Guyana Government failed
to even publish or circulate the private Member’s Bill which, I was told,
had been sent to the Attorney General’s
Chambers for scrutiny several months ago. Mr. Raphael Trotman on Friday,
November 24th, 2006 re-submitted to the 9th Parliament,
the Freedom of Information Bill 2006 and we now have five years to see how the
government will deal with it.
The AFC is of the view that a FOI Act is an
important first step in steering the country in the direction of transparency
and accountability and curtailing the levels of corruption currently being
experienced in the country. It has, therefore, given a commitment to the
electorate to ensure that the FOI Bill is resubmitted and put on the order
Paper to be debated, strengthened if necessary and passed into law.
Over the last forty years since independence
and during the tenure of successive Governments, citizens have experienced
victimization based on the expression of their political viewpoints. This has
had the effect of limiting how citizens of all strata of society express
themselves. It has also deterred citizens from requesting information from the
state and public entities.
This is especially so as regards to the free
expression of one’s political viewpoint to the extent that Guyanese
really need a Freedom of Information Act. The Act should spell out exactly what
information, on government’s operations especially, citizens are entitled
to access. With this knowledge in hand citizens, could then know for sure how
to approach getting information on those aspects of government’s
operations that are of most interest to them at any particular point in time.
It is desirable that the Freedom of Information Act should also cover some
aspects of the operations of publicly traded private sector entities.
With access to information enshrined into
law, Guyanese citizens could be empowered to scrutinise and investigate
government and their public operations and come to their own conclusions as to
how government is really serving them. Guyanese are mobile internationally, as
it is estimated that some 700,000 live in foreign lands and many others have
relatives residing in countries all around the world.
These facts serve to make Guyanese very aware
about how the media ought to operate in a country in which the government
routinely keeps information classified while claiming to be democratic.
A major part of the problem of poor access to
information in Guyana, apart from the passage of the Freedom of Information
Bill, is the fact that the current government has refused to open the broadcast
space for FM and AM radio transmissions. There is reasonable choice with
regards to broadcast television in some parts of the country, though there is
copyright infringement by the operators generally. However, government’s
control of frequency management with the intention of denying choice to
Guyanese citizens means that in some Guyanese communities such as in Linden
(Region 10) citizens’ are fed a constant diet of government propaganda
only. While, in hinterland regions, citizens are without access to either local
radio or television broadcast even though private operators are willing and
able to offer radio and television broadcast to these Guyanese citizens.
With a freedom of information act in place
buttressed by a modernized and democratized Broadcast Act, Guyanese can get
innovative radio and TV programming that reflects their tastes and desires to
actively participate in the country’s fledgling democracy. For example,
in daytime radio in Guyana there is currently no programming where views on the
Guyanese reality can be freely expressed from all points of view. If one wants
to get the government’s spin on any issue that is easy. However, Guyanese
need to also be able to use the Freedom of Information Act to get information
on government operations, then use that information in talk shows to oppose
government policy or, in the case of supporters, provide reasons as to why
current government policy and action is good for Guyana.
If a Freedom of Information Act is passed
along with government’s divesting itself from media operations except for
the government information and news agency (GINA), then Guyanese would see an
explosion of radio and more responsibly operated television stations that will
in all likelihood take Guyana to where citizens in the other neighbouring
countries have been for some time.
Regrettably, the PPP/C party in government
still retains a philosophy that the central government has to control all
levels of power in the country. With such a philosophy there is no urgency to
allow the citizens to access more government information, as the more
information citizens have, the more empowered they become and that challenges
government functionaries as empowered citizens are harder to manipulate and
oppress. The Present PPP/C government in Guyana has gone to the extent of not
allowing the Alliance For Change party to air its political advertisements even
though they were submitted and higher than normal fees demanded and paid in
accordance with the guideline of its so-called National Communications Network.
Guyana, therefore, needs a government that
empowers the people through a sensible Freedom of Information Act that will
give them the right to request information from the government and publicly
traded companies. With this power citizens can make informed decisions and hold
their elected representatives to account and keep officers of public companies
honest. Such elements serve to help advance Guyana’s fledgling democracy
and thus improve the lives of its people.
Pending questions to Ministers published
in Parliamentary Notice Paper No. 2 – 6 Question No. (Q1 Opp1 – Q5 Opp5)
Member Asking: Sheila Holder, MP
Minister Answering: Ministers of Transport
& Hydraulics & Home Affairs
Question: Action taken on Resolution No.16 of
2002
id=”_x0000_i1045″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_19.jpg”>Will the Ministers state
individually what action their respective ministries have taken since being
notified by the Clerk of the National Assembly on 13th August 2002
about Resolution No. 16 of the First Sessions (2001-2002) of the Eighth
Parliament of Guyana:
‘that the National Assembly
recognised the need for a policy to be crafted and appropriate regulations
instituted in consultation with operators in the Minibus sector, consumers and
other stakeholders to introduce best practices and systems for the safe,
efficient and fair operation of the sector’?
Will the Ministers state specifically which
policies were developed by their ministries and the best practices introduced
for the safety of mini-bus commuters since 2002?
Have the Ministries of Transport &
Hydraulics and Home Affairs held any consultation exercises with operators of
the Mini-bus sector, commuters and other stakeholders with a view of improving
safety, efficiencies and fairness in how Mini-buses operate?
height=1 id=”_x0000_i1046″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_20.jpg”>
Oral question to be answered by the Prime
Minister
What is the policy of the Government of
Guyana in regards to the use of state property by the governing political party
for election campaigns and other political activity? Answer scheduled for Order
Paper on 9th November, 2006 (not yet answered)
2006-12-3: New Opportunities
As the final month of the year 2006 begins we
Guyanese have much to reflect on. This has been a year which saw an intense
political campaign ending with the re-election of the PPP/C government. Despite
the excitement of the August campaign, the observation is made that things have
remained placid and Guyana, and Guyanese, appear to have sunk back into a state
of malaise. Except for the debate on an African Renaissance and the imminent
introduction of VAT, nothing else is causing the populace much discomfort or
excitement. This by no means is a sign that the state is at peace. Most persons
with whom we interact express a sense of failure and hopelessness. Nothing for
them makes good sense or gives a feeling of wellbeing and hope. Proof of this
can be found in the long lines which continue unabated at the passport Office,
and in the number of persons applying for refugee status abroad. Every
available opportunity is being taken to leave the shores to join the hundreds
of thousands that have already left.
For most Guyanese, there is a feeling that
there is no hope left. Crime and Security remain serious concerns as we witness
the ease with which murders and other serious crimes are being committed with
impunity. It is as if the serious felon knows that capture and successful
prosecution are things of a bygone era. For example, recently released
statistics regarding the incidence of prosecution and conviction in cases of
rape are frightening to say the least when one considers that there is an
obvious increase in sexual assault and abuse particularly against children.
In the opinion of the AFC, all is not lost.
The Presidential initiative of engaging the leadership of the Parliamentary
opposition to arrive at consensus positions on issues of nationhood is a sign
that there is something new and different that can be added to the manner of
political engagement. This in a sense can be regarded as a harbinger to
inclusive or shared governance. Thus far, many issues have been raised, but the
point already made by others that this provides a golden opportunity for nation
building and visionary leadership is well taken. We have advised ourselves
therefore that rather than be confined to issues only of Local Government
Elections; raising the profile and status of politicians, and enacting recall
legislation, that we should seize the moment to begin fashioning a new political
culture. We refer to a culture that takes into account, not as a courtesy, but
as of right, the views, issues, pains and aspirations of all others.
The PPP/C must understand that those who
oppose do so because they yearn for a better life and once provided they will
be content. The status quo does not provide that better life for all
Guyanese and unless mechanisms are put in place to give redress to the
asymmetries in our society, we will remain a fractured, underdeveloped and
unfulfilled nation and people. The recent acceptance of the Minister of Finance
of the justifiable pleas made by non-governmental forces for the zero-rating of
essential food items and supplies is a sterling example of what an objective
and open-minded approach can achieve. Previously, any advice or request once
made by groups not loyal to the governing party was ignored. The Minister
however must go a bit further by zero-rating for example not only split peas,
but also black-eyed and pigeon peas which are considered staple and essential
in the diet of African Guyanese.
Undoubtedly, many issues remain unsettled
such as crafting our continental destiny; arresting the pervasive moral decline
and decay; building a strong economy, and guaranteeing a strong and secure
Guyana for the thousands graduating from school each year. We challenge the
President and leadership of all political parties to make this latest
engagement work for Guyana. Regrettably, since the last encounter, there has
been little action except a detailed report or what transpired in a Dr.
Luncheon press conference. It is time for action.
The Following Are Questions Submitted
By Mr. R. Trotman, MP for Answer By Ministers of Government
A) For the Minister of Foreign Affairs
id=”_x0000_i1047″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_21.jpg”>Can the Hon. Minister of
Foreign Affairs say whether the Government of Guyana is satisfied with the
response of the Government of the
surrounding the shooting incident on Friday, October 6, 2006, in the
which claimed the life of Parasram Persaud?
Can the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs say
what initiatives the Government of Guyana is pursuing to ensure that the family
of Parasram Persaud receives compensation for the death?
What action is the Government of Guyana
pursuing with respect to this incident?
What is the Government of Guyana’s
policy regarding the protection of the rights of Guyanese citizens living in
sister CARICOM States?
For the period January 1, 2005 to October 30,
2006, how many complaints of unfair and/or unlawful treatment have been
received from Guyanese living in CARICOM states by the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and what has been the response and action taken in each case?
B) For the Prime Minister
id=”_x0000_i1048″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_22.jpg”>Is the Government in
receipt of a report on the weapons which the GDF claimed were lost in February,
2006 and if yes, is the government satisfied with the report?
Will the Government commission an independent
enquiry into the circumstances surrounding the missing weapons, and to receive
sound recommendations as to how such an occurrence can be eliminated in the
future?
Following the shooting incident in the Cuyuni
River on Friday, October 6, 2006, have measures been put in place to strengthen
border security in general and that with our neighbour Venezuela, in
particular?
C) For the Minister of Home Affairs
id=”_x0000_i1049″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_23.jpg”>Can the Minister say
whether the Government is prepared to introduce legislation to define and
regulate the concept of community policing?
What, if any, are the plans to construct a
new prison away from the centre of the City of Georgetown?
2006-12-10:The Alliance For
Change Column Let Us Be Bound By Our Contracts By Khemraj Ramjattan (Kaieteur
News)
It is indeed an act of hypocrisy and an indulgence
in double standards when a political party, whether in Government or
Opposition, says one thing, and when put to the test, does not do what it says.
Exceptionally, it is understandable that a
change of circumstances can realise a review of an earlier decision, resulting
in a legitimate overturning or reversal of that earlier position.
However, on a matter of fundamental
principle, no one should countenance such reversals. And whenever such reneging
of an earlier position occurs, everyone should roundly criticise it.
Both the PPP/C and the PNCR must be
criticised for not supporting the abolition of corporal punishment in schools
when the Chantalle Smith Motion, resolving that it be abolished, came up for
debate on December 7, 2006.
These parties negotiated successfully to
defer the Motion for a period of 6 (six) months for further consultation with
stakeholders. This they did through respective proposed amendments which
diluted the essence of AFC’s Chantalle Smith’s Motion and which would have delayed
its effective support.
Both these parties, however, supported the
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child when in 1991 Guyana
ratified and became a signatory thereto. Article 19 of that Convention makes it
clear that signatories must take legislative and administrative measures to
protect children from all forms of physical or mental violence.
There is a proposal that Guyana needs a new
Education Act. The old one of 1939 made express provisions for corporal
punishment. What Ms. Smith’s Motion was seeking to achieve is that in the new
Act there must be an express provision for the abolition of corporal
punishment, and, additionally, administrative arrangements throughout all
schools must enforce this new regime. This is the direct consequence of
supporting the Motion.
But what do the PPP/C and PNCR say?
“Hold on! Wait awhile! Let us hear what the stakeholders will say!”
A good pretext used from time immemorial in Parliament for not giving support
to some proposal or the other.
I wish to ask these parties if they ever
consulted or listened to stakeholders when they supported Guyana being a
signatory in 1991 to this Convention. They did not. Both supported the
Convention because it was the right thing to do.
But now both want to play politics with the
issue, being fully aware that a substantial percentage of Guyanese parents may
very well still want to support corporal punishment on seemingly irrational
grounds – probably because of unawareness of the arguments against, or embedded
archaic instructional and cultural attitudes. This is an approach reminiscent
of the recent irrationality, which resulted in the continued racial patterns of
voting last elections.
When there is a signing on to international
Conventions and Treaties, there must be an adherence and an abiding conformity
with their terms.
I remember all too well the obscene
inconsistency and outright hypocrisy of the leaders of the PPP/C as regards the
denunciation of the right to life provision after acceding to the Optional Protocol
to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Signing on to this Protocol in 1993 by the
then Cheddi Jagan administration was one of the proudest moments in my life. It
was walking the talk as it were. Remember the PNC never wanted to accede to
this Protocol, which entitled ordinary Guyanese to take their complaints of
human rights violations to this august body, the United Nations Human Rights
Commission. This is what I wrote then -“Our country’s accession is
proof of how seriously human-rights oriented and democratic our PPP/C
Government is; how the Government will allow scrutiny by dispassionate referees
of international standing without any local biases in accordance with, and upon
application of, universal standards. We have imprinted our commitment, by this
accession, to be part of a community of just States by sanctioning certain
moral standards, which claim universal validity beyond our own legal community.
This is indeed glorious and noble.”
But then the notorious convicted murderers,
Yasseen and Thomas, tested this commitment by taking their complaints to this
august body, complaining about human rights violations. And the Committee
recommended that the nation should free them, in view of the Committee’s
findings that the violations of their human rights were severe and fundamental!
What resulted shamed me beyond imagination.
The PPP/C Government proceeded to denounce the right to life provision of the
Protocol. This backtracking occurred through a Clement Rohee Motion in Parliament
in1998. At the behest of the Janet Jagan administration, he had argued that
these conventions and treaties were not binding because Guyana was a sovereign
state.
I have lengthy notes on this episode. A
passage caught my eye, and I think it useful to share it at this point
—“ This false sovereignty argument, which avers a convenient
nonbinding attitude whenever it suits us because we are a sovereign country,
must not be used to suffer us to depart from our agreements with the larger
world, especially when the consequence will be to disengage ourselves from the
obligations we have to third parties, like Yasseen and Thomas, who were the
intended beneficiaries of these agreements. Rather, our sovereignty should
operate to bind our consciences, as far as they can be bound, to a true and
literal performance of our agreements.”
Yasseen and Thomas were third parties who
never benefited from our agreements with the larger world because of our
failure to perform our obligations under them. Please let this not happen to
our schoolchildren. Let us be bound by our contracts!
2006-12-17:Alliance For
Change Column-Freedom of Information Act… Bolstering transparency
and accountability by AFC Vice-Chair Sheila Holder, MP
It is often said that the Donor Community and
the International Financial Institutions go through phases where they latch on
to some consensus or the other. For a long period it was the Washington
Consensus that was thought to be the panacea to jump start the economies of
developing countries structured by colonists for their own benefit. More
recently it was trade liberalization, good governance and parliamentary reform.
These days the Right to Information (RTI), the preferred term used in India or
Freedom of Information (FOI) has become the international consensus deemed to
be the fillip needed to bolster transparency and accountability to curtail
corruption and raise the standards of governance in developing countries
struggling to alleviate poverty. Is the RTI or FOI international lobby to be
another buzz word likely to be of no effect for the purposes intended?
In the opinion of RTI Project Director,
Vankatesh Nayak of the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) in New
Delhi, India when people are given the right to know they are empowered to demand
transparency and accountability from their governments. This in turn improves
the manner in which governments conduct the peoples’ business. At the FOI
Workshop I attended in Dominica July 27 – December 01, 2006, he declared
enthusiastically that it was working in India and predicted it will work in the
CARICOM region just as well. Listening to Vankatesh Nayak one couldn’t
help but deduce that he is engaged in a crusade to spread the word about the
benefits of RTI or FOI legislation.
In his view the RTI, the preferred term used
in India, has proven to be an important pillar of good governance. He believes
fervently that it is a process for removing the shackles of poverty since its
utilization requires not only State responsiveness to the people at the lowest
village level but also brings about responsible, accountable and transparent
behaviour by public officials. He sited examples of how its use by the poor in
India brought corrupt officials’ activities to an end.
This participation by the people he rates as
liberating and empowering, therefore, rejects the argument often made by
Government officials that RTI or FOI legislation doesn’t put food on the
table so should be put on the legislative back burner. In fact, he argues that
the reality is the other way round since there is an abundance of evidence that
shows access to information is crucial to sustainable development, building a
democratic society and attaining the principles enshrined in Article 19 of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights which most countries in the world have
ratified. The universal declaration states, ‘Everyone has the right
to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold
opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and
ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers’.
Other FOI mandates and covenants applicable
to our region are to be found in:
Article 19: International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights
Article 13: Freedom of Expression: American
Convention on Human Rights.
Article 4: Inter-American Democratic Charter
Article II: Inter-American Convention Against
Corruption and Follow-up Mechanism for the Implementation of the Inter-American
Covenant Against Corruption.
Inter-American Democratic Charter; and
Article VIII: Freedom of Expression and
Access to Information CARICOM Charter of Civil Society.
What the RTI/FOI does is effectively overturn
the culture of secrecy that pervades state institutions generally in many jurisdictions
often requiring the repeal of some secrecy laws on the statute books. In
drafting RIT/FOI legislation it is imperative to include sections to ensure
respect for and protection of the rights and reputations of others, protection
of national security, public order, public health and morals. Generally, a
paradigm shift from a culture of secrecy to one of openness must be adopted by
State officials. Also exemptions contained in FOI legislation are often
restricted to specific sections of documents rather than whole documents that
would have previously been classified as secret. The basic international
standards for RTI/FOI legislation require the following:
id=”_x0000_i1050″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_24.jpg”>That access to information
costs not be a deterrent.
That no locus standi be required to be
established.
That an appeals process be defined.
The FOI private member’s Bill submitted
to the National Assembly a few short weeks ago by AFC Chairman and Member of
Parliament, Raphael Trotman has been promptly put on the Order Paper this time
round. It is based on the Trinidadian model which some FOI advocates consider
to be restrictive and not necessarily as liberal as some FOI advocates would like.
However, Trinidad & Tobago Minister of Security, Fitzgerald Hinds who once
had responsibility for implementing the FOI law while Minister of Public
Administration and Information disagreed vigorously and reassured this writer
that it has served its purpose in the West Indian twin island State. In
recognition of International Right to Know Day last September 28, Jamaican
Minister of Information, Senator Colin Campbell stated that, “It is
accepted that successful Assess to Information regimes promotes efficiency and
effectiveness in Government and ultimately build public trust and
partnerships.”
At Thursday December 14 sitting of the
National Assembly AFC Chairman Raphael Trotman MP took steps to have the bill
deferred in order to save it from being thrown out during the stage of its
first reading. The objective is to allow Government time for study and
assessment of the administrative implications of the bill. Should the Guyana
Government support the passage of the bill, Guyana will join some sixty other countries
in this hemisphere which have enacted FOI legislation. Sweden being the oldest
country to adopt a RTI law having done so two hundred and forty years ago in
the year 1766.
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS SUBMITTED BY
MR. RAPHAEL TROTMAN TO BE ANSWERED BY THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFIARS
1.
contracted in any capacity as a consultant, or otherwise to advise, or be
involved in law enforcement in Guyana ?
2.
what is the remuneration and benefits to be offered to him and his associates
by the Government of Guyana?
3.
number of persons imprisoned in Guyana as of December 1, 2006 is?
4.
categories and numbers of each offence for which persons are incarcerated?
5.
offences related to marijuana (Cannabis Sativa) for the period 2005-2006?
6.
prosecuted for being in possession of marijuana (Cannabis Sativa) during the
period 20052006?
7.
8.
serving sentences, for being in possession of marijuana (cannabis sativa)?
9.
10.
to establish a Rehabilitation Centre or Centres as provided for the in the
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1988?
2006-12-22: Alliance For
Change Christmas Message The Alliance For Change wishes Guyanese at
home and abroad and especially members of the Christian community a joyous
Christmas.
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of
Jesus Christ, the son of God. This is the season when we focus on the child in
our midst and on the family that nurtures that child. Let us resolve to be
particularly caring of our nation’s most precious resource: its children and
young people.
Christmas is also the time to be happy; a
time of joy and of mirth. A time of cleaning up, painting up, dressing-up,
lighting-up, the playing of music, dancing and the eating of seasonal
favourites like pepperpot, black cake and the drinking of ginger beer.
As we celebrate this season of giving with
our families it is important that we reflect on those less fortunate in our
society, for Christmas is for sharing and for expressing good will to our
fellow men. In the universal spirit of Christmas we wish that all Guyanese
would use this time to renew and strengthen the foundation of the Guyanese
family and that as a people we demonstrate in practical ways, goodwill towards
each other and resolve to make Guyana a land of which we can be proud.
The Alliance For Change bids a special welcome
to all Guyanese who have come home to reunite with their families and friends
at this time to experience a true Guyanese Christmas. Because the goodwill of
those we serve is the foundation of our success, it gives us joy at this
holiday time to also say “Thank You”. As we enter into 2007 we wish
you and you loved ones peace, happiness and prosperity.
A Merry Christmas to all Guyanese.
EAB
Recent Findings
The AFC notes with satisfaction the recent
findings of the Electoral Assistance Bureau (EAB) regarding the results of the
elections for the geographical constituency seat of Region
10. These findings, quite apart from
vindicating an already established position, now add further credibility to the
AFC’s claims for redress and justice. The EAB being a highly respected
and independent body, which was given accreditation as an elections observer by
GECOM for the 2006 elections, is to be commended for pursuing these issues
vigorously and fearlessly. The AFC however urges the EAB to continue its probe
into all aspects of the conduct of the 2006 General and regional elections so
as to ensure that no other political party has been short-changed in similar
fashion to that in which the AFC has been denied its seat.
The AFC, and all Guyana for that matter, now
await the High Court to state when the process to commence the hearing of its
Election Petition will commence. To date, the AFC has seen no active step taken
in this regard by those charged with the responsibility. The AFC notes that the
PPP/C can however perform the honourable act of conceding the obvious which
should allow GECOM to take the necessary steps to remedy the injustice.
ORAL
QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE FOR THE NINTH PARLIAMENT OF GUYANA PRESENTED BY AFC
MEMBER DAVID PATTERSON
December 18, 2006 To the Honourable
Minister of Works and Hydraulics
1.
Can the Hon. Minister of Works and Hydraulics say what provisions are in place
to ensure that the outstanding works on the East Bank Four Lane Highway shall
be completed, in light of the fact that the Defects liability Period of the
Contract expires on December 31, 2006?
For the Honourable Prime Minister
1. Can the Hon. Prime Minister say if all the
necessary emergency spares are in place for the Christmas Season for all GPL
generating plants at Versailles and Garden of Eden?
QUESTIONS
FOR THE NINTH PARLIAMENT OF GUYANA PRESENTED BY AFC MEMBER DAVID PATTERSON
December 18, 2006 To the Honourable
Minister of Works and Hydraulics
1.
notice was provided to the private sector before the removal of signs and
billboards legally erected on the Timehri to Georgetown highway?
2.
to reclaim signs and billboards that were dismantled?
For the Honourable Prime Minister
1.
travel agencies to provide services for government officials airline travels?
2.
competitive tenders for the provision of these services in the near future?
3.
were purchased this year for managers and directors of GPL?
4.
for the free bulbs/lamps donated by Cuba to Guyana for consumers?
5.
finished?
2006-12-31: AFC New Year
Message
During this Christmas Season we witnessed
an abundance of goodwill that warmed our hearts with the many expressions of love
and kindness for the less fortunate among us. May the New Year bring with it
continued expressions of love and kindness among our people and new prospects
for hope and new opportunities for all Guyanese. This will demand that we take
careful stock of our achievements and strive to strengthen our weakest links.
The AFC urges Guyanese not to loose hope but to exercise their important role
as citizen of Guyana vested with the Constitutional mandate to participate
meaningfully and responsibly in the social, political and economic activities
of our country. It is your right – grasp it!
Every country has its own set of
challenges and no one can deny that during the past year, our mettle was well
tested in the face of rising levels of crime and violence, continued hardships
for the working poor as the economy remained sluggish. We in the AFC believe
that until greater emphasis is placed on the disadvantaged among us
Guyana’s wealth will remain hidden so we urge that the needs of the poor
be addressed in a meaningful way in the New Year.
As we bid farewell to the old year, let us
begin this new one with a prayer of thanksgiving, for, like many, we have
survived as a party despite great odds. It is not immodesty but a fact – the
AFC made history in the 2006 Regional and General Elections in Guyana by
winning five seats (we believe we’ re entitled to a sixth) in parliament
after having been in existence for less than a year. This is something that no
other political party has managed to accomplish in the history of Guyana.
A happy new year to all Guyanese.
End of year Parliamentary Review for
publication
As we witness the end of this year the
executive and members of the AFC should be proud of its parliamentary
representation. We have led the way with questions and motions. Mr. David
Patterson has the distinction of being the first Member of Parliament to invoke
the new Standing Orders rule regarding the asking oral questions without
notice.
Mrs. Sheila Holder was the first Member to
submit questions to the ninth Parliament while also utilizing the parliamentary
questions for debate process to seek to examine the issue of the
Government’s intention to introduce Casino Gambling.
Mr. Raphael Trotman has achieved the
distinction of laying in the National Assembly a private member’s bill to
overturn the culture of secrecy and introduce greater transparency and
accountability by introducing legislation dealing with Freedom of Information.
Ms Chantalle Smith in a parliamentary Motion
has challenged the impropriety of the PPPC Government with respect to the UN
Convention on the Rights of the Child which was signed by former President Mrs
Janet Jagan, without reservation, while successive PPPC Governments have
refused to uphold obligations under the Convention.
Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan contributed
significantly in the ‘Sun-set’ legislation debate thereby
contributing to the achievement of 100% representation by all AFC
Parliamentarians in the sense that every AFC Member of Parliament has addressed
the Assembly within the few short months of existence of the ninth Parliament.
No other party came even close to this record!
2007-1-13: Article by AFC
Vice-Chair Sheila Holder, MP for the AFC Column “Voices of its
Principles” (Kaieteur News) There is reason to believe that the
intention to introduce casino gambling is likely to mark the future
relationship between the Guyana government and the religious community in ways
that will not be immediately evident. For a country tired of political
contention the issue of casino gambling has become very contentious for a
number of reasons.
The fact that government has published
Bill No. 30 of 2006 seeking to amend the Gambling Prevention Act (Cap. 9:02) to
allow for the licensing of Casinos appear designed to favour Buddy’s
hotel that has already earned a substantial loan from the Treasury, to operate
a casino in time for World Cup Cricket. This has clearly troubled many sections
of the religious community that either claimed not to have been consulted or
consider the consultation to have been cursory and of no importance in spite of
their voiced objections.
According to the 2002 census, the
Christian, Hindu and Moslem communities in Guyana combined command a membership
of over 90% of the population. Yet from all intent and purposes the comments
made by Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee and Dr. Desrey Fox, Minister in the
Ministry of Education, on Thursday night, in the National Assembly during the
debate on the Casino Gambling Motion, were shockingly contemptuous and intended
to ridicule sections of the religious community. These comments being made as
they were, in the presence of religious leaders like Bishop Allen, Al-Hajj
Fazeel Ferouz and Rev Porter, President of the Guyana Council of Churches, and
others. It would appear that the government Ministers have concluded that the
Guyanese religious communities have no teeth so they are unable to command
greater respect from the government. This does not auger well for a favourable
government response to the Petition signed by three Christian leaders, Rev
Raphael Massiah, Rev Alphonso Porter and Pastor Lloyd Stewart, which was
presented to the National Assembly last Thursday opposing the reading,
consideration and passage of the Gambling Prevention (Amendment) Bill.
The Guyana Constitution accorded the
Guyanese people rights which are proclaimed in article 13 and also in the
preamble to ‘forge a system of governance that promotes concerted
effort and broad-based participation in National decision-making in order to
develop a viable economy and a harmonious community’. The petition is
the first to signal the determination of the Christian leadership to voice
concerns about casino gambling on behalf of their flock.
It is generally accepted that since government
gained a majority in the recent national elections, it is entitled to devise
its legislative agenda; however, when that right clashes with those the
accorded the people by the Constitution, government has a duty to heed the
warnings of the people and their religious leaders on matters that will affect
their lives in predictable ways. Contrary to the views expressed here, it is
the opinion of Minister Rohee that religions, which base their doctrine on
certain principles, have no place in the business of government.
The President’s new cabinet
appointments were perceived by most as a breath of fresh air; but his apparent
unwillingness to heed the unease with which the society has greeted his
announcement to introduce licensed gambling, threatens the cordial relations
between his government and the religious community.
To introduce Casino gambling in a society
already teetering on the brink of unencumbered money laundering in a framework
of inadequate regulations and policing resources, leaves one in no doubt about
the lack of the government’s political resolve to tackle money laundering
as a serious crime. We see government proceeding to carry this nation down a
road which requires, for the avoidance of significant social problems, that
which is missing in Guyana; a well equipped and trained police force to contain
gun related crimes, a well paid and motivated public service to withstand
corruption in regulating casinos, and a well established social infrastructure
to manage the inevitable fallout that is bound to accompany the gaming
industry. This being done at a time when Guyana has been described by the
Bureau for International Narcotics and Law enforcement Affairs as having ‘the
scale of money laundering thought to be large relative to the size of the
economy, with some experts estimating that the informal economy is forty to
sixty percent of the size of the formal sector. Money laundering has been
linked to trafficking in drugs, firearms and persons, as well as corruption and
fraud. Drug trafficking and money laundering appear to be propping up the
Guyanese economy”.
The argument has been advanced in some
quarters that Guyana benefits from money laundering in such areas as currency
stability, justifying turning an official blind eye to it.
In a worldwide World Bank governance and
anti-corruption indicator measuring six components of good governance, Guyana
compared to other sister CARICOM countries -measured way below the regional
average in all areas, namely Political stability/non violence, Government
effectiveness, Regulatory quality, Rule of law and Control of corruption. So
what is the Guyana government thinking about when it proceeds steadfastly down
the road towards introducing casino gambling without the benefit of an informed
impact study as proposed in my motion that the University of Guyana be asked to
conduct?
We have the eagerly awaited World Cup
Cricket (WCC) scheduled for March 2007 that is expected to do that which
President Jagdeo claims casino gambling will do for the economy, so what’s
the reason for the rush? Representatives of the government have said that
gambling is not a factor for consideration during WCC. Clearly then the
Guyanese public is entitled to its government acting in a more responsible
manner and, I dare say with greater respect for the views of the people whom
they have sworn to serve faithfully as they uphold and preserve the
Constitution of Guyana, rather than rushing to satisfy some alien agenda that
ignores such a significant constituency as the collective views of the major
religions in the country.
2007-1-21: Alliance for
Change Column – Release the VAT The Alliance For Change’s request, made
through Mr. Raphael Trotman, to have an urgent debate on the Value Added Tax
(VAT) was disallowed by the Deputy Speaker on the basis that the matter cannot
be deemed an urgent matter for discussion.
The Speaker reasoned that, because VAT has
been introduced since January 1, a motion to debate its effects should have
been considered for the Parliamentary sitting on January
11.
In addition, the fact that the government
introduced the Value Added (Amendment) Bill means that some of the concerns
deemed urgent and critical by members of the public wil
the Hon. Deputy Speaker, Mrs. Clarissa Riehl, but had hoped that a different
view would have been taken, especially in light of the fact that new
issues and difficulties are emerging by the
hour regarding VAT.
The AFC continues to believe that the
application of VAT will be a cause for concern, and notwithstanding the ruling
in the National Assembly, will continue to press for an amelioration of the
harsh conditions ordinary Guyanese now face. As we are all aware, VAT has been
introduced, and in the weeks since its introduction, there has been a climate
of confusion and alarm among consumers. Confusion because there was not
sufficient consumer education prior to the introduction of the tax, and alarm
because consumers find themselves faced with what appears to be a
16 per cent cost of living increase as of
January 1, of this year.
These issues include the fact that there is
no provision in the VAT regulations to prevent businesses from adding VAT to
existing prices or increasing current prices before applying the tax. Stock
relief is being granted only to importers and manufacturers, and not to
retailers. Further, businesses are not being granted stock relief for stock
purchased before December
last year, and they have only until March to
dispose of their December stock in order to benefit from stock relief. This
means that many businesses will face losses on unsold December stock, and for
stock purchased before December, if they were to lower prices immediately. It
is the nature of business that they must do what they have to do to minimise
losses, and unfortunately, this means higher prices for the consumer. The
source said that in the immediate term, consumers will therefore continue to
feel the effects of these types of problems, since they cannot pass on the
additional charges
associated with the new tax. The ordinary
Guyanese is at the end of the line as usual. As this realisation dawns, the
consuming public is rightly becoming more and more alarmed. In December of
2005, the Private Sector Commission pointed out that Guyana has the highest
personal and corporate tax rates in the Caribbean, and opined that the
introduction of
VAT at a rate of 16 per cent and a threshold
set at $10M would place an enormous tax burden on the Guyanese consumer and a
terrible strain on the country’s manufacturing,
business, tourism, and export sectors. The
Private Sector Commission stated that VAT must be introduced in conjunction
with a reform of the existing tax system. They further stated that the tax in
its present form would result in a significant increase in the cost of living
to the average consumer.
Red Thread is a civil society organisation
that speaks for women around the country. It has also expressed concerns with
respect to the likely effects of VAT on Guyanese people in
general, and more specifically on unwaged
housewives, low-waged workers, unemployed women and men, and pensioners. Their
concerns have also now come to pass. They have expressed concern about prices
that have increased on items that previously had no consumption tax, or
consumption tax lower than 16 per cent, but are now subject to VAT.
They also called for basic food items that
are now subject to VAT to be zero rated, saying that applying VAT to these
items is an extreme burden to the poor. These items include salt, flour,
biscuits, margarine, eggs, beef, pork, fish, black eye peas, pigeon peas,
channa, jam and jelly, matches, soap, school clothes, and telephone calls.
Other items that should not be subject to VAT include toothpaste, sanitary
napkins, and tampons.
The President and the GRA have given
assurances that VAT should not result in a higher cost of living. Consumers and
civil society organisations are clear that they are feeling the
pinch since the introduction of VAT. In a country
where many people are already forced to work more than one job, or to rely on
remittances from relatives who live abroad, it is imperative that we recognise
that the consumer is being further burdened.
It would therefore seem appropriate that, as suggested
in the press and by organisations and individuals, the government revisits the
basic goods and services that are purchased primarily by the lower income
consumer, and ensure that they are zero rated. This will give some relief to
housewives, low wage earners, unemployed and underemployed people, and
pensioners.
It would also seem appropriate that the
government undertake a survey of pre and post-VAT prices to determine whether
VAT has resulted in a significant cost of living increase. If this is found to
be so, then it is only right that the VAT Rate be adjusted, or that the
government provides tax relief in some other form to ease the burden on
consumers. The Guyanese people deserve no less.
QUESTIONS SUBMITTED FOR ANSWER BY MINISTER
OF HOME AFFAIRS:
1.
circumstances surrounding the prison break at the Mazaruni Prison on Friday,
January 12, 2007, and which led to the escape of 9 prisoners?
2.
and security generally at all prisons in Guyana and to prevent jail breaks in
particular?
3.
recommendations, if any, of past Commissions of Enquiry into jail breaks within
the last ten years have been implemented?
4.
prison, is the Minister of Home Affairs willing to seek a reconsideration of
his government’s decision not to construct a new maximum security prison?
2007-1-28: The Alliance for
Change Column-Either a grand deception or an unconstitutionality (Kaieteur
News)
Madam Speaker, it is clear from the
Government’s side, and an emphatic admission on its part, that this Government
is tied to gambling because of the enormous revenues derived from gambling.
This PPP Government is perhaps the most heavily addicted party in the gambling
arena now.
Its main economic argument revolves
principally around two factors: revenues and job creation. The revenues
obtained, they say, will be transferred into general revenues, which are much
needed to achieve the Government’s fiscal objective – I suppose deficit
reduction, and fiscal stabilisation.
With citizens revolting against further
taxation, it is consequently difficult for the Government to resist the
temptation to join the gambling bandwagon. In this fashion, this PPP Government
would be able to avoid raising further taxes to meet their fiscal objectives.
And then they will spend and allocate these revenues with minimal public
scrutiny a la the Lotto Funds which, as you know, never can find its rightful
destination: the Consolidated Fund.
Well, I have three objections against these
arguments, which I feel should be emphasised.
Firstly, Government being such an active
participant in the gambling industry, is serving in two capacities, one as a
beneficiary and the other as a regulator, an awkward duality. There is
absolutely no separation of these two functions in the Bill that we
Parliamentarians can see and debate on. It is hidden away under this new-found
method of governance
– future Ministerial regulation-making,
something very dangerous to Parliamentary democracy. To be both a beneficiary
and regulator is like the fox watching the chicken coop.
Secondly, this so-called working class
Government — and this is the indignity of it all — is trading on Guyanese
hopes that casino gambling offers a chance to improve their lives; that this
hardcore variety of gambling is a good habit to indulge in, and will finance
society’s needs and priorities! That is the image being set by this Government
on gambling! Could you believe this, Madam Speaker?
Thirdly, all the Government speakers have
quoted studies which show the glamour and glitz of this business. None thus far
has been decent enough to appreciate the huge negatives this industry can have
for a poor, ill-institutioned country as ours. These ills have been explicitly
stated in the speeches of Chantalle Smith and David Patterson, my esteemed AFC
colleagues. I will not repeat them.
Neither were any of the Government speakers
discerning enough to realise that these studies which show up the positives are
generally done by casino proponents, who paint an optimistic picture. These
studies are generally done by the gambling industry itself, and are
self-serving and biased.
Only last week, the Shiela Holder Motion to
have a study done by a neutral local body was thrown out by this Government.
Why? Because this Government is becoming an instrument of gambling-entrenched
interests which manipulate public opinion about these activities, and which
have more to do with their agendas than they do with the public interest.
Honourable Member Mr. Odinga quotes the
billions gambling bring in for Las Vegas . Mr. Irfan Ali glows in the examples
of Asian countries benefiting from the wealth casino gambling brings in.
Honourable Maniram Prashad quoted the case of Macau . Well, Madam Speaker, I
want to say that is one big bird they are giving us.
Mr. Clement Rohee and Dr. Fox do not like the
Biblical/religious arguments against gambling. I can appreciate their
preference for the more secular argument. But even when we address gambling on
a secular platform, we still have to ensure we do not breach the prohibitions
of our secular Bible, if I may so call it, that is, the Constitution of Guyana.
What does this Book say on the issue?
But just before I quote Article 149 of that
Bible, I wish to mention what the President told the Religious Leaders:
“Guyanese, unless they are casino workers, or paid guests in these
hotels, will not be allowed into these casinos. Only foreigners and only those
Guyanese who have citizenship or residency status for some other country will
be permitted.”
I notice grumbling on the Government benches.
Are you saying this is not what the President said? Well, what then did he tell
the Religious Leaders? I hope there is no deception or misrepresentation on
Your Excellency’s part.
This is the effect and spirit, if not the
exact terms, what the President said. “Guyanese living here will be
excluded from accessing the casinos”.
Now what does Article 149 say? It says:
“No law shall make any provision that is discriminatory either of itself
or in its effect”. And discriminatory means “affording different
treatment to different persons attributable wholly or mainly to
their…… race, political opinion, colour, creed, age, gender, or
place of origin”. To exclude me or, say, my good friend Bishop Juan
Edghill because we are Guyanese not reaching the status of casino worker or
paid guests is discriminatory on grounds of place of origin, just like it would
have been if we were excluded because we were brown and black!
This Bill is wholly unconstitutional! To
ensure that it becomes constitutional, a constitutional amendment to Article
149 must first be passed to accommodate this abominable “Guyanese”
exclusion, this “place of origin” restriction. Any good lawyer
could successfully move such a constitutional motion in our High Court. I can
foresee that an enterprising lawyer may even make out a case for Le Meridien
Pegasus moving a motion for discrimination on grounds of age in the context of
being excluded by virtue of being “old” as against Buddy’s Hotel,
which is “new”.
[An abridged version, with minor
modifications, of speech delivered on the Casino Gambling Bill in the National
Assembly on Monday 22nd January, 2007 by KHEMRAJ RAMJATTAN, AFC Leader.]
2007-2-4: Alliance For
Change Column-Our legislative process:More frankness less arrogance needed
(Keieteur News)
The primary function of legislators in our National
Assembly is the making of laws for the peace, order and good government of
Guyana .
The quality of this law-making process,
however, depends on a number of circumstances. One such significant
circumstance is the frankness of the proposers and movers of Bills, who, in our
Westminster model, are Ministers of Government who are all present and engaged
in the National Assembly. This frankness has to do with being lucid,
unequivocal and principled as regards the policy behind the Bill so that the
deficiency of the existing law is made clear to all, and the
remedying of this deficiency is made
intelligible to all. Hence, such frankness entails consequential proscriptions
which must necessarily be followed by such Ministers.
A Minister must never overload a Bill,
whether substantive or amending, with verbiage which obscures the policy behind
it and which clouds its intention. A Minister must never seek to misrepresent
or deceive the Assembly as regards the true source and origin of a Bill, and
the real purpose behind its provisions. A Minister must ensure that a Bill in
his name satisfies the constitutionality test; or, at the very minimum,
seriously give consideration to avoid the Bill being held unconstitutional
by our High Court on ground that it contravenes
fundamental rights or basic doctrines or any provision of the constitution for
that matter.
A Minister must never seek to arrogate unto
himself the law-making process by the powerful device of empowering himself
with sweeping powers through Ministerial regulations- making in all and sundry
matters pertaining to the Bill. This can diminish the efficacy of the National
Assembly and do serious damage to our democracy since deliberation and scrutiny
of regulations, more properly termed subsidiary
legislation, is usually negligible, if not
non-existent. Debates on subsidiary legislation, unlike primary legislation,
are never guaranteed. In this my 16th year as a Parliamentarian, I cannot
recall one instance where there has been a debate on subsidiary legislation.
Parliamentarians, both in Government and Opposition, must be alert and
perceptive to identify the undermining of these proscriptions by the Executive
arm collectively and
Ministers individually. This is our bounden
duty and obligation.
Moreover, once we identify such undermining,
we must be courageous enough to stand up and show, at the very least, a
righteous indignation against such impropriety which, if not nipped in the bud,
generally result in authoritarianism. Since the commencement of our 9th
Parliament after the 2006 Elections, a majority of the Bills presented in the
House thus far have succumbed to a breach, in one way or the
other, of one or more of these proscriptions.
This is not a nice start. What makes it uglier is oftentimes the arrogance
exhibited by Ministers in attempting to rebut exposures of
theses instances. The most glaring example to
date is the instance of the Casino Gambling Bill. Another recent example which
exhibited a dogmatic attitude on Government’s part was when the AFC objected to
the passage of the Custom’s Amendment Bill 8 of 2007, only last week.
The AFC’s objections were on good grounds.
Firstly, this Bill, purported as being a piece of sunset legislation, did not
have any expiry date. Nor did the Minister indicate that its duration was going
to be only for World Cup Cricket, like the other Minister did, in most explicit
terms, in relation to the three other pieces of sunset legislation, namely
Bills 5, 6 and 7 of 2007.
Secondly, it was shamelessly bad drafting,
which shrouded the intent and purpose of its provisions, and gave the portfolio
Minister huge powers at regulations-making.
Thirdly, the provisions were duplicitous as
what they pretended to remedy were already taken care of by the Immigration
Amendment Bill and the existing provisions of the Customs Act. Why then this
Bill? Why not a clause for an expiry date, say 1st June 2007, like the other
Bills? Why did the Government refuse the inclusion of an expiry date moved by
the AFC? As I argued in the House, there is a sinister motive behind this Bill.
It is not cricket when you are going to use cricket to get at boat owners who
the Government feels are
smugglers! Here is the Bill in its full
terms:
” 67A. (1) Without prejudice to
section 67, the Minister may make regulations requiring any master of an
aircraft or ship expected to arrive in Guyana to furnish advance information
relating to any passenger or cargo or both on board of such aircraft or ship in
the form and manner as may be provided in the regulations.
(2)
Where
a master of an aircraft or ship who is required to furnish any advance
information under the regulations made under subsection (1) –
(a)
intentionally
fails to furnish the advance information; or
(b)
recklessly
furnishes incomplete or false advance information, he shall be liable to a fine
not exceeding twenty million dollars as may be prescribed in the
regulations.”
The Minister indicated in rebuttal to my
objections to this Bill that it came from the Caricom drafters, as if to say
that the Government had nothing to do with it. I made contact with officials
there. I will forever keep their confidences. Suffice to say, they were
flabbergasted! Khemraj Ramjattan Leader AFC
2007-2-11: Alliance For
Change column An edited version of the Presentation made by Sheila Holder, MP
on the 2007 Budget (Kaieteur News) I have to confess that it took a great
effort on my part to muster some semblance of interest in the presentation of
the 2007 budget because were the truth to be told this exercise has lost its
true meaning for a substantial number of people in the country. Not that I have
no confidence in the ability of the recently appointed Finance Minister but
believe, like that being experienced by the AFC party, he’s come into an
environment that has already been sullied by what has transpired over the
years.
Back to basics
We need to get back to basics and
understand the purpose of a budget which ought to be an exercise in
stock-taking of the social, political and economic problems facing the country.
The fiscal and economic measures proposed thereafter should seek to ameliorate
those problems. A budget that doesn’t pass this test is therefore a budget of
futility. This is the litmus test I will use to assess the 2007 budget.
Social, political and economic problems
facing our country
From my perspective the pivotal social,
economic and political problems facing our country are, a national economy that
has been in recession close to a decade, a Government that has failed to grasp
that economic development could only occur within an enabling environment where
a culture of investor friendliness exists, where local professionals are
motivated to contribute their skills, workers receive a fair day’s pay for a
fair day’s work, where the judicial system is perceived to be timely in
dispensing justice, where crime is under control, where the education system
produces a workforce with the skills that are needed and where politically
there is stability, governmental responsiveness to the views of the society and
transparency and accountability.
In looking at how the 2007 budget proposes
to deal with these issues it is my intention to focus broadly on the areas I
have been assigned, namely the health sector, the Tourism, sugar & bauxite
and public utilities.
Let me say at the outset that it was
heartening to hear the new Minister of Finance locate Government’s vision
within a process of ‘modernising the economy, utilising the tools and
techniques that are best suited and adaptable to our local situation.’
May I remind the minister that it was only
a week before his budget presentation that Government ignored these very
objectives when it forced upon the nation the introduction of casino gambling
without even an offer of an opinion from the Tourism & Hospitality
Association of Guyana (THAG).
Meanwhile, Government in making the claim
that legalised gambling will enhance tourism and boost the economy refused to
offer one iota of supporting data of how, when, where and why this would
materialise.
In fact the Finance Minister in his budget
presentation made absolutely no mention of the projected economic targets
envisaged will accrue from legalised gambling. It is such anomalies that betray
the very trust the minister said he hopes to secure in building a modern and
prosperous Guyana. Instead tourism is hinged to stronger growth of the economy
and placing greater emphasis on promotion which has been allocated $65.6M to
execute the development of a recognisable image of Guyana as a unique destination.
On page 27 of his presentation the
Minister describes development of the sector as one “that combines
business with tourism products such as leisure, events and sports tourism and
nature-based tourism.” Meanwhile countries like Belize and Costa Rica,
little know destinations up to a few years ago forge ahead of Guyana in
cornering the eco-tourist market.
Misuse of Government’s Resources to punish
those who oppose it
I want to make the point here that
successive PPPC Governments have earned a reputation for excluding expertise
that is perceived to be politically non-supportive. This is by no means
peculiar to PPPC Governments, but has nonetheless been very detrimental to the
Government’s stated development objectives as the practice has been very discouraging
to their stated nation-building efforts.
No amount of complaints about the practice
of sidelining professionals not closely aligned to the governing party and
indeed outright blacklisting of many have brought an end to this intimidatory
practice.
Today we’re witnessing the claim by
Stabroek News that government is misusing taxpayers’ funds in an effort to
suppress the newspaper. International opinion is fast building against them,
leading one to believe that one day soon the pin will drop and Government will
come to realise that it is foolhardy to pursue such a policy in light of the
fact that it rebounds to their detriment given the fact that economic growth
targeted over the period of the President Jagdeo’s management of the economy
have not been achieved.
GUYSUCO
Take for instance GUYSUCO that has a
Booker Tate management contract – there has been a systematic programme of
‘laying off’ experienced Guyanese field and factory professionals. Some
we are told have been laid off supposedly because they have reached retirement
age yet they are quickly replaced by highly paid expatriates contracted by
Booker Tate.
It is now becoming evident that
government’s negotiators of the GUYSUCO/Booker Tate contract have undermined
local professional expertise in the sugar industry by providing opportunity for
the contractor to benefit financially from sidelining locals. In these
circumstances little effort is being made to retain young professionals in the
industry.
For an administration that claims to be
interested in the welfare of Guyanese this state of affairs is reprehensible.
Be warned, the AFC is taking a close look at developments in the Skeldon
project to see whether this trend will continue.
Meanwhile it was noted that the minister
made no mention of the situation with the Demerara estates which continue to be
a drain on the industry. How does he plan to deal with the loss making estates
is an explanation he owes the National Assembly.
Bauxite
With respect to bauxite we are hopeful
that the investment initiatives currently developing will accrue to the benefit
of the long term viability of the industry and for the hundreds of workers who
earn their living from bauxite production. The AFC would like to see Government
investigating the possibility of economic opportunities in the mined out areas.
For example can the lakes that were created where bauxite was once mined
possibly be used for aquaculture and swimming for recreational purposes? If so,
will the fish reared in those lakes be fit for human consumption?
We would like to see the Government
encouraging the University of Guyana to get involved in such scientific
investigations in order to alleviate the unemployment and encourage local
entrepreneurs in depressed bauxite areas.
Health
Let me say categorically that there have
been improvements for which the Minister of Health and his staff should be
complemented. We urge them to pursue to successful conclusion the strategies
being devised to retain our doctors and nurses within the public health system
throughout the ten administrative regions.
We are pleased to learn of plans to
modernise the regulatory framework within which health institutions and workers
currently operate. We trust that in so doing the baby is not thrown out with
the bath water but that appropriate regulatory space is made available for the
practice of alternative medicine. It is however noted a correlation between the
poor performance of the economy and the deteriorating nutrition of children and
pregnant mothers.
I look forward to hearing from the Health
Minister by what time he envisages the disparity gap between the rich and the
poor in accessing life-saving and sight-saving treatments will be closed. I
also look forward to the Minister enlightening us about the manufacture and
distribution of nutritional sprinkles to reduce morbidity and mortality in the
target groups.
In regard to other health issues we
welcome the stated intention to build multi-purpose sports complexes in each
county, invest in sports equipment and the construction of an Olympic-size
swimming pool since they will go a far way in opening up opportunities for our
young people to truly unlock their potential in the sport of their choice.
Public Utilities
Turning my attention now to public
utilities, it was noted that while speaking about power generation the Finance
Minister said Government’s stated objective was to bring affordable and
reliable electricity to all Guyanese. This is welcome news because the IDB has
halted the disbursement of funds for the un-served areas electrification
programme because of the poor uptake of the service. It is obvious that the
high rate of stealing of electricity in those areas point to the question of
affordability.
I’ll like to hear from the Prime Minister
how he proposes to deal with this problem given that there is now an awareness
on the part of policy makers and regulators around the world that a good gauge
of how democratic a country is could be calculated by the degree of access its
citizens had to essential basic public utility services such as water,
telephones and electricity.
Telecommunication
Under the CSME Treaty, competition policy
requires Caricom countries to regulate anti -competitive behavior within trade and
services. It, however, does not address market structure but enshrines
obligations for liberalisation.
In Guyana the telecommunications sector is
opening up tentatively but needs further examination and appropriate laws
enacted in order to achieve CSME standards of competitiveness which in turn
will go a far way in satisfying the public’s demand for telephone services in
un-served areas around the country.
Water
For a country as well endowed with water,
a scarce resource in many countries, it is disappointing that the GWI has not
been able to deliver a service that is characterised by efficiency, reliability
and distribution of safe potable water to citizens.
In closing, I’ll like to assure the
Minister that we in the AFC concur with his concluding comments that for
Government’s 2007 budget to be successfully implemented will require a
favourable international and domestic environment. That while they do not
control the external environment, as the Government they certainly can put in
place mechanisms and measures to grasp available opportunities and limit
negative effects so that collectively we can shape events for our benefit and
for the benefit of generations to come.
We wish him well even as we put him on
notice we will be watching to see how he responds to the concerns we have
raised. Like him we are willing to promote Guyana’s interest in an atmosphere
of peace, understanding, and trust and by working hard and together. Happy
Birthday to you, Minister of Finance.
2007-4-1: AFC Article-The
value of the right to access information (Kaieteur News)
Cricket, glorious cricket is generally
occupying the minds of Guyanese now that the Cricket World Cup Super 8 matches
are being played in Guyana. The spanking new Providence Stadium has provided
opportunity for Guyanese to display national pride worthy of the outward beauty
which the Providence Stadium presents.
As we approach today’s match between
the West Indies and Sri Lanka, with apprehension, the Alliance For Change (AFC)
craves your attention on a matter of grave importance for the strengthening of
our fledgling democracy – the right to access information.
Presented below are arguments of
importance to Guyana about the value of the right to access information which
was sent to the AFC for circulation by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative
(CHRI), an NGO in special consultative status with the Economic & Social
Council of the United Nations.
It strengthens democracy:
The right to access information gives
practical meaning to the principles of participatory democracy. The underlying
foundation of the democratic tradition rests on the premise of an informed
constituency that is able to thoughtfully choose its representatives on the
basis of the strength of their record and that is able to hold their government
accountable for the policies and decisions it promulgates. The right to
information has a crucial role in ensuring that citizens are better informed
about the people they are electing and their activities while in government.
Democracy is enhanced when people meaningfully engage with their institutions
of governance and form their judgments on the basis of facts and evidence,
rather than just empty promises and meaningless political slogans.
It supports participatory development:
Much of the failure of development
strategies to date is attributable to the fact that, for years, they were
designed and implemented in a closed environment -between governments and
donors and without the involvement of people. If governments are obligated to
provide information, people can be empowered to more meaningfully determine
their own development destinies. They can assess for themselves why development
strategies have gone askew and press for changes to put development back on
track.
It is a proven anti-corruption tool:
In 2006, of the nine countries scoring
best in Transparency International’s annual Corruption Perceptions Index,
no fewer than eight had effective legislation enabling the public to see
government files. In contrast, of the ten countries perceived to be the worst
in terms of corruption, only one had a functioning access to information
regime. The right to information increases transparency by opening up public
and private decision-making processes to scrutiny.
It supports economic development:
The right to information provides crucial
support to the market-friendly, good governance principles of transparency and
accountability. Markets, like governments, do not function well in secret.
Openness encourages a political and economic environment more conducive to the
free market tenets of ‘perfect information’ and ‘perfect
competition’. In turn, this results in greater growth, not least because
it encourages greater investor confidence. Economic equality is also conditional
upon freely accessible information because a right to information ensures
that information itself does not become just another commodity that is
corralled and cornered by the few for their sole benefit.
It helps to reduce conflict:
Democracy and national stability are enhanced
by policies of openness which engender greater public trust in their
representatives. Importantly, enhancing people’s trust in their
government goes some way to minimizing the likelihood of conflict. Openness and
information-sharing contribute to national stability by establishing a two-way
dialogue between citizens and the state, reducing distance between government
and people and thereby combating feelings of alienation. Systems that enable
people to be part of, and personally scrutinise, decision-making processes
reduce citizens’ feelings of powerlessness and weakens perceptions of
exclusion from opportunity or unfair advantage of one group over another. The
AFC’s Freedom Of Information (FOI) Bill No. 26 of 2006 could be viewed on
its website: www.afcguyana.com
measures government intends to take to address the issue of safety and to
prevent jail breaks in particular, AFC Chairman, Mr. Raphael Trotman, MP
received this response from the Minister of Home Affairs to his questions posed
in Parliamentary Notice Paper No. 61.
id=”_x0000_i1051″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_25.jpg”>Increase surveillance and
monitoring capabilities at prison locations in order to prevent and reduce the
element of surprise by prisoners and support staff in maintaining the security
integrity of those locations.
Create more opportunity for staff to
develop core competence and skills, from strategic courses done in-house,
external institutions, Joint Services training and overseas exposures.
Review staff establishment and increase
staff strength to adequately supervise inmates.
Fortify existing structures to safely
house inmates.
Develop and maintain Joint Services’
operational response drills to emergencies occurring within the prison
facilities in Guyana.
Establish monitoring teams to audit/review
the security and management of prison locations in terms of structural
capabilities, compliance with security procedures and generally the efficiency
of prison locations.
Provide a comprehensive retraining regime
that will provide prisoners with a sense of hope and incentives to conduct
themselves positively in the prison environment.
2007-5: An Open Letter to
the Guyanese Diaspora and shared with those living the reality at home..
I am writing to you as one of your peers -
an ordinary Guyanese torn from our homeland many years ago. Whether you live in
Guyana or in the Diaspora, I believe that in terms of our homeland, we share
many of the same fears, pain, frustration, love, hope and passion. I believe
that given the right opportunity and environment, we would want to work
together to do what we must as a generation, to bring the dawn of a new era to
Guyana. I ask that you take the time to read these few pages, and after you
have, search your conscience. Ask yourself like I did: ‘If not us, Who?
And if not now, When?’
I am asking you to join with thousands at
home and around the world, who are on the move to break the shackles in which
we find ourselves as a nation. Join with us to create the environment needed to
unleash the energy, creativity, ingenuity, fairness and goodwill that we know
we have, so that we can see Guyana become what we know she can be – a
proud, glorious, prosperous and richly diverse beacon in our part of the world.
Even though I left Guyana in 1976, deep
inside, like many of us, Guyana never left me. Guyana has always been, and will
continue to be home. I have been involved socially an
sometimes more intensely than others. Like many of us, I am happily settled in
my adopted country, in my case, Canada, but I have looked on from a distance,
in sadness, as the Guyanese dream became a nightmare. In Canada, I grew
personally and professionally, raised my family and saw reward for my hard
work. In many ways, I cannot imagine how it would have been spending the past
30+ years in Guyana instead of Canada. Looking at it as one of the hundreds of
thousands of us who left, at many levels, I think we are better off for having
left when we did. I believe that we have had opportunities for growth
personally and professionally that we may not have had. I also think we are
probably more tolerant and appreciative of each other, and can look at
ourselves and our homeland differently. I think we are in a great position to
use some or all of these assets and gifts to help our homeland in really
significant ways.
I will always hold Canada close to my heart,
but it will always be ‘home away from home’ for me. I always felt
that this was temporary, and that one day, I will go back to the land where I
was born; to walk where I used to run, and to be able to be part of a rebirth
in Guyana. I saw for Guyana a place where there would be hope, safety,
fairness, mutual respect among people as people, and enjoyment of each other as
Guyanese. For 30+ years, like many others, I tried to help support change but
what needed to happen has not happened yet. There have been changes, of course,
and some positive ones as well, but as a whole, I see Guyana sadly stagnant in
many ways, sliding backwards in others and taking on new troubling
characteristics that in my view will hasten its underdevelopment and
instability in the future.
There is enough for all in Guyana, but I
believe that the opportunity to harness the abundance of the land and the generosity
and spirit and of her people has been squandered. Guyana has become the blight
in the Caribbean; her people ridiculed, unwanted and stigmatized; their
individual and collective pride and will seriously damaged. Despite our renown
for being innovative, bright, hard working, peace loving, law abiding and
generous, it is sad to watch the unnatural character that has found its way
into the plod and grind of daily living in Guyana. People do what they have to
do to survive; and having had to do it for so long, it’s hard to remember
that these same people were once the brain and bread basket of the Caribbean,
generous to a fault, and able to see life through a wit, laughter and gaiety
that infected everyone who came close. After 40+ years of independence, institutional
racism, neglect, greed, corruption and a culture of entitlement has engulfed
the country is strangling it. The Guyanese people have had to pay an
unforgivable price over the past 40+ years:
We paid being discriminated against,
intimidated and marginalized in our own country; We paid with the youth we
lost, escaping in the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s and to today; We
paid with the breakup and dispersal of families all over the globe, many of us
losing ourselves and our way; We paid with the dreams and the heritage that we
lost; We paid with the humiliation we felt just for being Guyanese during and
following the national destruction of the Burnham years; We paid by having to
accept racism, underemployment and loss of identity in our scramble to survive
out of Guyana; We paid as we watched from a distance as parents and loved ones
suffer and grow old – wanting, disenfranchised, intimidated for their beliefs
or for being born a certain race; And above all, some who did not leave, paid,
and continue to pay with their blood and their lives.
What is disturbing about all this in my view,
is that all that all of this seems to have been for nothing! Sure, there were
some improvements, but in many ways, and by many measures, the country and the
people are worse off than they were before independence; and at current course
and speed, we are headed for the bottom!!
For Guyana to prosper, every citizen MUST
have the opportunity as a person in his or her own right; to dream and create
dreams; to succeed and help others to succeed; to fulfill and be fulfilled; to
live and let live; to respect and be respected; to hope and give hope; to have
and defend true freedom – free from fear, racism, discrimination and political
victimization.
I know that many of us have enjoyed some of
these rights in our adopted countries and are keenly aware that we had to leave
Guyana to enjoy them. I also know that many of us feel robbed of many of the
other dimensions of life and living because we had to leave when we did. We are
scattered, away from our families, relatives, friends and communities, with
gaps and voids in our being that we think about and feel forced to live with in
sadness, silence, despair and sometimes in denial and anger. Whether we choose
to try to forget or to avoid this, it is there, familiar to many of us in the
Diaspora, and I believe it will always be there. As we continue the rhythm of
life in our adopted countries, there will always be a conversation, reflection
or some event taking place in Guyana or affecting Guyana that will stir these
emotions with different levels of intensity.
Despite all of this, many of us continue to
help in many ways, and will continue to do so because we care about our
friends, family, people and homeland. Help in whatever form it is given, is
needed in Guyana, and I know that it is both deeply appreciated and sometimes
abused. Despite our best efforts, I believe that the need goes much deeper than
the help we are able to give individually. Because of what was unleashed
institutionally on the people of Guyana over the past 40+ years, there have
been deep negative changes to the value system among many Guyanese living at
home, depending on how their circumstances unfolded. Work ethic, personal
responsibility, self sufficiency, fair play and basic honesty are some of the
qualities which defined us as a people before, but have eroded over the past
40+ years. This is not to lay blame; it is just to openly recognize the reality
as a place from where to start. There are many reasons for the character
changes that have afflicted Guyana, and I believe that lack of leadership, bad
government, racism, corruption, greed, mismanagement and lack of opportunity
were at the root of what happened.
At this point in the history of the country,
I don’t think it’s useful or helpful to try to pinpoint which
political parties, personalities or organizations were responsible for what.
There is enough to go around to those who had a hand in what went on; and
besides that, I believe that we all know more or less how we got to where are
as a nation. We may have soft spots for certain players and want to be less
harsh on them than others, but it is my view that the whole pack of them failed
the country. They do not deserve to be in office; do not collectively have the
skills to do what’s needed; and are too inward looking and ‘small
minded’ for a job that needs to be done. There are lots of ‘small
men’ who have become ‘real men’ in Guyana and many of them
are not deserving. So rather than rant about this, I just wanted to make that
point as a basis for what I would like to ask of you; as Guyanese in the
Diaspora.
I believe that the Diaspora is probably one
of Guyana’s most valuable, most abused, least respected and
under-utilized strategic resources. By some counts, including the current
government’s estimates, there are about 960,000 of us out here when you
include our descendants. That is bigger than the current population of Guyana
based on the last census!! Many countries making quantum leaps in development
have realized this; India and China are the leaders in tapping into their
Diaspora. The PPP and PNC have abused the Diaspora, keeping them at bay and
tapping into their bank accounts at election time every 4-5 years. They also
know that the Diaspora, being decent and caring Guyanese will continue to pour
in the US$300+ million a year into the country to help their loved ones,
neighbours, schools, churches, etc. You will probably hear the words
‘Money Transfer’ in presentations coming from the current
government to the Diaspora. That’s right! That’s what they see as
our major role!! While we do this, many of those in power continue to squander
the resources of the country and wallow in malaise. The truth is: the
‘powers’ in Guyana cannot handle the Diaspora. They cannot handle
their candor; intellect; skills; experience; work ethic; demand for quality;
progressive attitude; and impatience with the malaise and dysfunction that
seems to be the accepted norm across most parts of the Guyanese society.
So what do we do? is this something that
people in the Diaspora want to spend their time and money fixing? and for those
who want to get involved, how can we get involved with assurance that our
contribution is welcome and put to the intended use? These are difficult questions.
Some people who have tried in the past have found it very frustrating and
aggravating. This can turn you off and send you away, determined never to do it
again. At the same time, we know that the opposite is also true. Many times,
the dept of fulfillment and satisfaction of helping our homeland and our people
can be very profound; almost spiritual.
Looking at the state of the country today and
how the future is set to unfold, I have concluded that in addition to all the
good work individuals and organizations do at social, religious and other
levels; unless we, as a generation, tackle the cancer of race based politics;
the endemic greed, corruption, incompetence, mismanagement and malaise; we will
never go beyond tinkering with the symptoms; we will never get to and remove
the root causes, and we will never see Guyana start to achieve her potential of
abundance. We will continue to see ‘petty people’ strut around the
capital and the country with their arrogance and ‘entitlement mentality’,
oblivious to the continuing decay and Guyana’s race to the bottom of the
list of nations. Guyana will continue to be known for borrowing more than it
can afford, and begging for relief. She will have a hard time starting to be a
‘developing’ nation in the true sense; and whatever it meant to be
Guyanese over the past 60 years will be a distant memory in the next 10-15
years.
I know that dotted around in this landscape
are good, well meaning people struggling to do their part both inside and
outside of Guyana; but it is not enough; and has not been
enough for 40+ years.
I believe that there needs to be a
fundamental change in how the country sees itself and thinks about itself if
there is to be real change.
I believe that while the generosity or the
Diaspora will continue to be a survival kit for Guyana, if that is all the
Diaspora does, it would have misunderstood its role; its power and its
responsibility.
I believe that the Guyanese Diaspora has the
maturity, wisdom, means and ability to collectively take on and significantly
influence the task of the rebirth and remaking Guyana in our lifetime, in
partnership with those at home.
I believe that it is up to our generation to
do this. We are probably the generation who has gotten the most out of Guyana;
and I think we have a collective responsibility to help her in her hour of
need; and that hour is now.
We have it within us as Guyanese; for our
homeland: to care more than others think is wise; to risk more than others
think is safe; to dream more than others think is practical; and to expect more
than others think is possible.
My view is that the rebirth and remaking
Guyana can only happen if it starts with the remaking and refocusing of the
political culture. What does this mean?
It has to become a culture that condemns
racism, not one that denies it, or silently allows leaders to be racist in all
but their words.
It has to become a culture where those who
want to be in Government must be prepared to serve the people, not join
government so that they can get people to serve them.
It has to become a culture in which privilege
is given to the people, not one where political office is used to accumulate
privilege for those in power, their functionaries, friends, family and campaign
contributors.
It has to become a culture where
accountability and transparency is expected, practiced and demanded from top to
bottom; not something that ‘other people do’.
It has to become a culture where
‘meritocracy’ is the new watch word. Merit not bribery, merit not
connection; merit not party affiliation; merit not family name; merit not race;
So what am I asking you to do?
I am asking you to consider that for this
change to have the impact needed and to have institutional longevity, it needs
to start and take hold at the political level. Take a hard honest look at the
political landscape in Guyana. I am suggesting that both the PPP and the PNC
are too tainted, institutionally dysfunctional and incompetent to do what is
needed. They have too much baggage, too many skeletons in the closet, and are
too tied to their past. They spend too much time looking in the rear view
mirror of the car to be able to drive it and navigate the difficult and
dangerous roads; yet see, seize and create the opportunities ahead.
I believe that early in the history of our
nation, the PPP and PNC and their leaders served Guyana well in some very
important areas. Through this work they were able to successfully take the
country to the brink of independence. Unfortunately I think they have been
failing the country ever since. They did not have the stature, grace,
generosity of spirit and courage to compromise, all of which were required to
take Guyana into independence and onward to an explosive era of glory that she
was poised to enter. They had all the ingredients: a learned, skilled,
innovative and industrious population that was the envy of the Caribbean; a
country laden with riches, again, the envy of the Caribbean; a time in the
country’s life which was ripe for growing up, taking charge, and making
home the way we wanted our home to be. Instead, they let ideology, ego, envy,
and ‘power for the sake of power’ cause them to squander what was
possible and along with it, the lives of close to 750,000 people at that time.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Learning from history, it takes different
people, dynamics, skills, discipline, processes, etc. to take families, people,
companies, organizations and countries from stage to stage in their
development. Some leaders provide what is needed to recognize the need and
spark and organize the change; but in most cases they needed others to finish
the job. Those who failed to recognize this and yield to it, ended up
sacrificing the same causes which they spent their lives working to change. Those
who recognized it and had the wisdom, grace and courage to pass the torch,
truly saw their life’s work fulfilled; and history is kind to them. Look
at a few examples: Moses freed the people from Egypt, led them for 40 years
through and out of the wilderness, but had to pass the baton to Joshua to
finish the job. The Mahatma brought India from domination to independence then
passed the torch to Nehru and others to take her into and beyond independence.
Mandela dismantled segregation and stabilized South Africa, the passed the
torch to the next generation in the ANC to tackle the task of building
‘one South Africa’.
I will leave it to you to think about
examples of our leaders who led and made great changes, but were unable to grow
big enough, wise enough, strong enough and generous enough to fully serve the
people, the cause or the movement that called them in the first place.
Leaders have to have the insight and courage
to put the good of the people and the country first. Sometimes blind loyalties,
ideologies, political ambition and egos have to give way. Leaders must be able
to let the collective interest of the nation take precedence over persons and
organizations. I have thought about this since I was a young man, watching and
studying the ebb and flow of events around us in Guyana. Some things made sense
and some didn’t, but I felt even then, that many of the basic things that
were wrong started at the top, with the leadership. It didn’t matter
whether it was the church, church organization, a sports club, a council, a
political party or the government. To me, even as a boy, the pattern was the
same; and I always thought it could be so much better if;… just if the
leaders served the interest of the people and organizations rather than their own.
I guess being very young, I had the freedom to be honest and naïve with
myself and my own thoughts.
After these many years, I am convinced that
Guyana needs a new breadth of life into its predictable and stagnant politics
if it is to wake up and stop lumbering along the road to the bottom. We in the
Diaspora have a significant role to play and we need to use our skills and
bring our collective strength to bear on the need for fundamental changes in
Guyana. Coming fresh off the spectacle of cricket, this may be a good time for
us to do what’s needed, as it provides a good case study.
Like those at home, many of us in the
Diaspora are bombarded with news, reports and opinions on the state of affairs
in Guyana. The government has already claimed a major cricket success by their
measures, and while they are doing that, the calls for full disclosure of the
facts have not yet been answered. Those of us who went home for the events
would have come away with a wide range of impressions depending on who you were
with, what you did, who you talked with and what you were looking for. I do not
want to get into the pros and cons of the whole cricket and stadium discussion
here. That requires its own separate focus, but it gives us a good opportunity
to look closer. I want to ask you to ask questions and seek unemotional answers
when you do.
Having been in and out of Guyana regularly,
and based on my views about the overall health of the country, the cricket
spectacle reminded me of encountering nice people with hair well combed and
clothes bright and neat, yet as you get closer you realize that behind the
outward veneer, are the realities of bad breadth, smelly arm pits and bad body
odor that cause you to take a few steps back.
I am sure that the government will try to use
the cricket veneer to come out to the Diaspora with all kinds of rosy
investment proposals and other ideas aimed at getting us to continue to fund
the economy, and mask the lack of real progress in political reform, job
creation and economic development. I am all for investment and job creation in
Guyana, but we need to go beyond the nice hair and clothes and check out the
smells. Ask questions and get the facts. Go beyond the hype, and talk about
what changes are needed as preconditions for investment. I am talking about all
the things I discussed earlier – race based politics; endemic greed,
accountability, corruption, incompetence, mismanagement, malaise and so on. We
cannot let the government continue to seek our help and abuse our goodwill
while they flounder and fail to recognize the major problems in the country
– both politically and economically.
Based on my own search and deliberations, I
believe that at this stage in Guyana’s political life, the new Alliance
For Change (the AFC) is the best thing that has happened to the political scene
in the past 30 years, and I am asking you consider this with an open mind. I am
also asking you to consider helping; give this movement the strength and oxygen
it needs to embark on what will be a marathon to change the country. It will
not be easy, and victory is hard to predict, but every race begins with a
single step; and I asking you to consider taking that step with the thousands
of others who have.
I don’t think we have another 30 years
to look for another such movement to be born. The last time there was a window
of opportunity such as this, was with Walter Rodney, Rupert Roopnarine and the
WPA; and we all know what happened. This time, it is Raphael Trotman, Khemraj
Ramjattan, Sheila Holder and the AFC. The early days of the AFC has shown great
promise. I know from first hand experience as the Campaign Director for the
August 2006 campaign, that the AFC made a significant difference to the
political debate and landscape in the short 9 months that the party existed
before the elections. It helped set a different tone before, during and after
the campaign and I believe the AFC’s positions contributed in significant
measure to the reduced racist rancor and violence that punctuated prior
elections. Overall, the young AFC accounted for itself very well. The momentum
and energy was palpable. Everyone expected better results, but in the end, even
though the party had hoped for more, the results were accepted and the AFC team
is now serving like they should in the parliament, trying to work for the
Guyanese people. They are trying to open up and lift the horizons that seem so
low and narrow. Emerging
from the elections with 6 seats has put the
AFC in a good place to prepare for the 2011 elections. Like any new organization,
with a set of people coming together in a short time, to try to tackle problems
as big as the ones the AFC tackled, there was bound to be mistakes; and there
were. There will continue to be growing pains, but the time is right and good
things can happen when people of goodwill and good intentions get together to
serve. Our cause is good; we are committed to it, and we are constantly amazed
at where new energy comes from when needed, but maybe we should not be
surprised. To quote from the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho ‘If you
want something badly enough, the whole universe conspires to help you get
it.’
As in the WPA era, there are those in the
country who feel threatened and want to see the AFC wiped out before the 2011
elections. They are worried that the Guyanese people at home and abroad might
wake up and realize that this is the team for the future. They are afraid that
people may realize that they don’t HAVE to continue to take what the PPP
and PNC dish out. They are afraid that people may realize that they have
options and that they have the power to exercise those options. They are afraid
that the people will realize that the lies heaped on the AFC during the last
election we just that- lies – that the AFC was not a front for either the PPP
or PNC as they wanted the people to believe. They are afraid that people will
realized that the AFC has shown and will continue to show that it is ‘the
people’s front’; no more and no less.
The AFC’s agenda is to condemn and root
out the scourge of race based politics of the past 40+ years; to stand firmly
against endemic greed, corruption, incompetence and mismanagement that pervades
the status quo, and to work to create the environment and implement policies
and programs needed for the rebirth and remaking of Guyana. The AFC’s
policy is to attract and embrace the Diaspora, so that they have ways to bring
the power of their skills, expertise, goodwill, finances, and entrepreneurial
spirit to bear in rebuilding our homeland in partnership with those at home. This
is what the AFC is founded on, and this is what it will do. It needs your help
between now and the 2011 elections to become the people’s choice for
Government and to be ready to govern.
Call to Action:
So I am asking you; having read these few
pages; to consider joining with the AFC forces of change. Thousands of your
fellow Guyanese are on the move. Join us! I am asking you to support this
movement and its leaders. Get informed, get connected, ask for clarifications,
contribute your perceptions, perspectives and ideas, help financially; and seek
out others to do the same.
The teams in Guyana, Toronto, New York, New
Jersey, Atlanta, London and the Caribbean will welcome you aboard. Join them,
hear what they are doing, learn more and get involved.
I look forward to hearing from you. Let me
know which AFC chapter you would like to work with and I will make the
connection, or email the chapters directly. They will be happy to connect with
you.
Fraternally,
Oma Sewhdat
Web site
Email addresses: Guyana :
alliance4changegy@yahoo.com Canada : afccanada2005@yahoo.ca New York
: allianceforchange@yahoo.com Atlanta : dr_wilson@bellsouth.net or
roxann.thompson@eds.com London : afclondon@tiscali.co.uk Caribbean :
afccaribbean@yahoo.com
Oma is currently a Vice President at a
leading University in the United States. Prior to this, he spent 30 years in
IBM in various management positions, including Finance, Manufacturing and
Software Development, Marketing, and Technical Consulting. He also worked on
special assignment in IBM’s Corporate Headquarters in NY for 3 ∏?
years, leading the development and deployment of IBM’s Financial Systems
for Italy, Germany, France, UK, Japan and Canada.
Over the last 8 years, Oma was a Senior
Manager in IBM’s Software Group, leading IBM’s world wide Education
and Certification strategies and initiatives with special focus on emerging markets
like China and India. During that time, he served for 5 years as President of
jCert – an industry technology certification body sponsored by high tech
companies like IBM, SUN, Oracle, BEA, etc. Oma holds a Professional Accounting
degree from the Association of Certified and Chartered Accountants (ACCA), UK.
2007-5-27: AFC Column -
TAKING DECISIONS IN THE NATIONAL INTEREST
On Friday, May 18, 2007 representatives of
the AFC sat and had meaningful discussions with members of the Parliamentary
Opposition to discuss critical issues regarding the Local Government Elections.
It is believed that there are mischievous efforts afoot to cause the Guyana
Elections Commission (GECOM) to revisit its decision taken earlier in the year
not to proceed with those elections in the absence of House-to-House
registration. Coming out of the meeting, five decisions were arrived at. These
are:
1.
GECOM’s decision not to proceed to hold Local Government Elections without a
House-to-House Registration exercise being completed;
2.
Government Task Force including, the reform of the local government system, the
implementation of a system of fiscal transfers to ensure the viability of the
Municipalities and NDCs and the establishment of the Local Government
Commission be implemented before any elections.
3.
of settling the draft of the necessary and enabling legislation;
4.
Chairman and members to settle the issue; and
5.
so as to convey our concern and seek their views accordingly.
The Guyana Elections Commission is a constitutional
agency charged with the responsibility of conducting national and local
government elections in Guyana . Like a Court of Law it has to make decisions
without having to be concerned about who is offended and whether there is
sufficient money to discharge its constitutional mandate. The duty of the
Government of Guyana is to facilitate the work of GECOM, and so statements that
the government has no money to conduct a House-to-House verification should not
scare GECOM into believing that it has to change its decision to suit the
government. It is the government that has to comply with the wishes of GECOM.
The Chairman and members of the Commission
were not nominated and sworn in with the expectation that they would become
cowards and weaklings. In this regard, we stand with GECOM in its decision to
have a House-to-House registration conducted before the holding of any new
elections in Guyana .
The political parties have said it must
happen; the donor community has said that it must happen; and GECOM has said
that it must happen. What logical, constitutional and politically sound
argument could be mounted to say otherwise?
On another note, it was especially refreshing
to be engaged in discussions with the other opposition parties devoid of the
suspicions, misunderstandings, and rancour, which characterised the
relationship in the lead up to the 2006 elections. Hopefully, this will be a
precursor of better days to come.
The decisions arrived at between the parties
regarding the local government elections, the AFC feels it can comfortably
publicise and support, because they were arrived at in a respectful and sober
minded manner.
It is unfortunate, however, that some of the
misconceptions and misunderstandings which gained ground in 2006 still linger,
such as the one unfortunately released by Mrs. Deborah Backer a few weeks ago,
to the effect that I had behaved dishonourably in agreeing not to proceed to
elections, and then days later, went back on my word.
I have had an opportunity to point out to
Mrs. Backer the error, and feel comfortable saying publicly now that no such
decision was ever taken in my presence.
Contrary to accusations coming primarily from
the PPP/C that the AFC was in bed with the PNCR, there was never any formal
contact or contract between the two parties and the relationship can at best be
described as acrimonious.
Interestingly, the PNCR also made the same
accusations relative to the PPP/C and again, during the run up to the elections
there was not a single meeting between the AFC and the PPP/C, though we were
aware of other meetings between the two taking place at Le Meridien, Pegasus.
On one occasion only was there a gathering of
representatives of several opposition parties to discuss the elections, and
that was at a meeting held at the Georgetown Club. As the AFC’c representative
I listened and participated, but had to leave early because of another pressing
engagement. Up until the time I left, no decision was arrived at that no party
would approach the elections unless there was house-to-house verification.
In fact, I would have been extremely
surprised if that was the case because the information and intelligence
available to the AFC told us that the PNCR, in particular, was heading to the
starting line despite public posturing to suggest otherwise.
In retrospect, it would have been best if all
the Parties, including the PPP/C, individually and collectively, had met and
worked out these issues so as to establish the ground rules and terms of
engagement.
I had the benefit of speaking to other
colleagues present at the meeting and reference to my own verbatim notes, and
nowhere was it recorded that such a fundamental and serious decision was taken.
If it was, I certainly was not present.
Decisions which affect the lives of hundreds
of thousands and are being made by major national stakeholders should be
properly recorded, verified and approved as was the case when Mr. E. Lance
Carberry, M.P., efficiently got the job done after the parties met to discuss
the local government elections issue. This is the only way to avoid the
occurrences of blaming others for things which were not settled or agreed.
Now that we have met initially and formally,
we hope that the issues on which we can unite do not in the end serve to divide
us. Many posited that there should have been a united opposition to face the
PPP/C in 2006. Many facts and circumstances militated against such a union and
each of the contesting parties has been blamed for the failure.
Each party can rationalise its failures, successes
and decisions in this regard and the AFC remains comfortable with its decisions
based on information at hand and advice received that the unitary opposition
force could not be possible in time for August 2006.
Would we have preferred a more formalised
relationship with the other opposition parties, of course. With rumours of
close linkages between government and opposition, we hope that the people will
not be fooled and that this struggle once begun will not be compromised or
abandoned.
Raphael Trotman
2007-6-3: AFC Column- The
idea of a third force has gained currency in Guyana
If there was any doubt that politically the
idea of a third force has gained currency in Guyana, the AFC has dispelled it.
The task before us now is to keep alive the idea of a third political party
being capable of rescuing this country from imminent failure.
As is to be expected it has not been an easy
ride jostling the two established parties for political space to display our
brand of politics which is essentially to break the curse of racial politics
that they have created; and to function in the best interest of the nation as a
whole rather than perpetuate the old divisive, partisan, zero sum, game they
delivered to Guyanese over the last half century.
You would think that for a party that has
achieved more than ‘left over votes’, (to use a favourite phrase
bandied about disparagingly by the PPPC over the years of their tenure in
office) that the need to include the AFC in the local government task force
would have been automatic. But no such luck – the discussions between the two
warring parties continue apace to the exclusion of the AFC as local government
elections have not been held for some ten years now. If the PPPC and the PNCR
were serious about rescuing citizens from the current dysfunctional local
government system, they would give membership to GAP-ROAR and the AFC because,
by doing so, they would introduce the possibility of breaking the dead-lock
that has ensued between them since the committee was established many years
ago. But that will rob them of their self-imposed right to hold the country
back!
I feel confident about making such a
statement, because those two parties have demonstrated manifestly, over the
years that they are about self-interested politics. Recently, we’ve come
to realise how well entrenched is the practice in the society generally.
Witness how the PPPC, the PNCR, the WPA, the
man-in-the-street and some others from civil society got trapped into paving
the way for the drafting of the draconian constitution amendment Bill No. 17 of
2007 to recall members of parliament. All because of the trio’s
defection, namely Raphael Trotman, Khemraj Ramjattan and myself, from the PNCR,
the PPPC and the WPA, respectively, to establish the AFC. These political
players tell us they consider it unethical for us to have retained our seats in
the last Parliament even though the law allowed us to do so. They say it is
degeneracy of our political culture. Yet they all did this same thing at one
time or the other historically.
History tells us that during the time in
government of the PNC, that party engaged in deliberate poaching of PPP
parliamentarians. Moses Bhagwan who helped form the WPA also remained in the
Parliament after leaving the PPP. More recently, as you know, the PPPC happily
persuaded the TUF Member, Manzoor Nadir, to cross the floor to their side while
retaining his seat in the National Assembly. So from my perspective when these
political players accuse the AFC principals of being unethical they are all
speaking with ‘forked tongues’, with the one desire to place the
idea of a new movement at a disadvantage. We didn’t fall for their advice
to ‘do as we say, not as we do’!
The inherent difficulties of recalling a member
of Parliament was recognised by the legal drafters involved in the reform of
the Guyana Constitution especially in the context of article 9 of the
Constitution that enshrines the political principle that ‘Sovereignty
belongs to the people, who exercise it through their representatives’.
Persons who support the principle of recall
claim they do so in the context of Guyana’s unique Proportional
Representation (PR) alphabetical list system. They argue absurdly that our PR
electoral system leads logically to the loss of a Parliamentarian’s seat
if they exercise their right enshrined in Article 147 of our Constitution, ‘to
associate with other persons and in particular to form or belong to political
parties, trade unions or other associations for the protection of his or her
interests”.
All over the democratic world elected members
of Parliament change political allegiances and either remain in Parliament as
independents or cross the floor. I take the position that if these political
players want to introduce legislation to recall a Member of Parliament they
should first change the electoral system. This should have been done since 2001
anyway, to allow the electorate to decide in a referendum if the member should
be recalled based on his or her performance. This would have given life to the
principle that ‘sovereignty belongs to the people’, as is the case
in other jurisdictions. Not as has happened in the Recall Bill that places all
the power and judgement in the hands of one person, the representative of the
list.
When confronted with the June 1998 Latimer
House Principles, which were devised by representatives of the Commonwealth
Parliamentary Association, the Commonwealth Lawyers’ Association, the
Commonwealth Judges’ and Magistrates’ Association and the
Commonwealth Legal Education Association, these persons in the PPPC, the PNCR
and the WPA take the position that the standards therein are irrelevant to our
political system given Guyana’s unique PR alphabetical list system.
Yet President Jagdeo endorsed them at the
2003 Heads of Government Meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, after many CARICOM Law
Ministers, and no doubt our own included, gave detailed consideration to the
standards in St. Vincent & the Grenadines in November 2002 and recommended
them for ratification by their Heads of Governments.
What the Latimer House standards aim to
achieve is not only the preservation of the independence of parliamentarians,
but also guaranteeing their security of tenure during their parliamentary term;
and, for good reasons. These standards are also against the expulsion of
members of Parliament for leaving his or her party and crossing the floor.
The wisdom of the Commonwealth Latimer House
standards has become self-evident in our National Assembly, especially during
the heavy work load now being carried by the new parliamentary committees.
I’ve observed that, after deliberating and arriving at decisions, some
members are at times made to renege on decisions taken on the instigation of
their parties, thereby retarding – and at time sabotaging – the work of the
committees.
If such influence is already being wielded by
maximum party leaders in the absence of the enactment of recall legislation,
the introduction of such legislation would bring forth ‘lame-duck’
Parliamentarians and a most ineffective National Assembly, thereby reversing
all the many gains so often boasted about by the Guyana government.
One telling example of its effect is Mr. Anil
Nandalall. Now that this bill hangs over his head like the Sword of Damocles,
he has indicated to his Party’s List Representative, Cde. Donald Ramoutar
that unlike Khemraj Ramjattan, he will never ever, take on a narcotics case
again – opting to hand over on a platter his professional independence rather
than earn the wrath of the PPPC Representative of the List.
By Sheila Holder
2007-6-10: The Alliance For
Change Column-These Archdukes of Unprincipledom … being out to control,
are out of control
It is, indeed, an act of hypocrisy and an
indulgence in double standards when a political party whether in Government or
Opposition says one thing, and when put to the test, does not do what it says.
Exceptionally, it is understandable that a
change of circumstances can realize a review of an earlier decision, resulting
in a legitimate overturning or reversal of an earlier position taken.
However, on a matter of fundamental principle
hardly should such reversals be countenanced. And whenever such reneging of an
earlier position is taken, it should be roundly criticized.
Both the PPP/C and the PNC/R must be
criticized for not supporting the abolition of corporal punishment in schools
when Chantalle Smith’s Motion resolving that it be abolished in schools came up
for debate last Thursday.
Both these parties had initially negotiated
successfully that the Motion of 22nd November 2006 be deferred for a period of
6 (six) months for further consultation with stakeholders. Ms. Smith and the
AFC Parliamentarians agreed to this deferral in a climate of compromise and an
attempt at consensus.
On 7th June 2007, a PNC amendment supported
by the PPP/C was passed. This amendment to the Motion was to further defer
determination of the issue until the Task Force on Education meets stakeholders
and report back to Parliament.
Both these parties however supported the
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991 when Guyana
ratified and became a signatory thereto.
Article 19 of that Convention makes it clear
that signatories must take legislative and administrative measures to protect
children from all forms of physical or mental violence, which includes corporal
punishment.
A new Education Act is being proposed for
Guyana . The old one of 1939 made express provisions for corporal punishment.
What Ms. Smith’s Motion was seeking to effectuate is that in the new Act there
must be an express provision for the abolition of corporal punishment and,
additionally, administrative arrangements must be made throughout all schools
to enforce this new regime. This is the direct consequence of supporting the
Motion.
But what does the PPP/C and PNC/R say?
"Hold on! Wait awhile longer! Let us hear what the stakeholders will
say!" A good pretext to use for not supporting this change, which is
consistent with being a signatory to the Convention!
The Minister of Education rebutted this by
arguing, "We always prefer to consult with the people." He was
noticeably embarrassed when he was heckled by an AFC member who aptly reminded
him: "Then why you didn’t take VAT and Casino gambling to the people?"
His Government conveniently consults.
Did the PNC and the PPP ever listen to the
people when they supported the signing on in 1991 to the Convention? They did
not. Both supported the Convention because it was the right thing to do. I
wholeheartedly commended them at the time for so doing because my readings
since then supported the view that corporal punishment leads to increased
violence in society.
But now both parties want to play politics
with the issue, being aware that there is a percentage of Guyanese parents,
substantial perhaps, who support corporal punishment in schools. These parents’
support, I want to suspect, is based on an unawareness of all the arguments
against it, and an embedded instructive and cultural attitude which wrongly
associates corporal punishment with propriety and discipline. An approach and
logic akin and parallel as to why there exists support for racial/ethnic voting
in our country.
However, there is another profoundly
undemocratic characteristic that can be discerned from all that transpired in
Parliament on June 7th 2007.
The PPP/C Government is exhibiting an
unprincipled inconsistency when it comes to meeting its international
obligations under the Conventions it signs up to. Especially, when these
obligations seek to give a benefit to third parties they were intended for
– ordinary Guyanese. In the case of the Rights of the Child Convention,
our children at school are the beneficiaries – not to be corporally punished.
The PPP/C Government, like its companion in arms the PNC/R, has retracted from
granting this benefit to our school children.
This Government proudly accedes to all manner
of Conventions and Protocols and Treaties to boast about how seriously
human-rights oriented and democratic it is; how it will allow scrutiny, by dispassionate
referees and monitoring units of international standing without any local
biases, in accordance with and upon application of universal standards. It goes
about acceding so as to show-off its commitment to be part of a community of
just States by sanctioning certain moral standards which claim universal
validity beyond Guyana ‘s own legal community. Oh, indeed how glorious and
noble!
But then the contempt this same PPP/C
Government treats the sacrosanct provisions of these Conventions and Protocols
when tested reveals its increasing authoritarianism and disdain for democracy
and the rule of law.
Take another example, the Optional Protocol
of the United Nations Human Rights Committee. The PPP/C struggled so hard,
whilst in Opposition, to get Guyana to become a signatory. The PNC refused.
This Protocol allowed Guyanese to have access to the reputable UN Human Rights
Committee so that Guyanese can petition for redress upon violations of their
human rights. As soon as he became President, Dr Jagan signed on. Immediately
thereafter, two Guyanese who were convicted for murder argued successfully that
their rights were violated when their trials were not conducted fairly by the
Guyanese courts. The UN Committee after a comprehensive review of the process
in 1998 recommended that the Government of Guyana free the men, and that they
be compensated for their long years of incarceration.
What was the Government’s response? "The
UN Committee could haul its … tail. We are a sovereign country and not bound
by the Committee’s ruling." Further, and shockingly, the Government
proceeded in Parliament to denounce the right to life provision of the Optional
Protocol.
Before this denunciation, and being so
outraged by the Government’s response, I declared that I would dissent in
Parliament. I was then forthwith hauled before a Special Committee in Freedom
House.
Notwithstanding providing cogent and
compelling reasons why the PPP/C must not denounce and why there should be a
vote of conscience on the issue, the Special Committee ordered: "1) there
shall be no vote of conscience; 2) Ramjattan will not be allowed to publicly
dissent in the National Assembly."
In view of the ruling, I stayed out of the
debate. History and Hansard will thus never reflect my thoughts and feelings on
the issue, a great shame. I later broadcast a viewpoint on GBC on this matter.
Not unexpectedly, I found myself off the list of GBC Viewpointers almost
immediately thereafter.
Yet another example is Government’s signing
on to the Latimer House Principles, a Commonwealth Convention which seeks an
adherence by Commonwealth Governments to the doctrine of separation of powers
and the upholding of the rule of law.
An aspect of these Principles under the
subhead "Parliament" speaks to the independence of Parliamentarians
and cautions that expulsion from a political party cannot result in being
disqualified as a Parliamentarian. The provisions of the Recall Bill of the
PPP/C, which is supported by the PNC/R, flies in the face of this prohibition
signed on to by the Jagdeo Administration.
What is the Government’s response when this
double standard is pointed out? It is that the Latimer House Principles on this
issue applies only to first-pass-the-post elected Governments; not PR
Governments. Wow! How ludicrous it can go in justifying the unjustifiable. By
the way the PNC/R fully supports this rationale.
And of course, this PPP/C Government went to
a place called Chapultepec . And proudly signed on to an OAS-sponsored
Convention which seeks to urge Government-signatories thereto to enhance and
facilitate a greater freedom of the Press.
The beneficiaries intended here were
journalists, printers, broadcasters, publishers, etc. The Government comes back
home and takes away advertisements from Stabroek News to deny it an economic
existence, something explicitly prohibited by the Convention. How does the
Government reply in view of this volte faus ? By a ridiculous assertion
that goes thus – "The Government must be allowed to exercise its
commercial independence. And if you want to know more about this democratic
principle which has its origins on a Ramoutarian dialectic, contact Prem Misir
of GINA!"
We must be bound by our contracts. We must
not use whimsical and fanciful arguments like sovereignty or commercial
independence or delaying tactics to depart from our agreements with the larger
world, especially when the consequence will be to disengage ourselves from the
obligations we have to third parties, be they children, parliamentarians,
pressmen or even convicted murderers, who were and are the intended
beneficiaries of these agreements. Rather we should use democratic concepts
like transparency, responsibility and justice to bind our consciences, as far
as they can be bound, to a true and literal performance of our agreements.
So we must not only talk the walk; we must
walk the talk.
Khemraj Ramjattan
Leader AFC
2007-6-17: The Alliance For
Change Column-AN EMERGING BURNHAMISM – NO DOUBT ABOUT IT
On the 7th June 2007 Mr. Raphael
Trotman sought to obtain the Speaker’s leave to allow a discussion on a
matter which the AFC, and a cross-section of Guyanese here and in the Diaspora,
felt was a matter of urgent public importance. Quite frankly, the AFC and a
number of Parliamentarians across party lines viewed the matter as one of
gravest importance, having implications which touch on national security
issues, and a growing international misperception that Guyana may be a breeding
ground for terrorists. These Parliamentarians felt, too, that the subject ought
to be deliberated as a matter of urgency.
The matter had to do with the allegations of
a terrorist plot targeting the facilities of the John F. Kennedy International
Airport in New York, United States of America. Below is a minimally edited
reproduction of the plea and arguments, articulated so persuasively, by Mr.
Trotman.
“Since seeing the international news
televised on Saturday, June 2, 2007, of the alleged plot, not a day has gone by
without myself and colleagues being inundated by Guyanese and foreigners alike
for explanations and clarification, or to express concern for our dear nation
and its peoples dispersed throughout the world.
“To us in Guyana, and particularly
in the National Assembly, we know that the likelihood of mainstream Guyanese
opinion becoming anti-American is so infinitesimal as not even to be considered
rare; yet there are views and opinions to the contrary being formed which, if
left unchecked, can develop the indelible impression that the small nation of
Guyana is a bedrock for extremism and religious and ethnic fanaticism
“Mr. Speaker, Guyana suffers from
many of the afflictions of other poor nations -lack of opportunities,
discrimination, marginalization, underemployment, poverty, high crime, and
pervasive hopelessness. Where we differ from many, however, is that ninety per
cent of Guyanese see the opportunity to alleviate their perilous condition is
migration to North America, or benefiting from the largesse of Guyanese
resident there. Guyanese see the United States not as the source of our
problems, but as the provider of our wants. Therefore to harm it would be
non-sensical and suicidal.
“On yet another occasion, Guyana
faces an international credibility crisis such that the Government despite its
best intentions, I make bold to say, will alone be unable to repair. In our
short life as an independent nation, we have gained the ignominious reputation
as being a place where there were rigged elections, the Jonestown Tragedy,
death squads, narco- trafficking, and, now, terrorism. This is another label
that we can very well do without. This, when coupled with the facts that three
of the accused are Guyanese by birth, and moreover, that Mr. Abdul Kadir who
served as a Member of this still very Honourable Assembly is one of those
accused, we in the Alliance For Change are firmly of the view that as an
Assembly we have to play our part in correcting any misconceptions that may
have already arisen, and are likely to arise, with respect to our work as the
people’s representatives. The consequences of saying or doing nothing are
already dire for Guyanese whether resident in Guyana, or scattered throughout
the Diaspora.
“Whilst these remain only
allegations at this time and therefore presumes the accused persons to be
innocent until proven guilty, nevertheless we are duty bound to urge that
investigations are thorough, professional and transparent such that those
accused, when tried, will receive a fair and impartial hearing in the United
States justice system, free of all political, religious, emotional or ethnic
considerations.
“Terrorism in any shape or form is
vile, despicable, and abhorrent, and must always be condemned. Those making the
accusation therefore must be cognizant that these charges carry the gravest
penalties and can and will affect the world’s view of Guyanese.
“The point must be made as well Mr.
Speaker that if ever there was a need for the Government of Guyana to recognize
that the national security of this country is constantly being undermined it is
now, and so the many recommendations spanning the Disciplined Forces Commission
Report, the Border/National Security Committee Report, the Symonds Group
Report, The Caricom Task Force on Crime & Security Report and a host of
other worthwhile recommendations, need to be put in place now. Even today
Guyana remains without a National Security Strategy. This situation knows no
partisan boundaries and affects us all regardless of political affiliation. The
solution therefore must come through a national all–party response spearheaded
by the Government to address the root causes of our continuous socio-economic
and socio-political problems which continue to present national security
threats and challenges.
“This Parliament through its
constituent parties must collectively therefore condemn terrorism and reassure
the nation, and our friends and relatives in the Diaspora, and indeed the
brotherhood of free and right thinking nations, that Guyana and its peoples,
are peace loving. We have no interest whatsoever in waging war, causing death
and destruction, or striking fear into the hearts of anyone or any nation.
“Guyana has always celebrated
religious freedom. We together celebrate and share each other’s religious
events and culture. Guyanese in general, and Muslims in particular, are not
purveyors of hate, nor war-mongers.
“We must urge the world not to view
us through jaundiced lens as being a threat to anyone. Let us resolve therefore
to proclaim to the world that we condemn terrorism and pledge our eternal
support to the fight against hatred, bigotry, and evil here in Guyana and
worldwide.”
The AFC was most disappointed with the
Speaker’s ruling that this matter did not qualify as a matter of urgent
public importance so as to result in the suspension of the Standing Orders so
that a discussion could have been held, and a strong statement issued by
Guyana’s National Assembly. The AFC finds unimpressive the rationale used
by the Speaker to base his determination, namely, that this issue/subject
matter never arose out of or resulted from “fault on the part of the
Administration or Government, nor the breaching of some law by the
Administration or Government”.
The AFC finds consolation in the fact,
however, that the Honourable Speaker did allow Mr. Trotman to read, thus
placing on the record, his above statement on the matter.
Mention must be made of another significantly
disconcerting development concerning our National Assembly which the AFC wishes
to bring to the public’s attention.
The principle of separation of powers, a fundamental
of our constitution, is violated with impunity by the PPP/C Government. Its
Executive arm just loves to control and impose its will on the Legislature and
the Judiciary. Its modus operandi for doing so is well known – the withholding
of fiscal disbursements to permit the Legislature and Judiciary to carry out
their desired projects.
The latest example of this flagrant violation
is being used to register the Government’s angst against the UK branch of
the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). Why? Simply because the
UK/CPA extended invitations to the Government and Opposition benches, the
selection process of which the Jagdeo administration could not control. From
the perspective of the Jagdeo’s Executive, the UK/CPA branch erred in
extending an invitation to the National Assembly on an equitable basis of three
Government members and three Opposition members, instead of recognising his
Government’s entitlement to field a majority of parliamentarians on the
delegation.
So what does His Excellency do? He orders his
Cabinet to pronounce its disapproval of the visit by refusing to provide funds
to cover the travelling costs to England, thereby cancelling the visit even
though the Legislature, through its Parliamentary Management Committee, unanimously
approved of this work-study visit to the House of Commons to give valuable
exposure and experience to six Guyanese parliamentarians to the workings of
this the mother of all Parliaments.
The AFC roundly condemns this act of gross
disregard for the National Assembly by the Cabinet and extends apologies to the
UK/CPA branch that has worked assiduously to arrange the work-study visit,
paying special attention to specific areas of interest to each member of the
Guyana delegation.
Shame on the Government of Guyana! Does look
like an emerging Burnhamism all over again!
2007-6-24: The Alliance
For Change Column-PARTNERSHIPS NEEDED TO STOP CRIME BY: Raphael G. C. Trotman
Despite the boasts of crime being managed and
statistics showing certain crimes on the decrease, the stories in the news
testify to a different story. It is a story of anguish and pain accompanying
the mayhem of gun-totting criminals, reckless drivers, and monster rapists.
Within recent times we have seen father killing child, husbands maiming and
murdering their spouses, rapes, perverse sexual acts with animals, and the most
heinous of crimes being committed with absolute impunity. To me the crimes of
the week which really had a chilling effect were shocking details of children
being electrocuted in separate incidents by electrical current. Some
commentators have sought to blame the children and their parents for being
involved in theft of electricity from GPL, but few have stopped to consider the
circumstances that could lead a family to play with literal fire by stealing
electrical current from the national grid. The truth is that these children
were victims all of their lives first in poverty, and secondly, in death.
Something has to be terribly wrong for thousands to find themselves stealing
electricity in a country blessed with solar energy, wind energy, hydro energy,
and undoubtedly petroleum. This in itself is a horrendous crime that has to be
investigated because thousands are forced each day to become engaged in
electricity theft. The AFC will definitely be addressing this in the near
future.
For a number of years various stakeholders
and agencies have been suggesting that there be a more broad-based and
inclusive response to crime and security in Guyana. While the big ones continue
to point fingers at each other as to who is the bigger bandit, the real
culprits are laughing and getting bolder. In my attempt to discuss the matter
of the alleged terrorist plot in the National Assembly a few weeks ago, I
indicated in the letter written to the Speaker of the Assembly that if ever
there was a time to endorse and implement the recommendations of the countless
reports on crime and security in Guyana, it was now.
We already appear to have runaway lawlessness
and to that we need to add the growing dimensions of trans-national crime in
the form of drug and weapons smuggling, trafficking in persons and regional and
international terrorism. It may be troubling to read me say this, but in truth
of fact, the PPP/C government alone and any other of the parliamentary
political parties on their own be it the
PNCR, GAP_ROAR, or the AFC cannot single-handedly tackle the complex and myriad
aspects of the 21st Century global criminal enterprise. The reality
then is that we either cooperate for Guyana, or we behave foolishly by refusing
to do so and see our country further defamed, destroyed and desecrated by all
sorts of criminal vermin.
In this regard therefore I am re-introducing
a pet topic of mine and that is the establishment of a parliamentary committee
on National Security. Countless reports have recommended that there be an
oversight committee to address security policy matters and the world is replete
with good examples of where opposites have joined together to address national
issues. In a multi-cultural and suspicion-driven society such as ours such an
approach is absolutely necessary. There has been no good reason advanced as to
why this committee has not as yet been established. In past presentations of
PPP/C Ministers the idea was floated and like many other proposals we waited in
anticipation, and in vain. There have been whispers about the
government’s reluctance to broaden the responsibility for national
security being an issue of confidentiality and secrecy. How can the government
trust a member of the opposition with details of operations, plans and
programmes such that national security will not be compromised and that if
things don’t work out, that this will not be thrown back into the face of
the government.
At the outset it needs to be restated that
the opposition members are not the enemy but are just as patriotic as members
of the government who see things differently. These members have no interest in
compromising national security. I recall when as a member of the Border/national
Security Committee co-chaired by Speaker Ramkarran and Retired Brig. General
David Granger we completed our work and submitted our report without
difficulty. Interestingly, despite recent claims of success by other committees
ours was the only committee of the set constituted after the 2001 elections
that completed its work in the time-frame set. To date, there has never, I
repeat never, been any public outburst or publication of any details shared and
discussed in those meetings.
The CARICOM Task Force on Crime and Security
Report which was endorsed by this Government recommends the establishment of
the committee. The almost forgotten Disciplined Forces Commission Report also
endorsed the view that parliamentary oversight of the security sector was necessary,
ad as far back as 1998 the GDF in its submissions to the Constitution Reform
Commission also called for a bi-partisan committee to review and oversee its
functions.
It was with a sense of honour therefore that
I readily agreed to lend my support to a motion moved by Mr. Everall Franklin,
M.P. of GAP-ROAR to see the introduction of this long-overdue committee. I
remain hopeful that there are enough right thinking members of parliament left
in the National Assembly to give this Motion the majority support it requires.
For the benefit of the public I set out the contents of the Motion and am
hopeful that there is going to be support both within and outside the National
Assembly for it.
MOTION: NATIONAL SECURITY COMMITTEE
WHEREAS the frequency, sophistication and
violence prevalent in the incidences of criminal acts are definitely increasing
and constantly changing in character in Guyana and is consuming society at all
levels;
AND WHEREAS crime has been evolving and
becoming more complex and unmanageable as witnessed by the emergence of
transnational crimes such as narco-trafficking, trafficking in persons, the
proliferation in the movement and use of firearms, terrorism, and kidnappings
to name a few, such that the people of Guyana have expressed outrage, and are
suffering;
AND WHEREAS all national stakeholders
including, the Government, and Opposition parties, have all expressed a desire
to work together to address the threats and challenges of crime and security in
Guyana and must assume responsibility for the safety and integrity of Guyana
and its citizens;
AND WHEREAS various studies and reports
including the Border/National Security Committee Report; the Disciplined Forces
Commission Report and the CARICOM Task Force on Crime and Security Report have
all recommended the establishment of a Standing Parliamentary Committee on
National Security to provide an oversight function to review all aspects of
security and national security including, but not limited to, review of
policies and reforms, budgetary allocations and expenditures and a national
security strategy and doctrine;
BE IT RESOLVED THAT
a.
Standing Committee on National Security to review all aspects of national
security including, but not limited to, the review of policies and reforms,
budgetary allocations and expenditures and the implementation of a national
security strategy and doctrine;
b.
the National Assembly bi-annual reports of its work including progress made in
the implementation of policies and reforms.
c.
members of the National Security Committee be subject to and be bound by the
provisions of the Official Secrets Act.
Submitted By: Mr. Everall Franklin, M.P.
GAP-ROAR
Seconded By: Mr. Raphael Trotman, M.P. AFC
2007-7-1: The Alliance
For Change Column-… the Jagdeo government balks at forming partnerships with
the parliamentary opposition to establish a broad-based inclusive response to
crime and security.by Sheila Holder In spite of the promises made and, I dare
say, the best intentions of PPP/C governments since they took over the reins of
government in 1992, things have not turned out very well. The suggestion,
propagated by some in the ranks of the governing party that the criticisms and
dissatisfaction voiced by opposition personalities are based on their desire to
‘get into power through the back door’, is fast losing effectiveness
as social and economic conditions continue to deteriorate even in their own
constiuency.
As things currently stand, Guyanese of every
walk of life and of every race are extremely worried about their safety and
security as a result of the rise in crime and banditry that display a
terrifying disregard for the sanctity of life in virtually every region of the
country. It is said that the primary role of a government is to protect its
citizens. Failure to do so, can lead to dire consequences not only for its citizens,
but also for the government.
The other preoccupation in the society is
with the inability of successive PPP/C governments to tackle the hardships
associated with a high level of joblessness, underemployment, insufficient disposable
income to allow for comfortable living – the result of the long stagnation of
the economy.
Yet the Jagdeo government balks at forming
partnerships with the parliamentary opposition to establish a broad-based
inclusive response to crime and security. His government persists in excluding
some of the best and brightest technical, economic and financial brains, which
they perceive to be supportive of one or other opposition party, in
contravention of the tenets of our Constitution. This policy has retarded their
own development programmes over the years, as it has disregarded those
persons’ professionalism and their human, civil and political rights. It
would appear that the government’s distrust and urge to punish, have
proven to be greater than the diminishing returns being experienced by the
society as a consequence.
In the age of the information super highway
of the Internet, and in the face of electoral promises they made to the nation
to end radio monopoly, this government recently, through the mouth piece of
Prime Minister Sam Hinds indicated its intension to persist in monopolising
radio. The commandeering of the State’s print media, the Chronicle, and
the NCN television airwaves continue apace with some of the most uninspiring
propaganda that challenge people’s credulity.
As ethnic insecurities mount in the society,
the PPP/C government appears paralysed to respond appropriately and
responsibly. Such failures allow claims of victimization and inequity to fester
in the society thereby maintaining an environment of political instability and
ethnic militancy, which errodes the government’s ability to govern
effectively.
International and local reports, such as
those which highlight human rights violations, fiscal anomalies, the high
exodus rate of Guyana’s professionals and other skills, are met with
passivity from top government leaders, thereby reinforcing the perception that
their’s is a deliberate mission to rid the country of its intellegentia
in order to provide government with an easy ride on the road to self-interested
governance and deep-seated corruption in the corridors of power.
I could go on and on listing the failings of
successive PPP/C governments, but that will only provide them with the
ammunition to claim that people like me in the political opposition, with our
negativity, are responsible for creating the difficulties they experience in
correcting the governance deficiencies mentioned herein. So I take the position
that as a people, we need to begin the process of turning things around for
ourselves, while leaving the designs of our failing government to our Lord
Jesus Christ, who warned in the Scriptures of the apostle Luke, in chapter 12
verses 48, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be
demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be
asked.”
For a start we, the people, could become
better stewards in our homes and in our communities, in our places of
employment and especially with the national patrimony of our state
institutions. I believe that, for far too long, people have looked to the
political directorate to lead the way towards such a paradigm shift.
Regrettably, it has not happened, because the people continue to abdicate their
duties as citizens to hold the government accountable for their performance and
electoral promises made to the nation, preferring to hide behind the guise of
so-called “racial security”.
So I urge you, the next time you see a busted
water pipe – report it, the next time you see suspicious activity in your
neighbourhood -do something about it. Take note of the description and number
of the vehicle and those who occupy it and tell somebody about it. The next
time you witness someone being treated unjustly because of race – voice your
disapproval and refuse to be the pervader of racial discrimination. Make a
point of ‘doing onto others that which we would have them do to
us’. This principle alone will go a far way in easing the ethnic
tensions and injustices eating away at our society and causing our people to
flee these shores.
2007-7-8: The Alliance
For Change Column -Let us not Politicise our Judiciary; Let us Judicialise our
Politics! [An AFC position-statement on the High Court Amendment Bill 2007]
We live in a Westminster-model government
system which rest on the principles of popular sovereignty, the rule of law,
and checked and balanced by the separation of powers doctrine which keeps
within certain fixed territory the Legislature, Executive and especially an
independent Judiciary.
Free and fair elections remain a mighty
pillar upon which rests this model of government. But it is only one pillar.
There are many other pillars which we must not turn a blind eye to. Another is
the rule of law. And essential to the rule of law is the creation and maintenance
of an independent judiciary.
An independent judiciary has a certain
dimension to it that is sacrosanct. There must never be any attempt to make it
dependent, or any attempt to control or influence it. Such attempts from the
other branches of State, namely the Legislature or the Executive, or from any
powerful force, such as for example, the media, big business, or pressure
groups, will constitute efforts at interference which must be condemned.
The independence of the Judiciary, if it is
to have any meaning to our countrymen, must mean that the Judiciary, in its
collective capacity or in its individual judges and office holders must not see
any contrivance being flagrantly or subtly imposed which affect, or has the
potential to affect, the outcomes of its adjudicative process. These Government
and non-governmental forces must not be allowed to encroach on the autonomy of
the Judiciary, whether on it as a collective or on its individual judges.
The Judiciaries in all democracies are
vulnerable in varying degrees to the power of Legislatures to create, modify
and destroy judicial structures, as well as to alter the systems of appointing,
removing, or remunerating Judges, and/or controlling their internal structures.
Thus there is legislative leeway to change
the Judicature. Our Constitution provisions themselves are subject to
modification by non-judicial forces. Parliamentarians can do so! But they must
tread cautiously, with the purest of motives, and always in accordance with the
prescribed formula – lay a constitutional amendment in the National Assembly
and get the required support for it.
I want to emphasise that these changes to our
Judiciary’s architecture ought to reside, and accountably so, in
Parliamentarians because they are the representatives of the people. There is a
place then where the principle of democratic accountability can take precedence
over judicial independence. It is a balancing act and a responsible Parliament
and responsible Parliamentarians will know the equilibrium point and the
moment.
Judicial independence is at risk, however,
when the political branches use or threaten to use their control over structure
to shape adjudicative outcomes i.e. the decisions of the courts. It is at this
point that outside control becomes improper and unconstitutional, and
independence becomes threatened.
The management of courts and judges’
work is clearly an area in which the principle of democratic accountability and
judicial independence needs to be carefully balanced. But democratic accountability
ought not to be taken to the point where political authorities (who may be
party to cases coming before the courts) also control vital aspects of the
administration of the court system which can impact on adjudication! When this
happens judicial independence can be seriously undermined.
And it is in this contextual background that
the AFC finds the High Court Amendment Bill (2007) so unacceptable.
Clearly there are strong democratic arguments
for allowing the PPP/C Government to implement policies for which it was
elected. The present Government, however, never made it a campaign issue that
it wanted a change in the constitutional offices of Chancellor and Chief
Justice. As a matter of fact it quietly withdrew its 2005 attempt at a similar
High Court Amendment Bill into the backburner during the campaign of 2006.
Additionally, it should be noted that in the
Constitutional Reform Process of 1999 nowhere is anything said or discussed
about taking away the powers from the Chief Justice and placing them with the
Chancellor, or even abolishing either one or other of these offices!
The President is positing that he wants to
harmonise our Judicature with that of the Caribbean. Why now? Quite frankly,
the fact that it is coming from His Excellency at this time means that it has a
sinister motive and is dangerous to our democracy.
Why does he not dump the Executive Presidency
to bring Guyana in harmony with other Caribbean countries? The dumping of the
powers of the Executive Presidency was something campaigned for by his Party
when it was in Opposition! And I bet that doing away with the powers of an
Executive Presidency will be supported ten-fold more than the alteration to the
Chief Justice’s powers, if it were put to a referendum.
We must constantly be on our guard to prevent
an erosion of judicial independence. While all Governments publicly endorse the
principle, some quietly work to undermine it. It thus behoves all
Parliamentarians, especially independent-thinking Parliamentarians, and for the
sake of our citizens, and survival of constitutionalism, and the justice and
liberty Guyanese strive for, that we guard against any such erosion of judicial
independence.
Our Guyana needs a greater effort from its
leaders and influencing minds to create a society based on principles of
constitutionalism and the rule of law. Who better, at this trying hour, to
shoulder that effort than us Parliamentarians! Let us live up to that honour
and nobility. Let us not politicise our Judiciary by passing ugly amendments to
the High Court Act. Rather, let us judicialise our politics by having the
President and the Opposition Leader singing in harmony the obvious appointments
to the offices of Chancellor and Chief Justice.
KHEMRAJ RAMJATTAN
Leader of AFC
July 2007.
height=1 id=”_x0000_i1052″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_26.jpg”>
2007-7-22:The Alliance
For Change Column -United For Change By Raphael Trotman
On Saturday, July 28, 2007, history will be made
when the Alliance For Change holds it first ever Delegates’ Conference under
the carefully chosen theme of "United For Change".
This conference, which was originally
scheduled for March of this year, was postponed to allow for the passage of
World Cup cricket and other national events. Now, after much work and
sacrifice, the important gathering will be attended by hundreds of delegates,
observers and special invitees.
Already, there is keen interest and
excitement as delegates and observers are preparing to travel to Georgetown to
participate and to fraternize with their comrades and friends.
At the time of the launch in October 2005,
there was the expressed understanding that as soon as reasonably practicable
after the 2006 General Elections, a conference would be held to confirm the
birth and sustainability of the AFC.
The Steering Committee led by the triumvirate
of Ramjattan, Trotman and Holder was only a caretaker body charged with the
responsibility of steering the ship safely towards its destination of the
conference. Despite all that our detractors would want to say, and despite our
stumbling from time to time, we have surpassed all expectations. It has been an
honour and a pleasure to have served as Chairman of the Steering Committee
during these crucial formative months.
Our movement though unique experiences, in
many respects, still has many features of political and social organizations
the world over. One such feature is the holding of the National Conference to
ensure that the democracy we demand nationally is in place internally.
The agenda, as mandated by the framers of the
constitution is to:
id=”_x0000_i1053″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_27.jpg”>· Receive the
reports of the CEO and Campaign Manager; · Receive Motions and
Questions;
· Ratify and validate the work of the
Interim Committee from October 2005 to present;
· Ratify the draft Constitution; and
· To elect National Executive of the
movement.
As we approach this important milestone it is
appropriate to mention the names of those who were instrumental in the
formative stages. Some of these persons are no longer
active or involved in the business of the
AFC, but nevertheless, it is our duty as the carriers of the torch to ensure
that in the annals of history, their contribution is in no way
diminished.
These persons include Mr. Chrisptoher Ram,
Mr. Tony Vieira, Mr. Ramon Gaskin, Vanessa Singh, Mr. Stephen Fraser, and yes,
Ms. Gaumattie Singh. Many others of course were instrumental in ensuring that
in a few short months we were able to move from an idea, to an electioneering
machine. Time and space do not permit me to mention their names but their
places in history are guaranteed.
The Conference will provide, in a manner of speaking,
an opportunity for the members and supporters of the AFC to recommit to the
values and vision that were embraced and espoused not so long ago during the
campaign, and to be re-fuelled and re-energized by the support of persons
coming from throughout the length and breadth of Guyana and the Diaspora.
The movement’s name by itself defines its
role and responsibility to ensure that we develop a more cohesive society. In
this regard the new executive is expected to pay as much attention to ensure
that alliances and partnerships develop and flourish within the movement as
well as outside.
An imperative task therefore will be to seek
meaningful alliances and partnerships with persons and groups around who share
the vision for a better and less divisive Guyana . Events and posturing since
the August 2006 elections reinforce the view that the struggle for change is
far from over. We have seen spiraling cost of living since the introduction of
VAT, unbridled crime and lawlessness, executive high-handedness,
narrow-mindedness and callousness, and the never-ending cycle of hug and fight
between the PPP/C and PNCR.
Undeniably, there is more than sufficient
reason for the third-force initiative to be kept alive. We are grateful for the
support of those who didn’t jump ship at the first sign of distress and who by
their sacrifice and commitment will ensure that the name of the Alliance For
Change will live on for many, many more conferences to come.
2007-7-26: AFC picking
delegates by ‘electoral college’ system (Stabroek News)
The Alliance for Change (AFC) has adopted an
electoral college system to identify 255 delegates with voting rights for its
inaugural conference this Saturday at which its first executive committee to
serve for the next biennium will be elected.
The electoral college system is utilized in
the US elections and assigns electors in proportion to the number of
congressional representatives each state has.
At a press conference held at the party’s
headquarters at Lime and Hadfield streets yesterday, AFC Chairman Raphael
Trotman said the party adopted the electoral college system to avoid the recent
bad experiences of other political parties.
According to the system employed, the number
of delegates with voting rights is based on the size and the support of the
membership of groups in each region and those in the diaspora.
As a result, ten delegates are slated to
attend and vote from Region One (Barima/ Waini); 20 delegates from Region Two
(Pomeroon/ Supenaam); 15 from Region Three (West Demerara/ Essequibo Islands);
75 from Region Four (Demerara/ Mahaica); 20 from Region Five (Mahaica/ West
Berbice); 40 from Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne); ten from Region Seven
(Cuyuni/Mazaruni); ten from Region Eight (Potaro/ Siparuni); ten from Region Nine
(Upper Takutu/ Upper Essequibo); and 20 from Region Ten (Upper Demerara/Upper
Berbice). The diaspora has been allocated 25 delegates.
Trotman said the AFC was not using a
member-to-delegate ratio to determine the number of delegates. In addition, he
said, there was a deadline for the application and renewal of membership, after
which there was a blackout period for the issuance and distribution of
membership cards. So even though acceptance of new applications was ongoing, he
explained that membership cards would not be issued until after the conference.
The electoral college system, he said, was
adopted to avoid problems of verification of the membership that could arise
with an influx of new members just before a major meeting as was seen elsewhere
just recently. He said the current membership of the AFC stood at just below
6,000 including about 500 from the diaspora.
The AFC’s press statement, read by Vice
Chairman Sheila Holder said, "Confer-ence organisers will be especially
interested in the manner in which the system is implemented and how it works as
a gauge for its future use at other conferences and caucuses."
Asked about nominations for the various
leadership posts and whether the current leader, chairman and vice chairman were
contesting the top leadership posts, Trotman said nominations were ongoing and
as far as he knew, they had not been nominated as yet.
He said that the AFC Steering Committee,
which has been managing the affairs of the party since it was launched in October
2005, would not be in charge of the elections of the party’s executive.
He said the elections and the electoral
process would be handed over to an independent body and would be open to
scrutiny by the delegates.
Contending that the process would be
transparent, he said, "The steering committee would in no way be in
charge."
AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan said nominations
would close at midday on Saturday to allow for late arrivals from the far-flung
areas of the country.
Delegates have begun arriving including
groups from the hinterland regions. At present, the AFC is catering for a total
of 500 delegates and observers with current costs running in excess of $2.3
million.
Among the important matters to be discussed
is the ‘Way Forward’ document, which would include recommendations for the
development of a programme for the party.
This document would be presented by Trotman
and would be discussed in the plenary and it is expected that it would be
adopted as well.
The conference is also expected to receive
the reports of the Chief Executive Officer, and former campaign director;
consider important motions and questions including the ratification of work
done by the steering committee and of the draft constitution; the acquisition
of a building to be used as the movement’s headquarters; a youth programme;
proposed amendments to be included in the constitution; and the elections.
(Miranda La Rose)
2007-8-5: AFC Column-Nothing
short of remarkable and extraordinary – ADDRESS BY RAPHAEL TROTMAN AT ALLIANCE
FOR CHANGE 1st NATIONAL CONFERENCE (kaieteur News)
Welcome to the 1stt ever National
Conference held by the Alliance For Change. Today, July 28, is a historic day
for us in the AFC. That we have arrived atthis next milestone is nothing short
of remarkable and extraordinary. Thanks to the dedication, support, sacrifice
and hard work of many throughout Guyanaand abroad, we have arrived here.
Today, in the midst of all that is happening,
and has happened, I also recognize the wonderful and mysterious work of God in
all that we do and have accomplished.
In my moments of despair, and disappointment
I have been reminded of the Lord’s refrain to us in Psalm 46 when he said: “Be
Still and Know that I Am God” Less than two years ago we gathered at
the Ocean View Convention Centre to proclaim our intention to contest the 2006
elections. Some of those who were present then are no longer with us, and some
who we never expected to join the cause, have come on board. That is the nature
of politics.
To those who helped shape and guide the
process we say thank you. To those who panicked and jumped ship we say a fond
farewell, but ask to be given the opportunity to win you back. To those who
stayed the course we salute you and say you are true Guyanese patriots. You are
the substance that makes the AFC whole.
Many have distilled and debated the inner
workings of the AFC over the months. Many of these have no idea what the AFC is
about, why we were formed and what
we must achieve, and seek to supplant their
own doctrine on us. They have sought to examine its failings, its fervour, its
fortunes, and its future. Some of it has spilled over into the press. Much has
happened indeed. Many said we slowed down and have lost sight of our vision and
destination. Those of us who had the responsibility to guide you must admit
that we were less than active and should have done better.
As T.D. Jakes preached a few weeks ago, these
are but “potholes on the road to destiny.” We accept that in life
we hit encumbrances, potholes and resistance, but
we keep ourselves going. We caution however
that the AFC cannot be compared to the other parties in Guyana . We are not
like them, do not want to behave like them, and do not want to become them. We
however welcome any of members of those parties who wish to join us.
Many expect the pre-election momentum and
euphoria to continue, but of necessity and common sense it cannot. Our mission
now is to keep the notion of change
alive and to make it the dominant culture in
Guyana . We need a metamorphosis that will not come by street protests, but
must start within each individual. I hasten to add as well that many who
criticize do so not because they desire to help, but instead to destroy for
they offer nothing other than mere words.
Napoleon Bonaparte once remarked, and rightly
so, that an army marches on its stomach. That is to say that without resources;
financial, human and otherwise we
will grind to a halt. A political army
likewise must be fuelled by money, by human effort, and by ideas. To those
therefore who say what are you doing, I say in response what have you done
yourselves, and if you do not give selflessly of yourself, do not expect to see
anything in return.
Because we are different I will not traverse
the individual criticisms leveled against us of late but say that other
political parties no longer relevant in Guyana should
stay silent and fade quietly into oblivion.
Constructive criticism is good and must be encouraged. Criticism however
designed to capture public attention without first being ventilated and
exhausted within the confines of the movement, is unhelpful, and will lead to
disarray and destruction.
This is the age of information driven by
email and blackberries. Nothing is confidential, sacred or secure, and as a
former statesman admonished me and I now
admonish you; if you want to keep a secret in
Guyana , don’t even tell yourself. We, starting with me, have to become more
discreet and circumspect. The course of events from October 2005 to today has
been a fantastic journey for me. Being the Chairman and Presidential candidate
of and for the AFC has been spiritually uplifting and life changing. I know
that at times I have fallen short but I am human.
Nelson Mandela the world’s statesman has
recognized his own human foibles when he was given to remark to a gathering:
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising
every time we fall.”
Today the AFC rises before you asking for a
renewed mandate to proceed. The experience has allowed me to see the Guyana in
its true glory and majesty. To meet people of all persuasions and walks of
life, and to understand better, their dreams and aspirations, insecurities, and
expectations of their leaders. Again I thank all those who made my experience a
humbling and enjoyable one. I will not allow myself to name persons less by
omission I err.
What I can say is that the core of the
strength of the AFC lies not in the urban centres of Georgetown and New
Amsterdam, but in quiet communities such as
Mabaruma, Bartica, Kwakwani, Orealla, Annai,
and of course Kwakwani, where I had an experience that I can only describe as
heavenly. Those who were there will understand what I mean. I am forever
committed to the AFC, its ideals, and most of all, to the people who make it
the best political alternative in Guyana .
I pledge to serve the AFC with my life in any
capacity be it top, middle or bottom, not because I first dreamt of this new
movement, but because I believe that this is what God has called me to do and
is what the people expect of me. There is no higher calling than to be in
service of people.
Like Rabindranauth Tagore I can say: “I
slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I
acted and behold, service was joy.” Things have not all been bad for the
AFC. Many are singing our praises and I ask that we not allow ourselves to
become demoralised and succumb to the pressures and persecution of those who
resist change and wish to cling hopelessly to the anachronistic political
culture.
Two recent publications should give you hope.
Firstly, The Economist Magazine publishing its Economic Intelligence Report
writes about the AFC:
“The recently formed Alliance For
Change is the strongest “third force” in Guyana since 1964, and has
a fair chance of gaining further strength in the next election.”
Secondly, the just released report authored
entitled: From Violent to Peaceful Elections: An Assessment by Terrence Simmons
and Roxanne Myers states:
“Changing dynamics within political
parties in particular the opposition parties, and the splits which give rise to
the emergence of the Alliance For Change (AFC) on the political scene, had a
decisive impact on the way the two entrenched political parties approached the
elections. AFC promoted itself as a departure from the past and
“unlocking the future” and promoted the concept of change. Several
apolitical citizens heeded the AFC’s message of peace, a just society,
equality, racial harmony, non-violence and an end to ethnic voting…The AFC
raised the bar on election rhetoric and set the general tone of political
messages.”
In parliament we have led the way with
questions, motions and agitation for good governance. In the Regional
Democratic Councils we continue to provide the best representation we can, in
the face of a combined and incestuous deal struck in the dark of night between
the other two parties to shut us out.
In the fields, we have continued with very
limited resources to meet people in their communities and to agitate on their
behalf. After this 1st Conference we, and not the executive alone, but all of
us, expect to do much, much more.
Our relations with other political parties,
save and except one, have not been good because we are challenging the status
quo and they are expectedly not happy. We will however strive for recognition,
and equality and to be a responsible opposition party and change agent in
Guyana , while we prepare for the next elections.
The Socio-Political Environment:
The Alliance For Change was born at a time of
great distress and despair in Guyana . Our relevance despite the holding of
national elections remains potent. Within the past 12 months we have seen the
introduction of VAT, rising unemployment, greater levels of migration, and
changing crime as the grip of the drug lords slackens whilst another type of
criminal is burgeoning.
Racial tension is at an all-time high. When
we can dedicate rows and rows of column space to discovering which racial group
brought to Guyana the head kerchief while women and children continue to endure
the most heinous of abuses then something is wrong within our society. There is
a place for the AFC. When the nation’s governmental leaders can ignore the
suffering of thousands of households who are forced to steal electricity from
the national grid and seek instead to prosecute them even as little children
are dying, tells us that something is wrong and there is a place for the AFC.
Today, even as we speak there are so many
ills that are being glossed over. I referred to some of them recently in the
National Assembly and because there has
been no positive change, I reiterate them
today. Ø The Non-Appointment Of Important Constitutional Commissions:
The Office of Ombudsman; the Procurement, Human Rights, Indigenous Peoples,
Rights of the Child, Integrity, and other important Commissions; and the Public
Service Appellate Tribunal, to name a few.
Ø Non-Consultation with stakeholders
for Casino gambling, other important legislation and policy implementation.
Ø The withdrawal of advertisement from Stabroek News as a political
weapon. Ø The Abandonment of the National Development Strategy process
Ø The Continued Incarceration without trial of Mark Benschop, which can
now be considered as being cruel and inhumane punishment. Ø The
withholding of the proceedings of the Lotto Funds without depositing them in
the Consolidated Fund Ø Failure to announce or bestow National Awards
for the past five years. This is not a discretion bestowed in a government. It
is the people’s awards, which must be
given with due regularity and certainty.
Ø The irregular and extraordinary
functioning of senior legal and constitutional officers such as:
Chancellor/Chief Justice, Chief Magistrate, DPP, Police Commissioner, and
Judges of the High Court. Ø The mis-handling and man-handling of The
Region 10 Seat Issue. Ø The suspension of the process of inter-party
dialogue under an enhanced framework for cooperation. Ø The Non-Assent
of 12 Bills passed by the 8th Parliament and the misinterpretation and misuse
of the veto power bestowed by the Constitution of Guyana. The barbarity of
offences committed in Agricola and elsewhere, the murder of journalist Ronald
Waddell and of Minister Sawh, the relative youthfulness of the
perpetrators and perhaps most disturbing, the
seeming indifference as reflected in their eyes and attitude to the concept of
right and wrong, are frightening indicators which should be addressed not
simply with more guns and boots but through better research, intelligence
gathering and analysis at institutions of higher learning. The AFC’s voice must
be heard in the midst of the madness.
The deliberations today will focus on the way
forward. We have examined and know our strengths and weaknesses, and where our
opportunities challenges lie. If you believe in the cause don’t demoralize us,
but give us firm encouragement and support. We never expected this to be easy
and it is not. After today, we separate the talkers from the doers, the true
change agents from the agents provocateur, and the froth from the substance.
Themes to guide our discussions have already
been identified and will cover general areas such as: · Party
Organization and Discipline · Raising Finances to Carry Out the Work
· Enhancing and Solidifying Relations With the Diaspora ·
Political Issues and Ways of Raising and Agitating For Change ·
Preparations for Local Government · Building Alliances With Like Minded
Organisations
We don’t hope today to be successful. We
know we will be successful. The Alliance For Change will live on for eternity.
The true supporters of the AFC willshoulder the responsibility of carrying the
message into every town, village, and mountain top. We will meet the criticism,
attacks, ridicule, and persecution,and continue to defy the odds. We will regroup,
replenish, and re-commence the fight. Long live the people of Guyana , long
live the AFC, and long live the cry for change. Thank you and may God bless
you.
Dear Sir,
Given the fractured political environment in
which we operate, it ought to come as no surprise that the successful first
National Conference of the Alliance For Change (AFC) would throw up a political
comment or two in an attempt to blemish that sheen of success.
Nonetheless, one cannot help but notice the
role being played by the letter writer using the name ‘Leila Ram’
since it is one primarily in defense of the PPP/C and the Guyana government. It
also seems to me that this role has neither escaped the notice of the Stabroek
News editor nor other letter writers from the attention they have given to
rebutting and correcting the propaganda and inaccuracies being peddled by
whoever is using the name ‘Leila Ram’.
I happen to know two persons by that name and
can attest to the gentleness and decency of both women who would loathe being
engaged in the kind of sycophantic writings being foisted on the reading public
by those using the name ‘Leila Ram’. Apart from the evident prime
characteristic of this writer to defend, come what may, the Government of
Guyana, Ministers of the Government and their policies, ‘Leila
Ram’s’ letters are distinctly of PPP/C origin in view of the
reminiscences and skewed analyses intended to keep alive the fear and distrust
of opposition parties like the AFC, which that party has habitually propagated
within its constituency.
Thus, the most recent ‘Leila Ram’
offering which targeted the Alliance For Change (AFC) as the rapidly growing
‘third force’, sought to peddle distrust of the AFC by linking the
party to Peter D’Aguair’s United Force and the so-called
‘D’Aguair betrayal’ the PPP/C claimed it suffered at his
hands and that of the PNC in 1964. Meanwhile, Leila Ram has avoided mentioning
the important fact that the PPP/C has enticed The United Force party’s
only Member of Parliament to join their government.
The other objective of the ‘Leila
Ram’ letter, captioned ‘Beware of the so-called ‘Third
Force’, published in the Kaieteur News on Thursday August 2, 2007, was to
somehow try to connect the AFC as the new ‘Third Force’ with such
betrayal. It will not succeed!
I can comfortably state that this negative
brand of dishonest propaganda has lost potency among the Guyanese people, given
the reality of the information age in which we now live and the continuous
failures of each successive PPP/C government to fulfill its basic role of
providing adequate security for our people in their homes, businesses and
places of leisure; given the VAT that has brutally gobbled up what little
disposable income the hard working men and worme of this country had before its
introduction at the unconscionably high rate of 16% without any meaningful ease
in the income tax burden; given the economic failures of successive PPP/C
governments to provide jobs for our people.
As ‘Leila Ram’ writes piffle
about the AFC, I cannot help but observe the betrayal of the Guyanese people
and the institution of the National Assembly of the Parliament of Guyana in the
collaboration taking place between the PPP/C and the PNCR-1G in their drafting
the ‘recall’ bill guaranteed to further erode the independence of
Members of Parliament. Now tell me, who are the betrayers of the Guyanese
people?
Respectfully, Sheila Holder, MP AFC,
Vice-Chairperson
Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of
Parliament, Raphael Trotman has plans to galvanise support on a proposed
Freedom of Information Act during the two-month Parliamentary recess and is
optimistic that the Bill will be tabled before the end of the year.
Last year, Trotman tabled the Freedom of
Information Act, 2006, and on December 14 took steps to have the Bill deferred
in order to save it from being thrown out during the second and third stages of
the presentation.
He later told reporters that this was done to
allow Government time for study and assessment of the administrative
implications of the Bill and to allow for broadbased consultations.
Speaking on his plans to forge ahead with the
Bill, Trotman stated that he intends to engage stakeholders, including the
Guyana Press Association (GPA), the Guyana Bar Association (GBA), the Guyana
Human Rights Association (GHRA) and the government.
Trotman said that he had written the two
major political parties, the People’s Progressive Party and the People’s
National Congress Reform, to solicit their views on the legislation.
A compromise with the government will be
crucial if the Bill is to see the light of day by year end as planned, he
added.
The Bill proposed by Trotman is based on the
Trinidadian model which some advocates consider to be restrictive and not
necessarily as liberal as some would like.
Trotman expressed the hope that even without
full support the Bill can be tabled and sent to a Special Select Committee
where it can be refined before passage in the National Assembly.
Trotman has already indicated that the
passage of legislation to allow access to information is more important than
personal endeavours, and indicated his willingness to step aside and allow the
government to take up the initiative.
The AFC believes that once Government
supports the passage of the Bill, Guyana will join some 60 other countries in
this hemisphere which have enacted freedom of information legislation.
The Party notes that freedom of information
has become the international consensus deemed to be the fillip needed to
bolster transparency and accountability to curtail corruption and raise the
standards of governance in developing countries struggling to alleviate
poverty.
The call for Freedom of Information
legislation has been wide, more resoundingly from the media corps, which find
difficultly in accessing information related to Government’s business.
The Bill being proposed by Trotman clearly
stipulates that the objective is to extend the right of members of the public
access to information in the possession of public authorities by making
available to the public information about the operations of public authorities.
In particular, the Bill holds public
officials to ensuring that the authorisations, policies, rules and practices
affecting members of the public in their dealings with public authorities are
readily available to persons affected by those authorisations, policies, rules
and practices.
While the Bill generally states the right of
access to information in documentary form in the possession of public
authorities, it also states that such documents could be withheld for the
protection of essential public interests and the private and business affairs
of persons in respect of whom information is collected and held by public
authorities.
To protect Guyana ‘s territorial integrity,
the Bill states that documents could be withheld on the grounds that the
release of such information would prejudice relations between the Government of
Guyana and the government of any other State.
The Bill also states that documents could be
withheld if it would prejudice relations between the government and an international
organization of States.
If documents would divulge information or
matter communicated in confidence or on behalf of the government of another
State to the Government of Guyana or to a person receiving a communication on
behalf of the government of that State, then the Bill allows for those
documents to be withheld.
The Bill states that documents that would
disclose matter in the nature of opinion, advise or recommendation prepared by
an officer or Minister of Government, could be withheld.
The Bill also allows a person to seek legal
action against documents that are withheld by public officials.
But, the Bill states that no action for
defamation, breach of confidence or infringement of copyright may be brought
against the public authority or against the responsible Minister, or an officer
or employee of the public authority as a result of providing personal
information of someone who subsequently claims it to be inaccurate.
The Bill states that a person who willfully
destroys or damages a record or document required to be maintained and
preserved, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of
$5,000 and imprisonment for six months.
However, if a person knowingly destroys or
damages a record or document which is required to be maintained and preserved
while a request for access to the document is pending commits an offence and is
liable on summary conviction to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for two
years.
Easy access to information to documents
will come at a price to the public as the Bill sets out clearly, that documents
will have to bought from respective agencies.
The passing of the Constitution Amendment Bill
2007, which now permits the Representative of the List to indicate to the
Speaker that a Parliamentarian be recalled, is a massive assault on
conscience-voting and a smothering of independent thinking and free debate in
our National Assembly. It is power to curb and coral elected parliamentarians
within the safe perimeters of the List of Representative’s, or his
cabal’s, confidence. It will commandeer National Assembly members never
to vote according to the dictates of conscience or reason but according to the
instructions of party whips. The debates on the floor of the House will be a
mere formality, everything having already been agreed to at party headquarters.
The reprehensible portion of this approved
version (it being amended since) goes thus:
“A member of the National Assembly
shall cease to be a member if:
c) “the Representative of the List from
which his or her name was extracted, indicates in writing to the Speaker that
after meaningful consultation with the Party or Parties that make up the List,
that the Party or Parties have lost confidence in that member, and the
Representative of the List issue a written notice of recall to that member and
forwards a copy of that notice to the Speaker”.
Immediately it should be noted that this
amended version talks of “meaningful consultation”. As if that
constitutes any safeguard to the member who will be a victim of recall! Knowing
the undemocratic culture of both major political entities this is just an
empty, farcical attempt to placate the draconian nature of the recall process.
Additionally, no definition or any
clarification is given as to when “confidence is lost”. PNC/R
members Debbie Backer and James Mc Allister abstained from voting for the Bill
on Thursday last. Does this constitute loss of confidence? I suppose, like the
Honourable Attorney General suggested, we just have to wait and see. Very many
members of the PPP/C did not turn up for the debate which is in a sense
abstaining. Will this be regarded as loss of confidence, so as to cause Donald
Ramotar to recall them? One hopes not.
This very sweeping power of the List
Representative to recall goes against the grain of an authentic democratic
process. It sidesteps the input of the voters. It is through an electoral
process that these Parliamentarians were elected. And if they are to be
recalled the electorate must be similarly involved. The electors have the power
to elect and the power to un-elect. If logistical nightmares are going to be
created in having the electors involved, then do not arrogate from the
electorate this power, and shift it to the List Representative! This is crux of
the of the AFC’s opposition to the Bill.
Moreover, a Parliamentarian must be given a
security of tenure for that five year period he was duly elected to serve.
Apart from disqualification grounds stipulated in the Constitution, Judges are
given security of tenure until the lawful age of retirement. Judges interpret
the law.
Similarly, Parliamentarians can be
disqualified on grounds stipulated by the Constitution. But what this Bill does
now is add a further highly arbitrary, unreasonable and vague disqualification
– loss of confidence in the eyes of the Representative of the List. A
Parliamentarian’s security of tenure is thus further undermined. And what
Parliamentarians do? They make the law!
The advice given by well-known Dr. Selwyn
Ryan must be acted upon here. He had stated at a 2001 Wilton Park Conference on
“Democracy, a Caribbean Perspective” that small societies to
broaden Parliamentary democracy have to surmount two damning problems. “Firstly,
procure resources to get adequate staffing and personnel within government and
opposition ranks. Secondly, there need to be a loosening up of party discipline
to allow and even encourage occasional dissent by members in all parties on
various issues, without the risk of reprisals or accusations of disloyalty.
Tolerance of criticisms, while difficult to engender in small parliaments, is
needed to allow for a wider range of views to be aired on issues. Experience suggests
that good government requires consistent testing from both outside and within
its structure, to ensure that the best paths are being followed.”
Another finding at this seminar, and it is a
truth because I have heard it come from both the PPP/C and PNC/R back benchers
alike, is the effect of this stultifying thing called party discipline. It is
encapsulated best in these words. “One of the most common reasons
cited by members of Parliament in many countries for their lack of a meaningful
role relates to the high level of party discipline to which they are subjected.
Members who are consistently bound by party solidarity to vote with their party
on every issue, regardless of their personal views or the wishes of their
constituents, will often feel totally powerless.”
This was an aspect of my fight whilst in the
P.P.P. That its leadership allows members to decide more issues without the
party whips imposing the decision on them. This would restore the stature and
the relevance of the individual member.
Guyana needs a deliberative democratic
political culture. The benefits from discussion and deliberation lies in the
fact that even leading legislators and party officials are limited in knowledge
and the ability to reason. No one of them knows everything. A diffusion of
views thus leads to a better reason. We all know that when like-minded people
meet regularly, without sustained exposure to competing views extreme movements
are the result.
Unfortunately, this deliberative culture is
not what happens in the PPP/C and the PNC/R. I hope this never rears its ugly
head in the AFC. This suppression of views leads to a polarization which then
leads to members becoming reluctant to bring up items of information they have
on certain subject which might contradict the leading cabal’s position.
This results in a biased discussion in which the group has no opportunity to
consider all the facts because the members are not bringing them up.
The effect and repercussion of this Recall
Bill will result in and reinforce just that.
Khemraj Ramjattan August 2007
As a representative of the Diaspora who
attended the recent AFC conference, I am writing to share my perspective of the
event.
In a few words, I think that the conference
was a great success: well organized, well attended; well executed; open;
energetic; positive; clean; and I would say in the overall spirit and character
of what is becoming the culture of the AFC.
There were about 400 people in attendance,
all members, from each of the 10 regions and overseas. About 200 were delegates
and the rest were member-observers. The strong showing and participation from
the regions was very reassuring. A number of good motions were passed, the
constitution adopted and reports were received. There were 7 breakout work
sessions, very well run and attended in which attendees focused on specific
subjects for actions going forward. People were asked to self select for the
sessions; so it was totally voluntary!! Every session was full and the
discussions were very meaningful, lively, and rich in content, providing a good
base for action going forward.
The election of the leaders was very rousing.
The newly elected national executive is very impressive in their commitment,
passion and qualifications. One of the motions that was passed, differentiates
the AFC, recognizes the importance of the Diaspora in Guyana’s future and
brings their voice, ideas and vote to the party’s highest decision making
body. To net it out, the delegates unanimously approved assigning 4 National
Executive seats to the Diaspora, with one each going to the EU, USA, Canada and
the Caribbean. These people are to be selected by their respective chapters.
The expectations and hopes of the AFC from
Guyanese continue to be very high. It was so from the inception, during the
last elections, and continues to today. Even if it is, maybe too high for the
AFC to deliver right away; it is refreshing none the less. This has a lot to do
with the cry for hope, for racial healing and for a better Guyana for all. It
was clear at the conference that the leaders, the new executive, delegates and
member observers are willing and ready to risk their own positions and security
to challenge the status quo in a way that it has not been done before.
It was clear that more and more, Guyanese are
ready to choose Guyana and our collective future over ‘self’. The
delegates and member-observers from all over Guyana, who know what is
happening; who feel the daily pain; have re-commit themselves to strive for a
better Guyana. Like I said in my open letter to the Guyanese Diaspora a while
ago, “If not now, when? And of not us, who?” Well; the regional
conference has decided that the time is NOW! And that it is up to
‘US’! All of us !!
I think that the AFC got the rejuvenation it
needed in this conference; but it will not do what it needs to do without help.
To grab the essence of what Cathy Hughes said, speaking as a delegate at the
conference, “Everyone wants the AFC to take up the battle on many fronts
at the same time; be visible, fight in Parliament; be in the press; be on the
ground in each region; be internationally connected; publish; communicate with
the Diaspora; be the hope that Guyana needs; but to do all of this we need more
Guyanese to come forward to say “how can I help you, the AFC, to do what
is needed for all of Guyana”. Many people are helping, but the challenge
before us is monumental and deep down, we all know that. After all, the leaders
and executive are people like you and me – who have to live like we do; earn a
living like we do, provide for families like we do; get sick like we do; worry
like we do. In leading the AFC they have to also deal with the balance of
‘self’ and ‘service’. For them to continue and succeed,
they need help.
The AFC needs everyone who wants something
done to be prepared to make small sacrifices: to give support in kind; to work
silently or publicly; bring ideas forward and to give financially. There is no
easy way out, and no silver bullet. It will be either, our collective blood,
sweat and tears, OR IT WILL NOT BE. That is the truth my fellow Guyanese. Only
our actions will finally set us free and give birth to a proud and deserving
Guyanese nation.
So we have a successful conference behind us.
The leaders and executive are energized and have identified a lot of
initiatives including future elections. Where to from here? The AFC leaders and
the current executive are committed. They are taking serious risks with family
and personal safety and are doing this because it must be done, not for
personal gain. Mistakes made were made and acknowledged; but the AFC will get
better, stronger and wiser as the days and years unfold; for we must.
Let us help the leaders, the executive and
Guyana; let us show that we are willing and able to do our part while they are
on the front line. It is time to act: call; email; speak out; give your skills,
ideas and time; give strength and give financially. The AFC will be as strong
as we make it. It is finally up to each and every one of us.
We have it within us as Guyanese; for our
homeland:
to care more than others think is wise;
to risk more than others think is safe;
to dream more than others think is practical;
and
to expect more than others think is possible.
God Bless the dawning of a new era for
Guyana!!!
2007-8-26: AFC Column
“He is a creature of a party apparatus whose main aim is to hold on to
power so that a selected few can plunder Guyana for their own economic
gain.” by Sheila Holder ( Kaieteur News)
There are some contributors to the letter
columns in the two independent daily newspapers that are of note. Dennis
Wiggins is one such. His recent piece about the press paying insufficient
attention to critically analyzing President Jagdeo’s performance caught
my attention as it did Freddie Kissoon who beat me to the punch by proffering
his opinion, in his usual inimitable style, last Thursday in his Kaieteur News
column.
Freddie has distanced himself from Wiggins’
accusation stating that on countless occasions he has done a balance sheet on
President Jagdeo whom he describes as a micro manager; but Wiggins is right to
try and focus our attention on the important role President Jagdeo plays in the
shaping of Guyana, and consequently the need for his actions to be critically
analyzed.
Perhaps, one of the reasons for the lack of
direct attacks on President Jagdeo’s performance by the media could
possibly reside in the fact that he is only the face of a very centralized
political party where major decisions are really part of a group think process
therefore analyzing his performance in office will result in false analyses.
However, some in the society believe that President Jagdeo has become a
‘run away’ president indifferent to the views of the party. Which
one is it really?
We would like to hope that President Jagdeo
is his own man inspired by the need to attend to the welfare of the people and
the development of a truly vibrant Guyanese nation state; but his actions
reflect otherwise -that he’s not prepared to allow the development of a
deliberative National Assembly nor allow to develop independent national
institutions and members of parliament.
He is a creature of a party apparatus whose
main aim is to hold on to power so that a selected few can plunder Guyana for
their own economic gain. There is a vociferous view in the society that holds
firmly to the belief that this is cynically portrayed as national development
when in fact it is an enduring “tyranny of the majority” in
Guyanese politics.
Without doubt there needs to be critical
analysis of the Jagdeo presidency. However, that should not detract form the
need to critically analyze the PPP administration as a whole as it is the
policies which this administration is implementing that are retarding
Guyana’s development. There have been no resignations of Ministers of
Government or any of the many political appointees in any of the Jagdeo
administrations so Jagdeo should be seen as the voice of the administration.
When he goes, another body would be put forward to act as spokesperson for the
PPP/Civic in its project of plundering Guyana.
How should the AFC respond to this in order
to effectively capture the interest of the people in an environment where Guyanese
are tired, nay disgusted, with politics and with politicians who have so often
fallen short of their expectations generation after generation?
In a rare and truthful response to
Freddie’s soul searching piece published on the 22nd death
anniversary of her father, Ulele Burnham (Stabroek News August 20) offered a
genesis of an answer thus about the Burnham period that surely has relevance
for Jagdeo and the PPP today: “By way of example, I remember a time
when students at St. Roses High School took to the streets in revolt against
the transfer of Sister Hazel Campayne to Eteringbang. For what seemed like the
first time, I began to feel a real sense of confusion rather than rage. The man
who presided over Sister Hazel’s transfer was the man who, with my mother, had
taught me about integrity, about the value of national self-determination, the
abject immorality of colonialism, the havoc it wreaked on the psyche of the
colonised and the disenfranchisement of the colonial subject denied a voice.
Yet he appeared impervious to the voices of those who spoke, angrily, against
him. I was, at first, angry at those who protested for failing to understand
what he had so carefully sought to explain to me about the Western powers’
commitment to destabilising left-wing regimes in the South. But later I could
no longer feel secure that he was right, that what he did or oversaw was right.
The voices of dissent were too loud and too close. My idol did have feet of
clay.”
The AFC is convinced that it is only a matter
of time when PPP supporters will come to realize that President Jagdeo and
others within the PPP have feet of clay.
The task rests with the AFC to galvanize
Guyanese to see beyond Jagdeo and to understand the need to make the PPP and
PNC style of political behavior a thing of history in terms of a viable model
for winning elections in Guyana. When the people reclaim Guyana from the
hegemony of the PPP, then the pent up energies of the Guyanese can be unleashed
to propel sustainable development in Guyana.
If Guyanese do not agitate for change
collectively, then the mismanagement of the country would continue. A few would
flourish, but the majority of the Guyanese still living in Guyana would
continue to seek to leave in search of a better lifestyle. President Jagdeo by
himself is not retarding Guyana. He has the whole PPP party structure behind
him. Thus we have to continue to protest both the messenger (Jagdeo) and the
machinery (PPP) which is generating his message.
2007-9-2: AFC Column-WHITHER
POLITICAL COOPERATION? By Raphael Trotman (Kaieteur News)
On September, 2006, His Excellency the
President addressed the opening session of the ninth Parliament of Guyana and
made what many considered a brilliant speech to the newly elected members.
Many promises were contained in the speech
and the AFC took the position during the debate on a Motion on its adoption
that time will be the judge of whether the President’s vision and promises were
worthy of being endorsed then or should be analysed over a given period of time.
What remained to be seen is whether that
brilliant sophistry would be matched in substance.
The aspect of the President’s speech that
those of us in the AFC held on to was a contained section on Governance and in
which was introduced the concept of “enhanced framework for
cooperation.”
I have already signaled my intention to join
forces with the political opposition and find innovative ways to work together
to solve our problems.
This will be pursued within an enhanced
framework for political cooperation encompassing the principles of increased
meaningful contacts, the identification and implementation of an agreed agenda
of national issues and greater scope for the participation of civil society in
the decision-making process.”
September, 2007, is a good time within which
to do a comparative analysis of what was said as against what was achieved.
In November, 2006, at the invitation of His
Excellency, the President, the combined Opposition gathered at the Office of
the President to consider and discuss ways in which there can be functional
cooperation between the elected representatives of Guyana.
That was the last time that there was ever
such a meeting as the process was abandoned as quickly as it was convened. Once
again, the words of the President were honoured in the breach.
Each of the parties proposed agenda items.
Recall legislation, and a resolution of the
Chief Justice/Chancellor dilemma were high up on the list for the PPP/C and the
PNCR.
Other issues such as preparations for World Cup
Cricket, Local Government reform, raising the profile of political
representatives, and the sending of joint delegations abroad to attract
investment made up the list of agreed items to be included in an agenda for
discussion.
The AFC proposed that the Benschop
incarceration be added to the list for resolution.
To date, three of the matters on the list
have been addressed. Recall legislation, the High Court (Amendment) Bill, and
Benschop. Much more however remains to be done.
The AFC gets the distinct impression that
there is a deliberate and calculated move afoot at the Office of the President
to jettison the process by entering into deals and arrangements with Congress
Place thereby shutting out the other parliamentary parties AFC and GAP-ROAR from
the discussions.
Rumour has it that the issue of an amendment
to the Constitution to allow President Jagdeo to run for a third term is now a
matter of discussion between the government and PNCR.
If that be the case then the AFC would prefer
to be left out of the discussions indeed.
The President needs to be commended for
achieving the settlement of some of those issues we agreed for the agenda,
especially, the Benschop issue which we welcome, but as stated before, felt
that the approach was all wrong.
I would be remiss if I did not point out that
his failure to adhere to his commitment of establishing an enhanced framework
for enhanced cooperation will spell trouble in the near future.
Already, the two primary concerns of the
Guyanese people –the Value Added Tax and brazen acts of criminality are
proving too much for the government alone to answer.
The enhanced framework (inclusive of civil
society) would have been an ideal forum to discuss and craft a collective
response to these issues.
One has to agree that the Minister of Home
Affairs seems to be trying his best to get on top of the crime situation but
his efforts and those of the police top brass are proving futile as we are
unable to get further than matching weapons to crimes through ballistic testing.
Given the emergence of the “new”
criminals emboldened by technology, television, and terror tactics there has to
be a re-think of the entire national security doctrine and architecture.
This can only be achieved by a collective
approach of those of us charged with the responsibility of being
decision-makers.
In so far as VAT is concerned it is beyond
obvious that it has failed to achieve the revenue neutrality that was expected
and that more revenue is coming into the public coffers than was anticipated.
This may be good news for a cash-strapped
government, but extremely bad news for the poor citizens. A united decision to
adjust the VAT rate, or Income Tax rate, at this time would be in everyone’s
best interest.
No IMF or World Bank official would be able
to challenge the authority of the nation’s stakeholders to make the adjustment.
When one considers that over 80% of Guyana’s
best talent now resides and works in a developed country it means that the less
than 20% of us left to manage the affairs of state cannot do so unless we work
together, and reach into the Diaspora for support.
Necessity demands that there be an
enhanced framework for political cooperation.
2007-9-16: AFC Column-Meet
David Patterson – Member of Parliament and National Executive Committee
member of the AFC (Kaieteur News) At the recently concluded first AFC National
Party Conference, a National Executive Committee was elected by delegates to
represent the party’s members for the next two years.
Most of the newly elected committee members
are new to politics and collectively bring with them fresh impetus to help the
party expand on the phenomenal success achieved one year ago when they stood up
to the two major political parties who have dominated Guyanese politics for the
last half of a century.
Equally refreshing is the diversity of the
individuals who, from a variety of geographical, educational, ethnic and
religious backgrounds have all come together to make a change. In a political
climate that insists that all party members "tow the line", it is
surely a welcome change that a party embraces freedom of speech and respects
members’ rights to express differing views.
This variety is a valuable resource for the
new National Executive Committee in its attempt to focus on the varying needs
of a diverse population. The individual profiles of the members are an attempt
to illustrate the broad spectrum of personalities that make up the new National
Executive.
Meet David Patterson – Member of
Parliament and National Executive Committee member of the AFC
Who are you? (Describe yourself, your
background; influences in your life)
I was born in Georgetown, where I grew up in
Lodge. I attended St Gabriel’s Primary, then St Stanislaus’
College, where I became Head Boy during my years in Sixth Form. I went on to
the University of Greenwich, London where I did my degree in Quantity
Surveying. I am a Member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and of
the Chartered Institute of Builders. I have worked in ten countries since graduating
from university, and now run my own consultancy. I married Coleen in 1996, and
we have two children.
Professionally, I was influenced by my
father, who was himself a Chartered Surveyor but I would say that the person I
am today is grounded in the experience of University in England. To begin with,
I was living abroad, away from family; but until then, I had never taken notice
of class structure and social divisions. Society in England drives that home.
Guyanese don’t realise how fortunate they are: we think we have problems;
but step out of Guyana and you see the problems that exist in other countries.
After growing up here, interacting with other people with no emphasis on class,
England was a real shock: an eye-opener for me. That experience was a great
influence on the beliefs I now hold.
In total, I stayed out of Guyana for seven
years, for study and work, and returned to Guyana in 1992. I have always
considered myself to be nomadic, but I always intended to come back home. I
spent the ‘Burnham years’ under my parents’ care, and though
my return coincided with the ‘new democracy’ and my working years
were in a Guyana ruled by the PPP, I don’t see myself as having been
affected by politics in Guyana.
Why did you become involved in politics,
and specifically, the AFC?
I became politically inclined because I
disliked the direction in which the country was going. I spent two years in
Barbados during 2003-2005 – another eye-opener for me, to see how Guyanese
live and are thought of in the islands; to go to these countries to be looked
upon as less than equal to other Caribbean persons, when these countries had
depended heavily on Guyana years ago! When I returned to Guyana I made a
conscious effort to do whatever I could to get this country back to a position
of respect among Caribbean nations first, then among the rest of the world. In
the 1960s and ‘70s, we were among the top five countries in the West
Indies, developmentally. I would like to see us get back to that level.
I joined the AFC purely because they are not
grounded in old traditional Guyanese politics, and represented a new thinking.
The ‘Maximum Leader syndrome’ which exists in the two traditionally
dominant political parties is something I totally disagree with. Yes, there is
a chain of command, but within an organisation, everyone should be able to air
and share views and be accorded equal respect. I see the AFC as the only
meaningful hope, the party that can actually implement the policies that need
to be implemented; and these policies will be implemented based on merit, where
other parties execute policies which benefit their support base rather than the
country as a whole.
What do you think is the AFC’s key
to the future of this country, and what do you see as your role? What do you
hope to achieve?
I have long held the belief that as a country
we continue to practice racial politics. People generally tend to vote
primarily for economics but also security. For example, in Trinidad I have seen
that people who are comfortably off are more inclined to vote to maintain the
security of their lifestyles and those of their children; they vote to maintain
economic stability and growth. In Guyana voting patterns are racially skewed.
I hope to achieve an all-inclusive government
in the end, with a Parliament where any policy is proposed and carried forward
on its merit; as opposed to the current situation where the policies of the
majority party are the policies of the country, irrespective of opposing views
or merit. My goal is to have a Parliament that reflects the people of Guyana,
and responds to the wishes of the people. My strengths are organisational and
that is what I bring to the AFC.
As a Parliamentarian, you are involved in
the shaping of Guyana’s laws and policies. What are your own focal
issues/priorities?
Particularly, I would like to see changes in
the rule of law, so that every man and woman gets the impression that his or
her voice is heard. I would like to see confidence in a system of redress in
Guyana – where you don’t have to be a party supporter to get
justice. If the AFC can achieve that, I think that as a whole, people will be
happier to be Guyanese and to live in Guyana. Also, I am particularly
interested in the equitable distribution and allocation of our natural
resources. What about value for taxpayers money?????
What change do you want for Guyana?
I would like Guyana to move off the bottom
rung of the developmental ladder. We have every asset except human resources since
we are vastly under-populated – but we should develop policies that
encourage investment to the benefit of the Guyanese nation. I acknowledge that
much of our under-population is a result of migration. If Guyana has a period
of at least three to four years of positive growth I am sure we will see a
reversal of this flight. Guyanese living in the Caribbean will return. This was
proven in the period 1988 through 1994, when a lot of persons re-migrated
because they could see opportunity. I think migration of skilled Guyanese would
be stemmed – people would think hard before leaving to go to other
Caribbean countries – if they knew that working in Guyana would pay them
and allow them opportunities to do the things they want to: buy a home and
support their children; have a disposable income. The option of leaving would
become less attractive.
We need policies which give people incentives
to remain, such as tax concessions and rebated mortgages for teachers. We do
need to attract people to our country: Guyanese to return; foreigners to invest
and visit.
2007-9-23: AFC Column-OF
PRESIDENTS AND PARDONS By Khemraj Ramjattan (Kaieteur News)
I have had
pardons. My first request was to Dr. Jagan in 1993. A number of persons were
charged with treason. They, the allegation was, wanted to overthrow the Desmond
Hoyte administration and were conducting exercises since 1989 in the jungles of
Suriname, training men and obtaining material to execute this enterprise.
Memory fades with time, but I can still
remember the names of some of those charged – Balram, Chicken Rohan,
Persaud, and Sanasie – in his absence, he having escaped custody. These men
denied the allegations most vehemently, stoutly contending that the charges
were fabrications. Their Preliminary Inquiries were going no where as even
police witnesses were not interested in testifying.
Their relatives were pleading that since I
was the lawyer closest to President Jagan, I should urge him to use his powers
under the Constitution to free these treason accused.
A note was conveyed to the President and
thereafter I was summoned to an informal meeting with him at Freedom House. He
wanted to know how he could pardon without convictions. I pointed out article
188 which applied not only to convicted persons but those “concerned
in” any offence.
I tried persuading him from all angles
– hardships whilst awaiting preliminary inquiries for almost two years,
trumped up charges, the mischief of the PNC and its police, the families were
all PPP supporters, among others. He remained unmoved.
He wanted my opinion on how the PNC will
react if he freed the men. I indicated of course that the PNC will make a big
hue and cry. He then wanted to know what were some of the other options
available. I informed him of the Magistrate discharging the men, an unlikely
happening; or the DPP proffering a nolle prosequi, a more likely event. He
pondered.
I pressed on with statistics from the USA
about how over 2000 pardons were granted by Presidents Kennedy, Johnson and
Nixon in their terms. He wanted to know how many preceded convictions. Indeed
this number was miniscule – only three out of the 2000 plus pardons. I
told him of the precedent of President Nixon himself being pardoned by President
Ford before even being charged.
He remained unmoved. “Comrade Prak, I
don’t want to be seen to be interfering with the court system and showing
favouritism to any body. Plus the PNC going to make a lot of unnecessary noise.
You have to try the other options.”
I was so disappointed. When I communicated
this to the relatives and the accused they were not impressed; and a whole lot
of expletives were the result.
However, I did urge successfully the other
option after the prosecution was not getting witnesses to testify. After
several callings, thereafter, Mr. Ian Chang, the DPP, nolle prosequied the
matters.
Then Sanasie turned up from hiding in
Venezuela. The DPP dropped the treason charge against him and proferred an
escape from custody charge to which he pleaded guilty and was fined by Chief
Magistrate Mr. Juman Yassin. I am hoping that this ending be the identical fate
of Mr. Phillip Bynoe, in view of the President insinuating that he will not
grant Bynoe a pardon.
I regard my other experience as a famous
achievement. One very close to me was sentenced to an eight-year term whilst on
a PYO scholarship in Moscow, USSR. I had asked our then Foreign Affairs
Minister, Mr. Rohee, to make representations to have him sent back to Guyana.
This young man had served about three years;
and five years still pended. “Comrade, you want put me in trouble. You
want me to interfere with Soviet jurisprudence”, was his response which I
clearly remembered.
“But Clement is it not that is why you
were elected and appointed as a Minister – to represent citizens of Guyana
wheresoever they be?” He apparently did not understand his role. I must
say that these days he has better equipped and asserted himself, and now
understands his role.
What did I do? You have to believe this. I
wrote a lengthy petition to the President of Russia, Mr. Boris Yeltsin,
pleading the case of how my relative acted in self-defence, how he did not have
a fair trial not having a good Defence Attorney, how three years of punishment
was enough, how he was of good behavior since in prison, how his relatives
missed him and prayed for his early return home, and ending it with a quotation
of the Russian law which provided for Presidential pardons.
My learned friend, Neville Bissember Jr. had
assisted me in the latter. I managed to post the petition to the correct
address through assistance I obtained from Mr. John Hutson, a Guyanese foreign
officer who had worked in Moscow.
Shortly, thereafter, I got a call from Moscow
– from an official who dealt with these matters. “Pardon granted,
the only requirement was to send a plane ticket to Moscow from Guyana.”
Boy was I delighted. Shortly after his arrival in Guyana, I took him straight
to Minister Rohee.
These experiences obviously forced me to
research Presidential pardons. And the best known work I have read is K. D.
Moore’s “Pardons – Justice, Mercy and the Public Interest”
from which the following lessons were discerned.
The power of the President is unlimited, and unreviewable.
But this does not mean that it should be left to a President’s whim. In the
matter of pardons, the President must be accountable to the people. Pardons are
potentially too dangerous, too destructive of trust and justice to be left to a
whimsical President who cares not to account to the people.
Secondly, since a Presidential pardon stands
ready to protect people from punishment they do not deserve – either because of
extraordinary circumstances surrounding the case or because laws can never be
specific enough to resolve all cases satisfactorily – it must mean that pardons
must only come after courts have tried to achieve justice and have failed, i.e.
after trial, conviction and sentence.
Thirdly, since a pardon is only to be granted
or denied for good reason, any pardon and any refusal to pardon should be
accompanied by a written account of the reasons for the decision. As it stands
now, persons petitioning for Presidential pardons, and I daresay the public at
large, do not know why their petitions are rejected or why they are approved.
And if a President is to honour the basic
principle of justice, then he cannot grant pardons for reasons of being of the
view that the beneficiary “has learnt his lessons”; or for reasons
of political advantages to be gained by the President or his political party;
or for reasons of a worked-out deal with some other person or political party.
Hence, there should be a public debate about
what kinds of reasons are good reasons, and legislate such a list. This should
occur before the nation is subjected to another controversial pardon.
2007-10-4: PNCR will support
Freedom of Info bill (Stabroek News) The PNCR says it will support the Freedom of
Information (FOI) bill tabled in Parliament by the Alliance For Change (AFC).
In a press release yesterday, the PNCR also
sparked controversy by saying that
the tabling of the FOI Bill by the AFC was
work that it had started by assigning the task of drafting such a bill to then
PNCR executive member Raphael Trotman, now leader of the AFC. Trotman yesterday
denied the claim.
In the release, the PNCR said that the
October 1, 2007 editorial of the Stabroek News does not reflect the history and
the facts surrounding the bill’s preparation. The party in giving its version
of the background to the bill said that although it was tabled by the AFC, it
would support it because it had its origins in the PNCR.
"The PNCR wishes to make it clear that
the leadership and the party continue to be in support of Freedom of
Information legislation," the release said.
The PNCR took issue with the Stabroek News
editorial which said that "neither of the two major parties seems to have
the appetite for it (the FOI bill)." The PNCR stated that the bill had its
origins "in a decision taken by the late Leader, Mr. Hugh Desmond Hoyte,
and the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the PNCR to assign a team, led by
Mr. Raphael Trotman, the responsibility for drafting such a bill. The intention
of the party, based on the draft from Mr. Trotman and his team, was to place
such a bill before the National Assembly."
The PNCR said that Trotman then changed his
political affiliation, and in co-founding the AFC, tabled the bill in the name
of his new party. It was tabled twice and is still awaiting consideration.
The release said that "Stabroek News
would appreciate, therefore, that even though the bill was tabled by the AFC
the PNCR would support it. It is quite possible that the Stabroek News is
unaware of these prior developments, or, perhaps its penchant for ascribing
negative motives to the PNCR has led it into the error of asserting that the
party is not supportive of this piece of legislation."
The PNCR said it was important to note that
it has been demanding that the Parliamentary Management Committee, which
includes an AFC representative, be allowed to exercise its responsibility for
the business of the National Assembly, including the scheduling of its
sittings. "Unfortunately, this situation does not yet obtain and
opposition bills, such as the (FOI Bill), remain casualties (of) the
government’s manipulation of the sittings of the National Assembly."
Asked to comment on the PNCR’s release last
evening, Trotman told Stabroek News that "The PNCR has now agreed to
publicly state its support for the bill after having been written to about it
since 2006."
Trotman tabled the bill in November 2006. It
was first tabled during the eighth parliament by then expelled PPP member and
PPP/C MP Khemraj Ramjattan but it died a natural death on the dissolution of
parliament in May 2006 to make way for the August 2006 general and regional
elections.
Stabroek News on August 9, 2007 had reported
Trotman as saying that when the bill was tabled in November last year it was
put on hold because when it was scheduled to come up for debate the PPP/C had
indicated that their MPs were not going to support it. He had said that he had
written letters to Leader of the Opposition and PNCR Leader Robert Corbin and
PPP General Secretary Donald Ramotar "several months ago seeking their
support for the bill, however, he had not had a reply from either of
them."
Yesterday, he told Stabroek News that he
still had had no reply from Ramotar and yesterday’s statement from the PNCR was
the first public response supporting the bill in the AFC name that he has
heard. He said that he intends to bring the bill to the fore when parliament
resumes on October 10.
Addressing the PNCR’s claims, Trotman said
that based on the minutes of the Central Executive Committee meetings that he
has since he was a member "there is no reference of me ever being given
such a high appointment. I challenge them to produce the record. I find it
incredulous that this petty claim would be made right now."
He recalled that around 1998 there had been a
discussion between then leader Desmond Hoyte and PNCR CEC member Deryck Bernard
on FOI legislation but it was never pursued with him.
He said, "I was never the head of any
group charged with the responsibility of preparing such a bill and never
therefore took with me any draft or a draft of any other bill which had been
prepared. I also now openly request that the party publishes the minutes of the
party’s Central Executive Committee meeting where it would show, when, or, if
at all, this issue was discussed and decided on."
It was important to note, Trotman said, that
the FOI bill, which was laid in parliament in the eighth and current parliament
was done with the help of the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative
headquartered in India. He said, "They made available their lawyers and
they were the ones who worked with me and the AFC. To hear the PNCR claiming it
is amazing."
The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative has
written letters to President Bharrat Jagdeo, Prime Minister Sam Hinds and
members of parliament seeking their support for the bill which Trotman said he
has circulated. The letters also asked for a conscience vote. The bill was
patterned on India’s Freedom of Information Act.
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On the 29th October, 2007, the
Alliance For Change will mark the occasion of its second anniversary as a
political party. Everyone will recall the spirited and exciting launching of
the AFC in October, 2005, as a movement to contest the 2006 elections. The
results of those elections have confirmed that the suffering people of Guyana
have begun to accept the change that the AFC has been privileged to spearhead.
In two years, viewed objectively, the party has grown in leaps and bounds from
being an idea to a full-fledged national organization with parliamentary and
regional democratic council seats and overseas chapters. The membership of the
party continues to increase steadily and new groups are being formed as more
and more people are recognizing that the status quo, which sees the suffocating
presence of other parties as being destructive and debilitating to the national
good. The AFC takes the opportunity to thank those who have remained committed
along the journey and invites all Guyanese to lend support to the cause of
changing the political and economic landscape of Guyana.
The focus of the party will be to solidify
the gains and to keep the dream of a better Guyana alive. The party has planned
a series of activities beginning on the 7th October, 2007, with the
sponsoring of the Continental Cycle Club’s race in honour of former AFC
candidate and friend Marlis Archer and Maxie Perreira, to an inter-faith
service and first quarterly meeting of the newly elected National Executive
Committee on November 3, 2007.
Other events planned include the launch of
the Marlis Archer Bursary Award which has been several months in planning and preparation
to assist students with their educational needs; a contribution to the national
blood drive; a community clean-up exercise; and a dominoes competition and BBQ.
All AFC supporters and the general public are invited to participate and
support these activities which will be further publicized in detail.
AFC’s New National Executive
Committee
At the AFC’s first National Party
Conference, a National Executive Committee was elected by delegates to
represent the party’s members for the next two years.
Most of the newly elected committee members
are new to politics and collectively bring with them fresh impetus to help the
party expand on the phenomenal success achieved one year ago when they stood up
to the two major political parties who have dominated Guyanese politics for the
last half of a century.
Equally refreshing is the diversity of the
individuals who, from a variety of geographical, educational, ethnic and
religious backgrounds have all come together to make a change. In a political
climate that insists that all party members "toe the line", it is
surely a welcome change that a party embraces freedom of speech and respects
members’ rights to express differing views.
This variety is a valuable resource for the
new National Executive Committee in its attempt to focus on the varying needs
of a diverse population. The individual profiles of the members are an attempt
to illustrate the broad spectrum of personalities that make up the new National
Executive.
Meet Latchmin Budhan-Punalall –
Member of Parliament and National Executive Committee member of the AFC
Who are you? (Describe yourself, your
background, influences in your life.)
I was born at Bara Bara, Mahaicony River, a
mainly farming community where my parents operated a sawmill and farmed cash
crops. I attended the Karamat Government Primary School, then I went to live in
Annandale with my eldest sister and her husband– who were both teachers
– and attended the Annandale Secondary School. After leaving school I was
married, and widowed after ten years. I realised that I had to take control of
my life and to improve myself in order to survive.
I completed a certificate, then a diploma, in
cosmetology in 1991; and then did a course in Practical Salon Management. After
teaching and managing a salon in Georgetown, in 1998 I opened my own small
salon. I joined the Small Business Association, where I was nominated for a
scholarship to the National Institute of Small Industry Extension Training in
Hyderabad, India to study ‘Empowerment of Women through
Enterprises’ and information technology courses. During the year I spent
in India (1999-2000), I did some extra cosmetology and body care-related
courses, which I paid for myself.
After returning, I went back to Mahaicony,
settled at Dundee and started my own business there, as a cosmetologist and a
seamstress as well. I did some teaching, focussing on skills to empower women
to earn money for themselves, like sewing. It is very satisfying to see a woman
who was afraid to touch the sewing machine grow to a position where she can
earn money through that sewing machine.
The things I have experienced in my life have
made me stronger, made me realise that I have to be positive, and to stand up
for myself and for other women as well. Also, the changes I have gone through,
being a ‘country girl’ who has moved to city and lived abroad,
developing myself all the time, have strengthened me. I could go back to where
I came from, without pride and arrogance – and knowing that if I make a
mistake, God could take it away from me.
I converted to Christianity in 1994, and
remarried in 2002. I would say that my faith and my husband, and the people who
were around me at this time were great influences. I have done some study in
the field of Religious Education, and I am now an informal Counsellor within
the Sovereign Grace Baptist Fellowship where my husband is Senior Pastor. I am
currently working toward a Bachelors Degree in Professional Counselling,
through distance learning.
Why did you become involved in politics,
and specifically, the AFC?
I have a strong love for my country, which
became even stronger when I was in India. While I was away I developed a hunger
and a thirst to come back home; and when on my return trip home I looked out of
the airplane window and saw this velvet green of Guyana, it was a big moment of
awareness for me.
In 2002 I went to Mahdia – in what is
probably the geographical heart of Guyana – just to spend some time
there. But it was during this time that I developed a political awareness, and
the desire to take an active role – to do something. I love my country
and I am honoured to serve it.
The two major political parties have
monopolised politics, but as a patriotic Guyanese I place my support behind the
AFC, which has projected itself as a political party which is serious about
change in Guyana, and has demonstrated this locally and internationally.
What do you think is the AFC’s key
to the future of this country, and what do you see as your role? What do you
hope to achieve?
The motto of our country is “One
people, one nation, one destiny” but division has marred our beautiful
land. By maintaining a racial divide both major political parties have stayed
in power for extended durations. The single greatest need of our country is to
bring the people together, and if I can personally contribute to the
realization of this goal I believe I will worth my Guyanese nationality. I
think that the AFC are the key for change in our multicultural society.
I see my own part in this as serving people
and showing how to practice and find inner peace; and in this, helping to
remove conflict. My role is personal – that of interrelating with people,
and this is why I am doing my Bachelor’s in Counselling. It teaches how
to relate to people, how to listen and how to communicate in a non-violent way.
I listen to the way people around me interact, and it seems that people no
longer speak to each other or treat each other with respect . The way people
speak to each other – even politicians and public figures in Guyana
– leads to conflict rather than peace.
You are a new Parliamentarian, and a
relative unknown in Guyanese politics. What do you bring to the table?
I want to raise people out of poverty. I know
what it is to be poor, I know what it is to live a normal, contented, life and
I want everybody to be able to live at this level – to have the things
that they need to live at peace and harmony, with love for each other. I will
agitate for the enactment of policies or laws aimed at improving living
standards across Guyana.
What change do you want for Guyana?
I would certainly like to see poverty reduced
and a decent standard of living reintroduced. I believe that Guyana is too rich
a country to have so much poverty, and serious efforts will have to be made to
have the people benefit from the resources in our country.
I would also like to see the restoration of
the rule of law. In dealing with the crime and violence in our society, we need
to address the causes and not the symptoms; and learn to respect life from the
womb to the tomb and turn away from senseless crime. There is no justice in the
shedding of innocent blood.
Our country’s background is one of
conflict – even our Independence was achieved in an atmosphere of
conflict which again arose in the disturbances of the 1960s. Even today there
is ethnic division and conflict arising from this. The change we need is to
think of ourselves as Guyanese first.
Marlis & Maxi – no longer
with us
Marlis Archer and Maximillian
‘Maxi’ Pereira died a year ago, on 1st October 2006,
after being shot outside their home by a gunman who simply rode away on a
motorcycle driven by an accomplice. The crime is still unsolved. They were 43
and 63, respectively.
Both members of the Alliance for Change
(AFC), Marlis was a Candidate for Region 4 on the party’s electoral
platform. AFC National Executive Member and Parliamentarian David Patterson
reminisces:
“I remember them as a very fun-loving, energetic
couple. I met them about 10 to 12 years ago. Maxi
took voluntary retirement from the London
Borough of Tower Hamlets to return to Guyana. He celebrated his 50th
birthday here. He was an architect, and I actually shared office space in the
building where they worked and lived, and then died. Myself, Maxi and Marlis
worked together on many community projects among people in the area; and on a
personal level we were very good friends and socialised together. They formed
the Continental Cycle club to engage the youth they came into contact with and
to get them involved in an activity – Maxi remained the driving force
behind it.
“They were always very concerned about
the state of Guyana, and were among the very first persons involved in the AFC.
Maxi even proposed a logo for the party in 2005. Marlis was even more involved
as she wanted to actively participate; her focus was on youth. She was a
candidate for Region 4, but as a recruiter, she actually brought about 50
members into the party, canvassing door-to-door in the Kitty-Campbellville
neighbourhoods.
“They were good people. Maxi was always
jovial, and a reservoir of jokes; and Marlis was a diligent, supportive person
who did everything wholeheartedly – whether it was the office or cycling
or the AFC.”
The cycling community, architecture, the AFC
and Guyana lost two great citizens on that tragic day. Such a dastardly act can
never eradicate the beneficence and contribution that Maxi and Marlis gave us
in life, but can only inspire us to emulate them in memory.
2007-10-14:AFC Column -Failure
to plan, prepare in a disciplined and visionary way will produce chaos and
failure
An Address By Raphael Trotman to Senior
Officers of the Guyana Defence Force on September, 12, 2007
On behalf of the executive and members of the
Alliance For Change, I am pleased, and particularly honoured, to respond to an
invitation to be able to share some insights as to how we in the AFC view and
interpret the role of the Guyana Defence Force.
The military thinker Carl Von Clausewitz once
posited that war is a continuation of politics by another means. If taken to a
logical conclusion it means that the business of the GDF should simply be
preparing for war whether from internal or external threats.
I believe however that a modern day military
force such as the GDF must be much more than an army that wages war, or extends
itself simply as the continuation of a political cause; but rather, is one that
must be able to represent itself, its principles, ideals and above all else,
the people in all spheres of activity and endeavour that they are engaged in.
In this mode, it must as of necessity, be
able to take itself through cycles of change and transformation, which ensure
that it is contemporary with societal developments; not when they arise, but
before they arise.
The legal and constitutional role of the GDF
is defined in the Defence Act, Chapter 15:01, section 5, which states:
“The force shall be charged with the defence
of and maintenance of order in Guyana and with such other duties as may
from time to time be defined by the Defence Board.”
By definition therefore, there is an
expectation that you are required not only to protect the nation’s sanctity and
resources from violation by external threats, but more importantly, the
Constitution, laws, and people of Guyana. You are and should always consider
yourselves to be the people’s army and not someone’s private militia.
Thankfully, military doctrine has transposed
itself into more modern thinking and as a result, modern militaries are now
expected to assume much more diverse roles and responsibilities such as in
Search and Rescue (SAR), and humanitarian operations during times of natural or
other disasters.
In this regard, the GDF has conducted itself
competently in these areas in the recent past. However, the principal role must
ever be to be ready and to act at a moment’s notice to defend and maintain the
order in and of Guyana .
In the Alliance For Change we respect and
uphold the basic tenets governing civil-military relations. We recognize that
in the maintenance and development of the relationship that there is a trinity
of purpose and organization that must be maintained: that of the people; the
commander and his army; and the government.
The task of the nation’s policy-makers is to
keep this balance without allowing any one of the three to become overbalanced,
under balanced, overcompensated or under compensated.
“These three tendencies are like three
different codes of law, deep-rooted in their subject and yet variable in their
relationship to one another. A theory that ignores any one of them or seeks to
fix an arbitrary relationship between them would conflict with reality.”
In a Stabroek News editorial of August, 2007,
there was a statement that is worth exploring:
“Civil-military relations are a
two-way street. They embody not only the manner in which the civil
administration formulates defence policy but also the military means employed
by the Defence Force to meet emergent threats. The objective of harmonious
civil-military relations should be to provide the best defence for the country
at the least social cost. In so doing, the Defence Force has always been
obedient to civil authority and it must remain so. At any cost.” SN
August 22, 2007.”
The AFC has no difficulty in principle with
this statement, but wishes to add that respect for, and obedience to the civil
authority, also places a corresponding duty on the civil authority itself to
respect and obey the laws and constitution of the state and this includes its
institutions such as the GDF. It cannot be a one-sided affair that allows for
flagrant violations of the constitution, laws, norms, practices, and customs
whilst maintaining an expectation of blind allegiance in the face of all this.
It is important to note that there is nothing
in the definition of the GDF’s role that demands, or expects, any degree of
servitude to any person or government except that they be respected, honoured,
and served as per the Constitution.
NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY
Unfortunately, there is no clear and
definable strategy and doctrine governing the organization and deployment of
military resources in Guyana .
The question must be asked why? I have often
wondered whether the non-identification of a strategy is not in itself a
strategy, which allows the policy-makers to keep changing the rules of
engagement as situations change. This form of plan-as-you-go strategy is not as
we know a strategy that should inform military and security planning. It leads
to pain and confusion, and ultimately, failure.
The AFC Proposes the Formation of A New
Security Architecture based on:
§ The creation of a National Security
Doctrine and Strategy
§ The establishment of a Ministry of
Justice and National Security
§ The establishment of a Parliamentary
Oversight Committee on Law Enforcement and National Security
§ Improved and better co-coordinated
military/police relations and operations
§ Re-defining the role of the GDF
vis-à-vis territorial integrity, internal security threats against the
state, natural disasters, and joint operations and command.
A failure to plan and prepare in a
disciplined and visionary way will produce chaos and failure. Those who make
policy must understand the character of the forces at their command. The
ancient Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu spoke of a ruler bringing grief to
his army in five ways…one of them seems eerily relevant, and is worthy of
repetition:
“to interfere in the administration of
the army while being ignorant of its internal affairs will confuse officers and
soldiers alike.”
THE GUNS AND BUTTER DEBATE:
The 2007 budget identifies $9.3 billion for
the security and defence sector. Much of this projected allocation is for
policing operations signaling the government of the day’s outlook that internal
security is the greatest threat. Correspondingly, and interestingly, we also
have statements from the government that a least four companies will commence
drilling for oil and gas in off-shore fields. This in itself shows that the
spending is skewed.
Apart from the sound decision taken a few
years ago to acquire the GDF Essequibo there appears to be no discernable plan
or thought to acquire materiel for the road ahead. I hope that as capable and
informed officers that you will not lose the initiative by waiting for another
occurrence to arise and that will be prepared even as you await the
policy-makers to find their step.
I urge you therefore, as you consider and
analyse old, new, and emerging threats and challenges to use technology as a
force maximizer. We must demonstrate that we may be small in stature, but
gigantic in heart and capability.
Former US General Norman Schwarzkopf once
spoke of character as he addressed a group of officers. In his words:
“I admire men of character, and I judge
character not by how men deal with their superiors, but mostly how they deal
with their subordinates, and that, to me, is where you find out what the
character of a man is”
The spirit and character of the GDF has to be
found embodied within the inner sanctum of the officer corps.
I have no doubt that within the body of the
officer corps of the Guyana Defence Force there exist such men and women who
are true patriots; defenders of the constitution; and a true representation of
the hopes and aspirations of the people for a better Guyana.
I urge you therefore to display strength of
character even in times of extreme provocation, and misunderstanding by proudly
reminding Guyana , and the world, that you represent the Guyana Defence Force…the
toughest little army in the Hemisphere.
I conclude with the adage “Strength
does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”
Continue to display that will.
2007-10-21: AFC Column Our
National Executive Committee – a broad spectrum of personalities-Meet
Allison Mohamed (Kaieteur News) Meet Allison Mohamed
Allison Mohamed is a newly elected
committee member of the Alliance For Change reflecting the diversity of the
individuals who, from a variety of geographical, educational, ethnic and
religious backgrounds have all come together to make a change.
In a political climate that insists
that all party members “toe the line”, it is surely a welcome
change that a party embraces freedom of speech and respects members’ rights to express
differing views.
This variety is a valuable resource for
the new National Executive Committee in its attempt to focus on the varying
needs of a diverse population. The individual profiles of the members are an
attempt to illustrate the broad spectrum of personalities that make up the new
National Executive.
Who are you? (Describe yourself, your
background; influences in your life)
Though I am very reserved, I am a happy
person. I think I am emotionally and physically strong; I honour my promises and
commitments. But I never expected to be where I am today.
I was born in Bartica, where I lived until I
was eight; then my family moved to Better Hope, ECD – my father was from
there, and my mother was a Bartician. We lived there for six years, my parents
separated; and when I was 16, I moved to Kitty to live with my mother. After
school, I had worked as a Stores Clerk at Beepat & Sons, and did
secretarial courses in the evenings.
I was working as Secretary to Assistant
Commissioner Thompson of the Guyana Police Force, when a friend convinced me to
take up a position at Red Thread – it paid a little more, but the real
importance of this move is that I became exposed to women who had problems. You
see, though there are incidences of abuse in my own childhood, it is an area I
had ‘blocked out’ – maybe because I had no-one to talk to; never
felt there was someone at my side.
But with the realisation that it was not just
me, I found a role for myself: to get involved and to use my own experience to
help someone in that situation; and from this, I developed an interest in
working with women.
This phase in my life was a really big
influence. My experience at Red Thread (1989-94) has formed the choices I made
since, and the person that I am now.
I then worked at SIMAP, as an Administrative
Secretary, then in an acting capacity as Executive Secretary to Mr Nawbatt and
Board Secretary.
Here was another concern for me: though my
performance was sufficient to perform at a high level, I was told that because
I was not qualified I could not be permanently appointed to a higher post. Now
because my circumstances did not allow me to further my studies, and I didn’t
have this ‘piece of paper’, does not mean I was unable to perform.
It happens all the time, and I think people
should be paid according to their work and their performance, and not according
to the certificates they have.
I left SIMAP after three years. Because my
husband’s job kept him away for up to six months at a time, I thought that I had
to give my sons the stable home environment that I did not really have.
I wanted my own children to say, ‘my
mother was there for me’, and what I did not want was to become my own parents.
Why did you become involved in politics,
and specifically, the AFC?
I have never really been involved in politics
in the past, though I have supported the WPA. There is a lot of negative
connotation in the way ‘politics’ is used, and I don’t like the word.
I initially began working with the AFC before
the last elections because I was asked to help – and then I decided that
I just was fed up with a lot of what was wrong in this society.
As a Guyanese I have never wanted to live
anywhere else, and I decided that I had to do something. People in this
country, and I mean politicians, too, don’t seem to care about the grassroots
people – and these are the people who vote. A lot of the time, we only
see politicians when they are campaigning for elections.
The way I see it, the government running a
country should be like the parents in a home – they are responsible for
the care of its people. And I don’t see that care. I see young people working
hard in school and at UG, and at the end of it there is no work for them. They
need to be given a chance, and if no-one gives them a chance they will never
get experience.
It is easier for young people to get into
drugs, where the money is easier, or to leave, and join all the other bright,
talented Guyanese in the Caribbean and North America. And when I look at the
point-ofview of the homemaker, I see my sons growing up into this society. I
say, “let’s have a change.” I don’t want them to grow up thinking,
“I must vote for this party because my mother and my grandmother voted
for the same party.” Time for a change. And I tell you too, that if the
AFC can’t make it work, then they should change.
With the AFC, I was involved in community
action and I got caught up, and I was nominated to the Executive Committee. So
although there is so much that is negative about politics, I don’t back down
from a challenge. I may not know where I’m going, but I do have some ideas and
I would rather do something than nothing.
What do you think is the AFC’s key to the
future of this country, and what do you see as your role? What do you hope to
achieve?
I would like to see myself playing a role in
the Welfare Committee of the AFC. My interest is in women and children, and I
see my input in that area – assisting women to grow, to understand
themselves and to be strong. I think women need to think of themselves
positively; then they will be better parents, and in turn, there will not be so
much abused children or children on the streets.
We know what is happening right now and it is
not working. I think the AFC can change this, definitely. If I didn’t think so,
I wouldn’t be here.
You have done a lot of work with women and
children. Obviously this is a concern of yours. Do you see yourself making
changes in this area?
Yes. My involvement in women’s issues began
in the early 1990s, when I worked with Red Thread. My sons are now 15 and 6, so
with the younger one in school I decided last year to volunteer my time to Help
and Shelter. As a volunteer, I talk to women and children who have experienced
or been exposed to various forms of abuse. I am also a facilitator for
discussions with young people at the Fourth and Fifth Form levels, or in youth
groups, on issues such as sexual and other forms of abuse, the effects of drugs
and alcohol, and so on.
I do mean to continue the work I am doing
now, as I think that I can achieve a great deal at the personal level, as I am
now. Then through my involvement with the AFC I hope to influence others to get
involved.
I am compelled by the fact that there are so
many people out there who need so much help, have so many problems – and
who don’t have anybody to talk to. I really feel strongly about helping abused
women, as I was one in childhood.
What change do you want for Guyana?
First I think we must realise that whatever
happens in this country affects all of us, not just one race. That division
causes a lot of our problems.
If we could hold together regardless of the
colour of our skin, we will start to make a change for the better in this
country. That would be a wonderful start.
I remember that even during the last election
there were Indo-Guyanese people opposed to Raphael and Afro-Guyanese opposed to
Khemraj – it struck me that people still think in terms of who is black
and who is Indian.
So if you are mixed, where do you fit in? I
believe we should look to the next election and all say to each other: it is
time for a change. If it doesn’t work , then we can vote them out.
You have to let people know you care, whether
it is elections time or not. The AFC has continued to work in various
communities, and I think people will remember that.
The AFC asks key questions on
…..????
House-to-house registration
dollars to pay scrutineers chosen only by the PPP and the PNC?
Organised Crime
it have to be convicted of being a duck for the PPP to notice the water flowing
off its back?
Education
version of the guidelines for the functioning of School Boards will be
released? Is he surprised that in the absence of such guidelines there are
problems with many School Boards?
Traffic Minibus madness
brightly coloured buses on public roadways is proving too difficult for the
Minister to handle, what makes him think he can tackle the more professional
and sinister criminals out there?
Billboards
Tom, Dick and Beharry on a billboard or that he didn’t deserve the
congratulations for the Guyana/Suriname decision on that particular sign?
2007-10-24: AFC seeking its
own chief scrutineer (Stabroek News) The Alliance For Change (AFC) is seeking its
own chief scrutineer for the upcoming voter registration and it is still a matter
to be discussed with the main opposition PNCR.
AFC MP David Patterson, who has been
representing the AFC in its meetings among opposition political parties with
the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) recently, told Stabroek News when
contacted that the AFC has made its proposal for the payment of fees to the
parliamentary opposition scrutineers based on the allocation of seats.
He said that the AFC was also against the
joint opposition having only one chief scrutineer because "it was
uncomfortable with endorsing a process where the opposition chief scrutineer
would be a PNCR person."
According to the Elections Laws (Amendment)
Act of 2000, the government is entitled to one chief scrutineer and the joint
parliamentary opposition, one, who would be appointed by the Leader of the
Opposition.
A senior PNCR official who did not wish to be
quoted told Stabroek News that the payment of scrutineers came about based on
representation by PNCR Leader Robert Corbin who was then a GECOM commissioner
and who argued that government should not have all the advantage in the
scrutineering process because of its incumbency and having the advantage of
securing money to pay its scrutineers while the opposition would be
disadvantaged in this regard.
It was agreed that there would be scrutineers
on both sides. However, there are now three parliamentary opposition parties.
According to the PNCR official, the question
is not that the opposition parties’ scrutineers would not be paid, the question
was how they were going to allocate the resources among the opposition parties.
"The PNCR has not objected to meeting with the AFC since the AFC has
written requesting a meeting on this matter," he said.
The PNCR official said that they have not met
as yet because the PNCR leader and its deputy leader were both out of the
country. They both returned a few days ago, he said.
Patterson said that one of the concerns of
the AFC was that on June 14, 2007, the government and parliamentary parties
agreed to undertake a house-to-house registration process for all citizens
above 14 years. On that occasion, he said, they agreed that at the end of the
process and come municipal and local government elections and the 2011 general
and regional elections no party should claim that the list was flawed.
However, Patterson said that the AFC was not
comfortable with endorsing a process in which the chief scrutineer for the
parliamentary opposition would be a PNCR candidate.
He noted, too, that the AFC and GAP/ROAR have
combined forces to tackle the issue of scrutineers.
Meanwhile, the AFC is also contending that
based on constitutional provisions the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) does
have a legal responsibility to take part in the appointment of scrutineers and
to be associated with their apportioning among the opposition parliamentary
political parties.
Patterson told Stabroek News that GECOM was
abdicating its legal mandate by saying that it had no legal responsibility to
take part in the appointment of scrutineers when in fact Article 161 (B) of the
Constitution states that "it is hereby declared that the role of political
parties and their nominees in the conduct of elections by the Elections
Commission shall be limited to their participation in determining policy,
monitoring the electoral process and the conduct of the elections, but does not
include active management of the electoral process."
He noted, too, that 162 (1) (b) of the
Constitution also states that GECOM shall have such functions connected with or
relating to the registration of electors or the conduct of elections as are
conferred upon it by or under this constitution or, subject thereto, any act of
parliament; and or subject to the provisions or this constitution, the
Commission … shall issue such instructions and take such
actions as appear to it necessary or expedient to ensure impartiality, fairness
and compliance with the provisions of this constitution or of any act of
parliament on the part of persons exercising powers or performing duties
connected with or relating to the matters aforesaid."
Chief Election Officer Gocool Boodhoo in
correspondence dated October 2, 2007 informed the AFC that based on Section 8
of the Election Laws (Amendment Act) No.15 of 2000 which deals specifically
with the matter of the appointment of scrutineers that there was nothing in the
act that confers on it any legal or other responsibility regarding the said
appointments. (Miranda La Rose)
2007-10-28: AFC Column-Our
National Executive Committee – a broad spectrum of personalities Meet Sixtus
Edwards
Who are you? (Tell me a little about
yourself, your background; how would you describe yourself?)
I was born in St Lucia in 1946, the fourth of
six children. I attended Roman Catholic boys’ primary and secondary schools,
then teachers’ training college. I was a teacher for 4 years in St Lucia, then
I came to Guyana in the 1960s. At the time, both my parents were working with
the Demerara Bauxite Company. In fact, I have two sisters who were born in
Guyana. I joined the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and stayed in the army for 27
years, leaving with the rank of Warrant Officer Class II.
I completed a degree in Political Studies
from Cuba in 1972, whilst in the army. My military honours include a State
Warrant in 1970, Border Defence Medal in 1974, Military Efficiency Medal in
1980, and a Military Commemoration Medal in 1990.
At the Government Technical Institute, I
attained a Certificate in Electrical Installation in 1984, and a Certificate in
Refrigeration Services in 1986. I currently hold an Electrical Contractor’s
Licence. In addition, I completed a Certificate in Conflict Resolution, by
distance learning, from the American University of Peace Studies in 2006, I am
about to complete a Diploma in Counselling, and I am enrolled for a degree in Strategic
Management, to begin in January. I am self-employed, and work in both the
refrigeration and security fields.
I would say that I am a man with great
ambition, and I like to take an example from people around me who are
successful, and who have high self esteem. I manage myself well under pressure.
But my greatest motivation is my family. I am committed to maintaining a strong
family and family values, and to my Christian faith. I am active at my church,
the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Brickdam. I am married, with four
children. My parents returned to St Lucia in their retirement. But apart from
my immediate family, I have to think of whoever is around me. There are people
out there suffering. We have to see them as our greater family, and help them
when we can.
Why did you become involved in the AFC?
In my understanding, politics is everyday
life, so it is impossible to not be involved in politics. Before I
joined the AFC I was Chairman of district #43 of the PNC; in fact, after retirement
from the GDF, I was employed by the People’s National Congress (PNC) as Senior
Administrative Officer responsible for Security until retiring two years ago.
I joined the Alliance for Change (AFC) at its
inception. For a long time, I have been involved in politics in Guyana, and
having spent many years looking at the type of politics that is practiced, and
seeing no change, I saw a chance with the AFC. Here I saw a party of young
people who were on a path of change. So I joined the AFC because I could see
that its culture would be different, and that it focused on change, and making
a difference.
As a member of the AFC, I was Chairman for
Region Four as well as Campaign Manager for Region Four up to the last National
Elections; but at the party’s first National Conference in July I was elected
to National Executive.
What do you think is the AFC’s key to the
future of this country? What do you see as your role?
I would like to see a lot of things happen.
Within the AFC we have an Action Plan which looks at crime and security,
education, job creation, social security, empowerment, and youth development.
These areas are vital to the development of this nation, and we have recognised
that. There has been a very visible increase of violence and organised crime in
this country. Racial division is also affecting the Guyanese people –
very badly.
We want to establish the creation of wealth
for everybody, including a look at tax laws, which make things very difficult
for the average man; some people have not yet understood what the VAT is all
about. Look at our social security: we have to put programmes in place. We have
to empower agencies and institutions to perform more effectively. We also have
to look at our legislation.
We must have good governance at all levels,
and constitutional reform; but most importantly, the youth must have proper
programmes at national levels. I see myself having a personal role and part to
play in education and employment for poor and vulnerable groups. We have to see
ourselves investing more money in education, which is vital. And not only
education, but the quality of education, is important. We have to remember that
the young people are the investment in our future.
You do a great deal of work with people in
so-called ‘underdeveloped’ or poorer areas. What do you hope to
accomplish?
This is indeed a priority of mine. I have
been forming groups in different areas, trying to educate people in different
processes and see how they can co-operate to help themselves, developmentally
and even financially. I believe in empowering action rather than handouts
– to teach them to help themselves and
each other. Though I realise that in these groups I can only come into contact
with a few people at a time, I see it having a greater influence, though any
influence at all is good.
Within the AFC, I have always seen the entire
Region Four, from Mahaica to Moblissa on the Linden Highway, as my
responsibility – now shared with Sheila Holder. It is vital that we go to
into communities, working with old and young people, to help in whatever way we
can. There is no leadership there otherwise, to help to improve these people’s
lives; and I don’t feel that there is another party that can do that better
than the AFC.
What change do you want for Guyana?
I would like to see Guyana as a country with
equality, freedom, dignity and the well-being of every citizen of Guyana. Some
would say we already have these things, but I do not agree that every single
Guyanese has all these things right now. We need more.
Khemraj Ramjattan on GECOM’s failure to
properly address the issue of payment for scrutineers
The Alliance For Change takes issue with
GECOM’s recent statements which seek to confuse the matter of how that body
should deal with the issue of allocation of finances to pay for scrutineering
activities, as against the issue of the appointment of scrutineers.
As it stands GECOM indeed has no authority to
appoint scrutineers for the various political parties who wish to participate
in the scrutineering activities of the new house- to -house registration
exercise. No legal authority can be gleaned, whether explicitly or impliedly,
from any reading or construction of the relevant statutes. That mandate resides
in the respective political parties. And the Alliance For Change is very well
aware of this.
However, on the issue of remuneration to the
various parties which will participate in the exercise, the Alliance For Change
strongly feels that GECOM has the mandate and authority to so deal with.
Amongst the many matters that section 8(1) of
the Election Laws (Amendment) Act No. 15 of 2000 speaks of, (and it is
troubling that GECOM nor its lawyers are able to see this), is the remuneration
of scrutineers.
This section explicitly states that one
scrutineer in each registration division appointed by the majority party (in
this case the PPP/C), and one scrutineer appointed by the combined minority
parties in the National Assembly, (collectively this is PNC, AFC and GAP/ROAR),
shall be paid such remuneration by, and as may be determined by, the
Commission.
The practical application of this means that
whatever Parliament will allocate for scrutineers, a sum in excess of $20m from
all indications, must firstly be divided equally by GECOM between the PPP/C, on
the one hand, and the combined minority parties in Parliament, on the other.
The problem, however, is the distribution of
the allocated sum amongst the combined minority parties in Parliament.
The Alliance For Change, in association with
GAP/ROAR, is arguing for equity and proportionality on the basis of the
percentage it has in the combined minority in Parliament. This percentage is
21%; and, hence, the Alliance For Change is urging GECOM that 21% of the amount
allocated to the combined opposition be given to it directly, and not through
the PNC/R.
What is wrong with GECOM adopting this
proportionality principle as one of its policies? After all, the Constitution
makes provision in articles 161 B and 162 for exactly these matters when
mention is made therein that GECOM and its party nominees must participate
“in determining policy”, and must take action “as appear to
it necessary to ensure impartiality, fairness and compliance” with our
Election laws.
The AFC in this regard welcomes the
acknowledgement by the PNC/R’s leader, Mr. Robert Corbin, at his Party’s Press
Conference of 11th October 2007 that scrutineers of the other combined
opposition parties be remunerated on a pro rata basis as that is the only just
thing to do in the circumstances.
The AFC asks key questions
on……?????
Traffic Traffic lights
town planner, b) a road engineer, c) an interior decorator or d)
an electrician without “road sense”, who decided where they
should be placed and with what time settings?
Education
road accidents?
Economy Official corruption
operate freely while those in charge chant “show us the proof, show us
the proof”?
Lotto fund
funds, or is that a lottery where the numbers never come up?
V.A.T. Basket case
that Mr. Sattaur buys, as his is the only basket that seems to have reduced in
price?
Minister of Agriculture
2007-13-4: Profile of AFC
National Executive Committee member Martin Cheong
Who are you? (Tell me about yourself, your
background.)
I was born on 11th September 1966 at
Aratack Mission on Kamuni Creek, Demerara River, one mile from Santa Mission
and the only Amerindian community in Region 3. I was the tenth in a huge family
of 13 children: eight girls and five boys. Aratack is a very small community,
originally Amerindian, but it became mixed. In fact, my paternal grandfather
was pure Chinese, from a small settlement at the head of the Kamuni Creek, and
my mother’s family is mixed as well. The main economic activity is
subsistence farming, while generally males go out of community to work in
forestry or mining, and return periodically. As a child I thought woodcutting
work was too hard – I hated the idea. As I saw it, the only alternative
was teaching, so I told myself I would be a teacher. In 1978 I wrote the Common
Entrance and secured a place at the McKenzie High School. While my father was
arranging for me to go there, we got a letter saying I had been awarded a
government scholarship, with all living expenses, to North Georgetown Secondary
School. I boarded at Station St, Kitty, with two other boys.
That first week – doing nothing before
school started – was traumatic. We found ourselves now the guests of
strangers who were not genuinely caring, who called us names, who looked at us
and saw $75 a month. It was a radical change that shook my thinking and my
whole mental state. I had visited the city before, but coming to live in
Georgetown was a shock. I was torn away from my community, society, family,
even customs and play.
I did CXC/GCE in 1983 then went back home.
There was no teaching vacancy, so I helped my father out on his nut farm, and
got involved in the Pentecostal Church. After two years I came back to
Georgetown and studied theology. From 1985 I worked at Guyana
Telecommunications Corporation for five years, then at the Inland Revenue Dept
for five years, then at the National Frequency Management Unit for another five
years. In 1995 I did a course at the Institute of Distance and Continuing
Education, then a Diploma in Marketing at UG during 1996-1998.
I became interested in the Amerindian
People’s Association (APA) after I saw a television interview with its
President, David James. The objectives and goals impressed me because this NGO
was trying to represent the social and economic rights of indigenous peoples. I
met David shortly afterward, and indicated my interest to him. I accepted the
organisation’s invitation to be a Trustee – a voluntary post
– in 1997. In 2000 the APA formed the Centre for Amerindian Rights and
Environmental Law, which was incorporated as a department of the APA in 2001
and renamed the Amerindian Legal Services Centre. I was appointed its Head,
with the general responsibility of addressing all the legal issues that affect
Amerindians in Guyana: the rights of Amerindian communities, which tended to be
land issues, among other things. We also conducted capacity-building activities
such as planning and facilitating workshops in various Amerindian communities,
training in basic administration, and discussing rights under the various laws
that deal with Amerindians, and the forestry and mining sectors; and more
recently the Amerindian Protection Act. Through the APA, I trained in conflict
resolution, negotiation and human rights.
Because of the APA’s association with
other international organisations, I have been to conferences in different
parts of South and Central America and the Caribbean. On behalf of South and
Latin America, I made a presentation on Land and Conflict at the ECOSOC forum
in 2005, and also made a presentation on the Amerindian situation in Guyana to
the Commonwealth, in Geneva. In 2006, myself and David James went on a
Caribbean lecture tour sponsored by Oxfam, to sensitise indigenous peoples in
the region to our experiences in Guyana regarding the then recently passed Amerindian
Act.
I was part of the group of representatives of
the APA, The Amerindian Action Movement of Guyana (TAAMOG) and the Guyana
Organisation of Indigenous Peoples (GOIP) which, after consultation with
communities, worked on the draft new Amerindian Act; and I also made
presentations to the Parliamentary Select Committee individually and on behalf
of the APA. I was also involved in the establishment of the Shell Beach
Protected Area, worked with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the
establishment of protected areas in Guyana, and I’ve also worked with the
Forestry Commission on issues related to Amerindian lands and lifestyle.
Why did you become involved in the AFC?
I was never closely affiliated to any party
before. I really started to follow politics in 1992 after the government
changed. I initially supported the PNC because I thought they were the better
of two evils
– but I also thought both of the main
parties were very radical and partial, and neither ever looked for common
ground with the other. Then I heard of the AFC. After looking into it, I was
attracted to that party because they seemed interested in sharing. I met the
leaders, and after I read their manifesto, I was happy that they shared the
concerns of indigenous people. I joined the party prior to last elections
– I had left the APA in June 2006. At the party’s Congress, I was
elected to the National Executive; and part of my function within the AFC is to
advise on hinterland and indigenous affairs.
I think the AFC plays a very strong and very
healthy role in Guyana’s politics.
What do you think is the AFC’s key
to the future of this country? What do you see as your role?
I believe that AFC is the political
alternative to the two larger parties in Guyana. And while we magnify our
differences from the other parties, we also have to work toward inclusion of
people who have different backgrounds and beliefs. I think the AFC is needed in
Guyana, and I think the reason we did not do better in the last elections is
because we did not meet or reach everyone. The key is to spread our wings, to
find the niches that we had not found before. I think I can play a very strong
role in this because of my familiarity with the hinterland, though I would not
like to be limited to this.
You have, through the APA, campaigned for
the rights of indigenous peoples in Guyana. Does your current political
activity help or hinder this cause?
It helps. The AFC has a lot of support from
voters in the interior, and I think it is this support which gave us
Parliamentary seats. I think the Amerindian people, whose rights I represented,
know that I will take their interests with me. The values I have always had are
now incorporated into the party. On the other hand, although I am no longer in
the APA, my political activity does help bring attention to Amerindian rights.
I think that through the party, my work in this regard can cover wider social
and economic aspects.
What change do you want for Guyana?
I want to see a government that is a
government for the people. I think both the PNC and PPP have policies that are
oriented toward their supporters; and I want a ruling party that will treat
Guyanese equitably. We should erode the walls of party, gender and race; we
must employ people based on merit, and regardless of party association –
support good performance, and punish bad. I want to see a ruling party that
will attract investment and be able to bring opposition parties on board
– a Parliament that will consider the views of opposing parties. We must
be able to find compromise and fairness.
Change is cheap
A senior police officer this week remarked
that most drivers are good road users. If this statement is true, and it may
well be then it would suggest the existence of an unruly and undisciplined minority
who are terrorizing our roadways.
It can also be said that most Guyanese are
not criminals and that here again a minority, this time armed and dangerous, is
being allowed to terrorize the entire nation.
A few questions immediately come to mind. Is this
a static or a growing minority, and if indeed it is a growing minority, how can
the growth be reversed? Why has this minority been allowed to make life so
unbearable for the majority of Guyanese, and what can be done at this stage to
rectify this abnormality?
There is every indication that these
destructive minorities are growing in number, and therefore the need to find a
solution should be seen as an urgent one.
The AFC recognizes that no one political
party can solve the traffic problem or the crime problem or for that matter any
of this nation’s many problems. It also recognizes the need for unity in
times of crises. Bringing order to our roadways can be the first of a series of
collective efforts in which the needs of our nation can be placed above the
needs of our political parties.
It is also more than likely that mixed
messages from, and poor cooperation between the two major political forces have
created the institutional indifference under which traffic violators and other
antisocial individuals can operate freely.
A single, strong and unambiguous message
aimed at the perpetrators, delivered by all our political leaders and echoed by
the leaders of our national institutions could spark the attitudinal change
that is so desperately required to prevent a civil collapse.
The price-tag on this is a big fat zero. At
the most it calls for some amount of sincerity on the part of our leaders.
Unless those in charge can demonstrate to the
public that they are actually serious about change, individuals in society will
remain reluctant to stand up, speak out or cooperate with the authorities due
to the prevailing perception of indifference at the next level upwards in the
chain of command.
All the traffic lights and security plans in
the world will have no effect unless there is a concurrent change in attitude
throughout our society and all of its institutions.
The recent spate of tragedies on our roads
should have already convinced most of us that it’s time for a change.
KEY Questions?????
GarbageTragic – What will become of the
children of the brutally murdered Kamal
Doonwah of Bladen Hall? Whose responsibility is it to make sure that they do not
grow up to lead lives similar to those of their parents?
Zero tolerance – Does anyone see the
tragic irony in the two headlines on adjacent pages
said that he is satisfied with the campaign" and "Schoolboy killed
near pedestrian crossing"?
Zero degrees – How long must this
year’s graduands wait while the UG
Academic Board and Council bicker and play politics?
Traffic lights – Has the traffic
department invented the device that makes a car horn honk as soon as the lights
change?
V.A.T. – If all those business men are as
unscrupulous as Mr. Sattaur thinks, why turn them into tax collectors?
And then there were three – One judge
joins a special project to improve the justice system,
Isn’t it ironic? Link Show 25 – The missing link? Or will
they stage it next year instead?
2007-11-11: An Open
Letter to President Jagdeo regarding the VAT
His Excellency Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo President
of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana Office of the President New Garden
Street, Georgetown.
Dear Sir,
Recognising that the Value Added Tax Act of
2005, was passed unanimously in the National Assembly, and assented to by you
at time when the AFC was not yet a Parliamentary Party, our supporters and
members nevertheless comprise ordinary citizens of Guyana; and besides being
severely affected ourselves are inundated on a daily basis by calls for some
relief to be implemented to reduce the harshness that VAT brings. We therefore
feel it is our civic and political duty to engage you on the issue of VAT.
In my considered opinion several inescapable
truths must be accepted as arising since the implementation of VAT, and these
are that:
id=”_x0000_i1055″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_29.jpg”>The cost of living and
rate of inflation have risen to almost unlivable levels. That prices for
zero-rated items have increased as a result of price gouging and the globalised
pricing system That Guyanese are not responding well to the payment of VAT.
That most people seem prepared to pay taxes, but are crying out against, and
literally begging for, relief from a 16% VAT. That there have been no
commensurate adjustments made to the Income Tax threshold since the
introduction of VAT on January
1, 2007. That the mid year financial reports
and assessments to be provided by the Hon. Minister of Finance have not been
forthcoming so as to disprove these truisms.
We are firmly of the belief that the
Executive, working in conjunction with the National Assembly, has the authority
to adapt, amend, abolish, ameliorate, and assuage the application of VAT
notwithstanding what any International Financial Institution may say.
Rest assured that if we display a collective
and unanimous stand for the reduction of the VAT rate we will also display a
sense of national strength and character such that no one may gainsay the
removal of the rate of 16%.
I urge you therefore to choose the path of
benevolence by answering the multitude of cries coming from thousands of
citizens and from their representatives such as Mr. C.N. Sharma, the PNCR, The
Roop Group, Consumer and Labour Associations to name a few for a abolition of
the tax altogether at best, or a lowering of the percentage rate at least.
I, as Leader of the AFC, say that we are
ready, willing, and able to join with your Government, and all groups or
organizations which seek to usher in this relief to what in the opinion of many
is a draconian, unpopular, and devastating tax.
Sincerely and Respectfully, Raphael Trotman
Cc. Mr. Robert Corbin, M.P.-Leader of the
Opposition Mr. Paul Hardy-Leader of the Guyana Action Party Mr. C.N.
Sharma-Leader of the Justice For All Party Mr. Peter Ramsaroop-Chairman of the
Roop Group Ms. Gillian Burton-TUC President Ms. Elieen Cox-Consumer Advocate
Mr. Komal Chand-GAWU President Mr. Patrick Yarde-PSU President Mr. Grantley
Culbard- FITUG President
2007-11-11: AFC seeks
alliance in renewed attempt to address VAT issues …collective effort
would see success – Trotman (Kaieteur News)
The Alliance For Change (AFC), under the
leadership of Raphael Trotman, is seeking an alliance with other stakeholders
to tackle issues coming out of the implementation of the Value Added Tax (VAT).
Trotman made the first step towards
addressing the issue in a letter dated November 10, addressed to Head of State,
President Bharrat Jagdeo, and copied to several of the main stakeholders in the
“struggle,” such as Robert Corbin, leader of the main opposition
party; Paul Hardy, leader of the Guyana Action Party; C.N. Sharma, leader of
the Justice For All Party; Peter Ramsaroop, Chairman of the Roop Group; Gillian
Burton, TUC President; Eileen Cox, consumer advocate; Komal Chand, GAWU
President; Patrick Yarde, President of the Guyana Public Service Union; and
Grantley Culbard, FITUG President.
Kaieteur News managed to obtain a copy of the
letter, in which Trotman acknowledges that the VAT Act of 2005 was passed the
National Assembly when the AFC was not yet a Parliamentary Party, but, he says,
its supporters and members, nevertheless, comprise ordinary citizens of Guyana;
“and besides being severely affected ourselves, are inundated on a daily
basis by calls for some relief to be implemented to reduce the harshness that VAT
brings.”
He added that the party therefore feels that
it is its civic and political duty to engage the administration on the issue of
VAT.
“In my considered opinion, several
inescapable truths must be accepted as arising since the implementation of VAT.”
According to the letter, the cost of living
and rate of inflation have risen to almost unlivable levels, prices for
zero-rated items have increased as a result of price gouging and the globalised
pricing system, and Guyanese are not responding well to the payment of VAT.
It also noted that most people seem prepared
to pay taxes but are crying out against, and literally begging for relief from,
the 16 per cent VAT.
The letter also pointed out that there have been
no commensurate adjustments made to the Income Tax threshold since the
introduction of VAT on January 1, 2007, and further, the mid-year financial
reports and assessments to be provided by the Minister of Finance have not been
forthcoming, so as to disprove these truisms.
Trotman fervently advocates that the
Administration, working in conjunction with the National Assembly, has the
authority to adapt, amend, abolish, ameliorate, and assuage the application of
VAT notwithstanding what any International Financial Institution may say.
In his appeal, Trotman indicated that they
can be assured that if, “We display a collective and unanimous stand for
the reduction of the VAT rate, we will also display a sense of national
strength and character such that no one may be against the removal of the rate
of 16 per cent.”
Trotman urged the Head of State to choose the
path of “benevolence by answering the multitude of cries coming from
thousands of citizens and from their representatives.”
Trotman, during a recent press conference,
said that the current move is intended to ‘raise the ante,’ given that
all and sundry are currently adversely affected by VAT.
He also noted that what was of grave concern
was the non-declaration of the revenue earned from VAT.
According to Trotman, based on calculations
done by the AFC, the revenue earned from VAT was an exorbitant amount and was
in no way ever intended to be neutral and reap the same as the taxes it
replaced.
“The government is reaping a
‘windfall,’ they are collecting far more than they expected.”
Trotman posited that, given the ‘wind
fall,’ the level of 16 per cent could be reduced to a bearable rate, or some
form of relief can be instituted from taxes such as PAYE. He added that what
was being done with the money was also a mystery.
“VAT must be removed totally until it
can be implemented properly, or reduced to give people a chance to live.”
Trotman expressed confidence that collective
action would be effective in attracting the attention of the administration.
2007-11-11: AFC Column-Our
National Executive Committee – a broad spectrum of personalities-Meet
Dominic Gaskin (Kaieteur News) Who are you? (Describe yourself, your
background.)
I was brought to Guyana as a four-year-old in
1966 by my parents who were anxious to raise their new family in
newly-independent Guyana. My father was Guyanese and my mother German. They met
in London where they got married and where my brother and I were born.
I attended Sacred Heart Primary School,
Queen’s College and finally St. Roses High School. I was aware, growing up,
that separate cultures existed within my family, but it was always a positive
rather than negative awareness. This is probably what has shaped my attitude to
other cultures – I have always thought, ‘The more, the merrier,’
and sought to broaden my own experiences.
I’m a jeweller by trade. It’s a trade I
learnt as a kid from being around my father who was also a jeweller. I spent a
number of years abroad working in the industry and learning various aspects of
the trade such as working with precious stones and designing. I left home at
19, and remained abroad for 10 years, living in Germany, England and America. I
learnt what it was like to survive without the social and financial safety net
that I always took for granted when I lived in my parents’ home. I learnt,
also, that most problems in life can be overcome by positive thinking; by
focusing on solutions rather than becoming comfortable with the problem.
I would say that I returned to Guyana
stronger and more independent than when I left, but also not very understanding
or appreciative of the structures which I found made up Guyanese society.
People generally ‘knew their place’ and allowed themselves to be defined
by a social system which made no sense to me; and this was new to me – or
maybe I was blind to it before.
Now, as I have grown older, gotten married,
built a house and business, and had two kids, I find myself becoming less
critical of this system and I sometimes have to remind myself just how ridiculous
the whole system is.
Why did you become involved in the AFC?
I became involved in the AFC after attending
the launching of the movement two years ago. I thought then and still think now
that Guyana needs a new political culture that is not directed by persons or
groups who refuse to move on from the bad experiences of the past. I saw the
AFC as a new political entity capable of attracting younger Guyanese and
getting them interested in a different kind of politics where issues of
national importance are not subject to race, party and other selfish
considerations.
What do you think is the AFC’s key to the
future of this country? What do you see as your role?
Ironically, I think the AFC’s key to the
future is its lack of a past. If the entire nation could develop spontaneous
amnesia, Guyana would finally move forward. I think too that the AFC represents
independent thinking and this is what will keep the party interesting and
attractive to persons who can appreciate the positive potential of a diverse
population.
For my part I can try to work as hard as
possible to assist with the numerous tasks that lie ahead for the AFC. As a
member of the party’s National Executive, I shall use my best judgment and not
compromise my integrity in helping to build on what has already been achieved.
What I would like the AFC to achieve is wider
membership and more votes in the next election. What I would like for Guyanese
is that we have more credible options at elections. Elections ought not to be
an exercise where we simply choose between the lesser of two evils.
Considering your quite sudden entry into
politics, and the fact that you have twice lived outside of Guyana for extended
periods, do you think you are in touch with the
needs of most Guyanese?
No, but then who is? What I can tell you is
that I see a problem in the way in which people’s needs are addressed. I see a
big problem with access to even the most basic services. Our citizens are not
treated with the respect they deserve when they interact with many of our
institutions – both government and private.
You don’t have to be in politics to observe
this, and you definitely don’t have to have lived here all your life to notice
it.
What change do you want for Guyana?
I would like us to be more confident as a
people: confident that we have the power to vote out any government that
doesn’t deliver what we expect; confident that we can vote them back in
whenever we feel like. I think the systems are finally in place that allow for
this. It is now up to us as a people to test the system. We can only test it if
we are prepared to join together and this means letting go of those perceptions
that keep us divided.
key Questions?????
2006 elections
election why are there only five AFC parliamentarians in the National Assembly?
Shameless
parliamentary seat which it knows it did not win?
Reckless
PNC to fund the combined opposition scrutineers for the house-tohouse
registration exercise? Lawless - Is the Minister of Finance not in
breach of the law for failing to present his half yearly report? Crime –
Does anyone worry about the fact that there are very few convictions relative
to the amount of very violent crimes taking
place? Is a sound beating a substitute for a
conviction?
Great escape
have the discipline to travel from Georgetown to New Amsterdam without stopping
for refreshments what hope is there for any security plan? Traffic fines –
Minibus kills ten, no public protest. Minibus operator gets fined, big protest.
Ignorance or frustration? VAT – Does the right to tax citizens come
with any responsibilities? What do we the people get in return for this burden?
AFC PROPOSED PARLIAMENTARY AGENDA 2007-2011
The AFC intends to vigorously pursue a
range of initiatives in the Legislative Assembly and elsewhere during the
period that it has been elected to serve. Some of these initiatives have
commenced, and the public is invited to support their progress through the
National Assembly.
Additionally, these initiatives will have
to be supported by actions outside of the parliament and from time to time
members, supporters, and the general public will be invited to present their
views and opinions and to participate in activities intended to win support for
the programme. The range of planned initiatives include:
VAT legislation review – including
forcing the disclosure of VAT revenues and working towards an abolition of the
tax, or reduction of the rate of 16%
2007-11-11: Tain Erupts
Over Traffic Fine s- Khemraj Ramjattan annd AFC Respond
Dear all,
Upon requests of some AFC supporters in
Corentyne, and friends/relatives of incarcerated protesters, I went to Berbice
- Tain yesterday. I took a cameraman.
A deep sense of frustration in simply
surviving, was immediately noticed. The crowd of about 500, (the day before was
very large), was just vexed about everything – VAT, high transportation costs,
food items, police brutality re firing teargas into a crowd and beating
of innocent people who were only milling around if not actively protesting,
among a whole host of other problems.
I had to ask for some order, and managed
after some effort to get spokespersons on behalf of the drivers’
association to articulate their grievances. Dr Ramaya was of tremendous help.
The prime grievance is the upping of
fines, without consultation of an important stakeholder –the minibus/
hire car drivers. The previous fines for minor and summary offences were $150
to $200. It has increased to $5000. Personally this is a more realistic figure.
And very many of the drivers are of that opinion, too. What they are
unanimously offended by is the utterly ridiculous application of the law all of
a sudden. For example, over 69 hire cars/ minibuses were hauled in last weekend
for extremely minor defects which were there all the time, but for which they
were not hauled in previously. They claim that at the minimum a warning should
be given for them to rectify. This sudden rigid enforcement angered them
because they were led to think by the police conduct that they were in order.
One case was where mud spattered on the minibus number plate, and it was hauled
in for the offence of an “ obscure number plate”- an offence hidden
away and not used for decades as far as my memory can recall. Another is not
exhibiting the fitness document on the windscreen, although the driver had it
in his car pocket and immediately showed it to the requesting officer. Having
to pay $5000 in these circumstances really riled them.
From other drivers, the claim is that with
the increased fines, policemen are stopping them and, through all manner of
artifices, indicating that a ticket would not be given for the $5000 if they
“size down” i.e leave $1000 or $2000. This, these drivers claim,
has cut deep into their incomes. An extreme example which illustrate this is
from one who was very explicit when he said that “I use to bribe them 1
bill, now ah got fuh gie 10 bill”. This does not strike me as abnormal,
as corruption like this is very well known in the Traffic section of the Force.
Moreover, they all claim that they charge
half-price for schoolchildren in the morning to school and afternoon from
school. This self-imposed subsidy as it were is most helpful to poor families.
In view of the police new attitude of fining for just an extra school child in
a vehicle, they are forced to charge the full price. This was a very popular
argument which resonated with the parents of school children who have to travel
on buses and cars. Lots of the protesters included these persons. The benefit
of this subsidy is now gone and these parents are left with a greater financial
burden.
The increased fines have thus directly
affected the lives and incomes of the drivers/owners and all other passengers
who have to pay more. This was what motivated them to protest and make calls
for a reduction of the fines and a more lenient approach by the Traffic cops.
The cops rigid enforcement should be on speeding, recklessness on the roads,
and the more serious offenders.
Having decided to stage a peaceful
demonstration, and expecting a dialogue on the issue with senior Govt
officials, they instead got tear-gassed and beaten, arrested and charged. They
were particularly vexed when Min Rohee tried to speak to them on the evening of
6th. He went into a rumshop looking for some of the ‘main
men’ as he called them and made some particularly harsh remarks which
were overheard. Moreover, Min Robert Persaud’s attempt at an intervention
on the next day to calm them after the previous day’s teargassing, was
badly received. He was chased away!
Whilst taking the complaint, I was
informed that all the persons arrested on the 6th were to be charged
before the No 51 Magistrate Court. I went there and pleaded with the Magistrate
who then placed all 11 defendants on self bail to return next Monday to Whim
Magistrate Court for Mr. Sohan to determine the cases on 12th . At
the No 51 Mag. Court, all the defendants pleaded not guilty to charges ranging
from disorderly behavior, to throwing missiles at police officers, and
obstructing traffic.
I then returned to Tain and continued
talking to the protesters on planning a way forward. I proposed that as a
Parliamentarian I will, with other members of the AFC in Parliament, do my best
to lobby for a reduction of the fines. I also proposed talking to the
Commissioner and Berbice Traffic boss to be more humane in their approach to
enforcement as regards minor defects and schoolchildren overloading.
I was told then that Asst. Commander of
Berbice was with the group of Police who were on the road keeping the peace. I
went over to him. It was very cordial as Balram Persaud was one of the treason
accused I had represented in the PNC days, and who remains a good friend. I
immediately denounced his ordering of the use of teargas and the force used on
a number of protesters. He indicated that the mob behavior of the crowd forced
him to take certain drastic actions. I told him of the concerns of the
protesters and he along with Senior Officer West indicated that indeed these
issues ought to dialogued on and resolved at a meeting with Representatives of
the Drivers’ association. I then asked Dr. Ramaya if he could help in
this regard and he said yes.
Both myself and Dr Ramaya then proposed
that the protest be discontinued until further advised. The police was very
happy with our approach. The crowd then left.
I managed to capture all of this on
camera, having arranged a cameraman to go with me. He will be giving me the
original tape with discs today. I want Cathy to have them. I have managed to
make new contacts and renew old ones as a result of this exercise.
Berbicians are quickly becoming
disgruntled with an arrogant PPP/C. They just could not believe that Port
Moranters could be teargassed under a PPP/C administration.. I was forced to
tell them “ But you gon run back straight into PPP/C camp when elections
come”. Their resounding response was: “ NO! We going AFC now”
. I only hope that is so.
Khemraj
2007-11-18: The Alliance For
Change Column-Our National Executive Committee – a broad spectrum of
personalities:Meet Gavin Hope Who are you? (Talk about yourself, your
background, and the influences in your life.)
I grew up in Greenheart Street, South
Ruimveldt Gardens, the elder of two children. It was a small family, and very
close.
As both of our parents had a military
background, discipline in the home was fairly high. I think this helped me
generally, and positively contributed to my personality and in my life.
I was taught the importance of being
disciplined, and of being committed, and this carried over into anything I was
involved in, from sport to work to family and friends.
Really, living in the community where I
grew up was itself an advantage.
Most of my very close friends, who were my
neighbours, had parents with military backgrounds – and this was a part
of the relationship which kept us together: our households all had the same
structures, the same standards.
The people in the area who influenced us
were all fairly senior in the Police Force or the Army.
They helped to ensure that we had planned
activities as a group, and were instrumental in us forming our own hockey team,
Old Fort, which remains one of the best in the country, and of which I was
Captain at one time.
And the thing is everyone in that hockey
team was from two streets: Greenheart Street and Sunflower Close. We were so
tight – we went out together, played together, literally lived in each
other’s houses – that we lived and worked as a team.
I went to Enterprise Primary School at Robb
and Albert Streets; Bishops’ High School for one year, and then Queens College
. I represented Guyana at hockey at the CAC Games, the Goodwill Games, and
other tournaments.
In athletics I was a two-time junior
champion at the Nationals, and I represented Guyana at the CARIFTA Games in
1985.
I began working at the Guyana Airways
Corporation as a Customer Service Representative in July 1985, two days after
writing my last GCE O-Level exam, and eventually became Senior Supervisor,
Customer Services, remaining at GAC until the last day of its existence.
Then I worked as a Probation and Family
Welfare Officer with the Ministry of Labour and Human Services (20002004); then
I moved to U-Mobile, now Digicel, where I am Consumer Sales Support Supervisor.
I depended a lot on my parents. They were
everything to me. All the values that I have came from my parents, so I would
say that they were my main influence, and everything else that I am is acquired
on the foundation that they built.
Why did you become involved in politics,
and particularly, the AFC?
I think that naturally, we are all
politicians. There is politics in every home. As long as I have been conscious
of it, I have had family members involved in politics in Guyana .
My uncles Frank Hope and Kenneth Short,
and before that, my grandfather J.R. Hope, were all involved in politics. Also,
my parents associated with politicians; so I grew up always very aware of
different public and social issues, and of politics. I think that because I was
very active outside of the home, in sport, and because I was always outgoing, I
gained exposure that I may not otherwise have.
When I worked in the social services
sector, it was reinforced to me that there are serious continuing social issues
that need to be addressed. I realised that the best forum to address these is
through politics – mainly because there is so much we cannot solve as
individuals, which we could address, and effect changes, coming together as a
party or as a group. That is my main motivation.
I am fed up of this country being
dominated by two parties and consumed by those two parties’ issues with each
other. I honestly believe that we as young people need a change, and we need
leaders who are more creditable.
I figured at the time that if I were to
become involved in politics, it should be with leaders who are creditable and
have a good track record of clean, honest politics – and this inspired me
to join the AFC.
I didn’t expect to be moving through the
ranks so fast, but through my involvement I was elected to the party’s National
Executive.
What do you think is the AFC’s key to the
future of this country? What do you see as your role, and what do you hope to
achieve?
I believe that the key lies in the party’s
leadership – their credibility, honesty and commitment to effect change.
As well, the members of the party are people who see that what is needed is
change, and clean politics, and the will to make a difference. Given the
opportunity, we can make Guyana a better place.
My involvement with the AFC and in
politics is not about what Gavin wants to achieve. It is about a society where
everybody can have a reasonable standard of living, where we all live in a
harmonious way. It is not about what a single person wants, it is about what
all Guyanese deserve. I am in it to help to achieve the goal of a better Guyana
for everyone.
What change do you want for Guyana ?
We should have a society where everyone
can expect a certain quality of life. Yes, there will be issues and problems
– we are all individuals – but
at the same time we are all Guyanese. We have to live together and create a
society where everyone has a little more respect for their neighbours.
All of your professional life and your
personal involvement in sport have entailed interacting with people in a mainly
urban setting. How does this affect your current political work?
It has actually given me the foundation to
deal with issues across the board and to be comfortable dealing with people
from all strata in society. From the societal point-of-view, working as a
Probation Officer gave me a lot of experience dealing with people at what would
be called the ‘grassroots’ level, and it gave me an understanding of what
their needs are. Now, at Digicel, I am dealing with people at a different
level, and who have different needs.
All these years of dealing with people of
all different backgrounds and expectations has only benefited me, and improved
my view of life. I can communicate with anybody regardless of their status, and
in fact without status or background having to be an issue at all.
I pride myself on being a people person. I
think I am a better person from all my experiences.
To be an effective politician you need to
be able to understand and relate to anybody.
All my life I have played a lot of team
sports, so I understand what it is to have to work together and rely on each
other as a team.
This is not about Gavin Hope, this is not
about the AFC, this is about Guyana ; and we all have to work together as a
team.
Key Questions?????
Crime – Why does the Government feel
so threatened by the Brigadier’s assessment of the impact of fuel and narcotics
smuggling on the country?
Drug money – Apart from the President,
does anyone else in Guyana not recognize that the Nation’s economy i
floating on illegal money? Perhaps Dr.
Luncheon? Bernard Kerik – Apart from the President, did anyone else think that
Bernard Kerik was just the right man to help fight crime in their country?
GPL – Would it be unreasonable to ask GPL to credit
every paying consumer with $100 each time they are
inconvenienced by a blackout? Tourism – Does
our Government not know that tourists (even eco ones) generally do not flock to
locations where there is a dubious electricity supply?
Or is there some sort of niche market that
the rest of us are unaware of?
Niche market – Does this niche market also
consist of those who see no need for proper public transportation when in a
strange land? VAT – Which genius took one look at all the misery and squalor in
Guyana and figured: what these people need are
more taxes? Guyana ‘s Rainforest –
Shouldn’t everyone have a house lot before we start pledging away our
rainforest? Cheap toys for Christmas – Just where will all those Chinese
manufactured toys from the massive recall in the USA
end up? Any bets? Double speak – Would
Dr. Luncheon tell us whether the “fairly acute deterioration” in
power supply which he is noticing has anything to do with a lack of fuel?
2007-11-24: The AFC is being
continuously frustrated by the powers that be.
The Editor
Stabroek News
Dear Mr. Editor
Despite numerous attempts to gain
representation, AFC Parliamentary Representative Mr. David Patterson is not a
member of the Joint Task Force on Local Government Reform as was erroneously
stated in the Stabroek News article: “Parliamentary opposition
wants urgent meeting with GECOM” dateline Tuesday, November 20th
2007. This Committee was formed in 2001; the AFC only entered Parliament in
October 2006.
Notwithstanding; it is now obvious to most
that the AFC is being continuously frustrated by the powers that be in its
efforts to be included and to participate in decision making process that
reinforces transparency and good governance in a democracy.
Above all, the powers that be in Guyana must
recognise the need to not only to speak about inclusive and participatory
politics for good governance. They should immediately replace their current
exclusionary practices, by ensuring that an enabling environment is created
which promotes and support consensus building and not confrontation. Where not
only the AFC, but where appropriate civil society, the private sector and non
governmental organisations be accorded representation on national committees,
the boards of state agencies and other institutions, where decisions are taken
that have a direct impact on and affect the daily lives of every Guyanese
citizen.
Office of the Chief Executive Officer
AFC
2007-11-24: CLIMATE CHANGE
IS A NATIONAL ISSUE- THE DELEGATION ATTENDING THE BALI CONFERENCE ON CLIMATE
CHANGE SHOULD INCLUDE ALL STAKEHOLDERS: BY RAPHAEL TROTMAN
November 10, 2006, marked exactly one year
since His Excellency, the President hosted the Parliamentary Opposition parties
at his office for discussions under the “Enhanced Framework for Political
Cooperation” as adumbrated in his address to the National Assembly on the
occasion of the Opening of the 9th Parliament of Guyana in
September, 2006.
It is well known that at the November, 2006
meeting many worthwhile proposals were canvassed and agreed upon to be pursued.
Mysteriously, and disappointingly, this “enhanced framework” was
dismantled weeks later only to be replaced by more personal one-and-one talks
between the President and Leader of the Opposition. In passing, it is apposite
to note that to date the nation is unsure of what exactly is produced by these
private discourses as nothing worthwhile has emerged. The judiciary remains in
disarray; the cost of living is spiraling; crime and sexual violence are now
the order of the day; Local Government Reforms are nil; and the Constitutional
Commissions remain unconstituted or dysfunctional. The list of issues discussed
and agreed at the November 10, 2007 meeting was long and included matters such
as the formal meetings between the Cabinet and Opposition, Identifying and
Meeting Communities’ Needs, Reform of the Integrity and Elections
Commissions, Establishment of the Procurement Commission, and Local Government
Reform to name a few.
One of the matters put on the table by His
Excellency himself, was that of “joint representation on overseas
delegations”. It is this matter that I wish to develop by calling on the
President to honour his word, and to do so in time for the upcoming Bali
Conference on Climate Change which is scheduled for December, 2007.
The issue of Climate Change, if it is
accepted as true, represents the greatest threat to mankind since the cold war.
It is a universal issue that affects every one of the world’s six and a
half billion people. It is here being argued that no single government,
opposition party, NGO, or citizen, can capably tackle the problem alone, and
hence a concerted effort should be the way we go. No one has forgotten the
floods of 2005 and 2006, and the fallout which followed. For Guyana, global
warming and climate change are to be taken as constituting serious threats and
challenges for which the swiftest action and best solutions have to be
implemented.
The Alliance For Change believes that the
PPP/C administration needs to display magnanimity, fairness, and common sense
by ensuring that the delegation representing Guyana in Bali, Indonesia, is made
up of a good cross-section of parliamentarians, technocrats, and other
interested civil society stakeholders, who, upon their return, can bond into a
working committee to advise the Government. I am not denigrating the existing
committee chaired by the Minister of Agriculture, or its members, but a quick
scan of the names tells us that it is not as broad-based as it should be.
Guyana has much more to offer. There is simply too much at stake to risk our
future by holding to pointless party positions on this issue. The nation is
watching, and waiting.
2007-11-25:Our National
Executive Committee – a broad spectrum of personalities Meet Francis
Darchiville
Who are you? (Tell me a little about
yourself, and your background.)
I was born 3rd November 1942 at
Hague Backdam, West Coast Demerara, but then my family moved to Anna Catherina,
where I grew up. I attended St John’s Anglican School at Edinburgh, which
is a small village between Anna Catherina and Leonora. My father was from St
Lucia and my mother was a second-generation Indian – in that her
grandparents had come as indentured servants. She spoke Hindi with her family
and friends, and my father spoke French patois with his family and
friends – but I learnt to speak neither, because in the home they only
spoke English to us and to each other.
My parents were very strict, so as soon as I
left school I decided I wanted to make my own money and I moved to Linden where
I had some relatives on my father’s side. A lot of people came to Guyana
from St Lucia to seek their fortune – my father came as a pork knocker
– and those who didn’t make it in the diamond fields ended up in
Linden because the bauxite company paid the most. It was around 1959-60 and I
was 17-18. I worked for [Demerara Bauxite Company] DEMBA at first as a mechanic
helper, then eventually First Class Mechanic. The money was good but McKenzie
was a bit wild then – the proverbial ‘mining town’ –
and my mother decided it was not for her only son, so she came and literally
extracted me: put me in a ferry boat and took me home.
I studied mechanics at the Georgetown
Technical Institute, but I was too restless and I left to go and work at the
Public Works Department in Kingston, Georgetown. I stayed there for 2 years
then I went to work at First Federation Life Insurance Company in August 1965.
(I had gotten married in July of that year; we have three children.) After
being an Agent for nine months, I was appointed Sales Promotion Manager. It was
then that I started travelling within Guyana and abroad. I would say the
experiences of travelling – together with reading – are the sources
of a lot of knowledge for me, and the best things for a person’s
development. Eventually I became Area Manager, with oversight of our offices in
Georgetown, Vreed-en-Hoop, Linden, Corriverton and New Amsterdam. Through the
company I attended conventions and managers’ conferences in London, and
the Latin America/Caribbean region. I was with First Federation for 15 yrs in
all, then I migrated to Tampa, Florida, where I was Warehouse Manager and then
Vice-President of Shipping at Sahlman Seafoods (the former parent company of
Georgetown Seafoods). Again I was fortunate in that I travelled to St Maarten,
St Lucia, Grenada, Guyane. After five years in Florida, I transferred to the
post of General Manager of Georgetown Seafoods, Providence EBD, where I stayed
for two years.
I left Guyana and embarked on my own
import-export company out of Tampa, Florida; shipping to and from Guyana, St
Vincent, Grenada and Dominica. I remained self-employed until my retirement
seven years ago when I turned 60.
The thing that influenced me the most was my
desire to achieve. A lot of people have motivated me – given me very good
advice. As a poor kid, when you are ambitious there is nothing to stop you, and
you just bulldoze yourself through life to what you want.
I am a member of the Masonic Lodge; and I
have been a member of the Rotary Club of Georgetown and the Lions Club of West
Coast Demerara. During my time in Florida I was President of my Rotary Club,
Vice-President of the Caribbean-American Club, and on the Board of the Tampa
Bay Propellor Club, which represents the Maritime Industry.
I live in Plantation Evergreen, Essequibo
Coast with my wife Jennifer.
Why did you become involved in
politics, and in the AFC?
When I returned from the US to settle here I
had no intention of doing anything but walking around my garden and sitting in
the shade. But every time I read the papers or look at the TV I see so much
corruption, so much abuse of power, that I could not in all conscience sit and
do nothing. I have known Mr Ramjattan for a while, and I have long been
acquainted with Mr Trotman’s parents, so I thought very positively of the
party from the first. And through what I know of them now – of Khemraj
Ramjattan, Raphael Trotman and Sheila Holder , I am satisfied and impressed
with their leadership, and convinced that they are the right persons to move
Guyana forward. I have seen how the United States has remained stuck in a
two-party system of the Republicans and Democrats because people do not want
change, just as some people do not want change in Guy, but we are a small
country and it is easier for us to make this change.
I look around every day and I see children
waiting on the road to go to school – their parents fork out money to
send them every day – the transportation, the uniforms, the books –
and at the end of it there is nothing down the road for them. What are all
these kids going to do when they come out of school with six or eight subjects?
Sell shave ice? There is nothing for them here. Their only options are to run:
to North America, the Caribbean islands, to Brazil or to Venezuela. We need to
work to make something for them, to show them they can stay here and make lives
for themselves.
What do you think is the AFC’s
key to the future of this country? What do you see as your role?
As I see it, you have to have unity first of
all. Among the diaspora of the party, we can foster this and attract others to
come on board and take the country toward real unity. The sad fact is that we
have a history of race voting in Guyana which the two larger parties capitalise
on, and we need to break that pattern.
Since I came here to live on the Essequibo
Coast, I have been able to set an example to a lot of people, by maintaining
good relationships everywhere. It’s amazing the amount of people who stop
me every day, everywhere, to congratulate me on what we are doing on the RDC,
and who bring their problems to me. Our work is building inroads in the Region.
People don’t know where to go for help: they get pushed around at every
turn. So as long as we are sincere in what we do we are going to have the
support of the people. The VAT, for example, is an injustice to the people in
this country – not the actual tax so much as the way it was shoved down
people’s throats. Everything is more expensive, there is no denying that;
but what the farmers are getting is very little. Do you know, there is produce
being left on the ground to rot here in Essequibo, because it is not worth it
for the farmers to pay for it to be picked and transported to Charity.
As an AFC Councillor on the Region 2 RDC,
you are able to work directly for your community. Do you feel that you are
defined or even confined by this?
No, no, no. Whatever I do, I do in the name
of the AFC and I have good relationships with everybody regardless of what
Party they belong to. My relationships with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman are
all excellent. We cannot agree on everything, of course, but we have to come to
some level of agreement because unless we work together nothing will come of
our efforts. The enmity and backbiting, the fear of be seen in company with
certain people, has to go. There should be no place in Guyana’s politics
for that kind of hostility and fear. People should feel that they are free to
speak, providing it is the truth, of course.
I live on the Essequibo Coast and I consider
this to be my home. Mr Cordis and I work hard to look after the interests of
the people in the Region and to make sure things are done.
I do think the party should spend a little
more time in Essequibo. They should try to develop a rapport with people here,
because they do have problems. You cannot sit in Georgetown and know what ails
the rest of the country. As Ghandi wrote, you have to take care of the roots of
the country or the tree will die.
What change do you want for Guyana?
I would like to see a decrease in crime, a
decrease in corruption, child abuse, domestic violence; a reduction in road
accidents and some kind of censorship of the sex and profanity on the
television in movies and other programmes – the level we have now is
appalling, disgusting. There should also be better monitoring and control of
the type of music on the radio – there is a lot of vulgarity in the
lyrics. I also feel that if the voting age is 18 then the age of consent should
be 18. I don’t see how we can think a young person is not old enough to
vote but capable of agreeing to have sex.
I would also like to see better employment
opportunities for children coming out of school, because as it is, there is not
much future for them. Something that is prevalent here on the Essequibo Coast
– and maybe countrywide – is the sale of alcohol to children. That,
I think, contributes to some of the problems we have with youth: you start with
alcohol and this leads to drug use.
I believe in democracy, freedom, respect and
justice for all people. We are a good country with good people. All we need to
do is to learn to love and respect one another; and to treat each other as we
expect to be treated. We should work as one, and see ourselves as one and not
‘coolie’ or ‘black’ or ‘ buck’. We do need
this unity.
My sincerest wish is that Guyana be restored
to its people; to be a place where we can live in peace, harmony and with
dignity – and not be terrorised by criminals and afraid to say what we
think for fear of being victimised. We should be able to free ourselves of that
fear. I think the AFC is the answer.
Since the launch of the AFC in October, there
has been a heavy and sustained attack on the movement from all angles and for
all sorts of reasons. However, these attacks have not been able to penetrate
the wall of support for the AFC that has emerged since its launching.
There is widespread speculation as to the
possible relationships, if any, with other political parties, and in
particular, with the self-styled "Guyana Third Force Platform" (GTF).
The relationship between the AFC and the GTF is one of the beachheads which
have been opened up by agent provocateurs to ensure that we are divided and
therefore easily conquerable. The AFC is on record to have stated that it
wanted to launch itself formally as a movement before entering into
deliberations with others. This was made pellucid at the now famous Le Meridien
gathering and was whole-heartedly accepted by all. To do otherwise would have
been to enter into an asymmetrical situation that any student of strategy would
have cautioned against. This would not have augured well for the building of
alliances or partnerships which the AFC has accepted as essential to achieving
a new political dispensation for Guyana.
Since those discussions, there has been much
ado about nothing as we parried over websites, personalities and seating
arrangements. At the end of the day, the AFC does not view the others with any
less respect than it does itself. Some misguided souls have apparently
quarrelled about the seating arrangements put in place for the leaders of the
GTF umbrella at the launch, and others complained most ridiculously, about the
fact that the AFC went ahead to name it’s Presidential and Prime Ministerial
candidates. It must be considered a personal affront for anyone to try to
dictate to the AFC, what it should or should not do regarding its own internal
arrangements and structures. The reality is that if one were to ask Joe and
Jane Public who are the presidential candidates of GAP, WPA, ROAR, Unity Party,
JFAP, the answer would have been unhesitatingly provided.
What we need to do is move away from petty
political posturing and earnestly address the core issue that most Guyanese
want dealt with: – Will there be a coming together between the AFC and the GTF?
Or between the AFC and parts of what now constitutes the GTF? Trust and a basic
platform of common principles and understanding are what are needed in any
situation in which more than two persons are expected to work together. We need
for example to define specifically what it is we are pursuing: – Is it for
example an end to instability leading to a new democratic process? Or is it to
promote another period of crisis, confusion and chaos? The AFC would not have
any part to play in promoting such situations.
The AFC remains ready, willing, and able to
meet any group, provided that the necessary preparatory work for the meeting
takes place and there is an agreed agenda. The last thing the AFC wishes to see
happen, is to disappoint the nation with a failed process resembling the PPP/C
and PNCR dialogue, which ended with the infamous "you are not my
equal" utterance. To act otherwise would be to stage a "pappy
show".
The AFC cannot subscribe to any attempt to
avoid the holding of free, fair, fearless, and transparent elections in 2006.
There is a widely held belief that there is a plan afoot to subvert the holding
of elections next year and to bring things to a point where an interim
government will have to be installed. In the view of the AFC, such an outcome
would impose further pain and suffering on our beloved Guyana, perhaps even
leading to complete socio-economic paralysis.
Promoting a National Front Government could
only gain credibility and acceptance if all the important players and
stakeholders voluntarily accept this as the best alternative. Forcing, or
imposing, such an ad hoc arrangement will not work. Already, the AFC’s name has
come up as being a member of a high-profiled team that travelled to Washington
recently to promote this very point of view. The AFC categorically and publicly
disassociates itself from any such points of view and associations.
Then there is the issue of the seats of
Parliament, where to date, the only member of the GTF that has taken a position
is the WPA because it is the one directly involved in this now interesting and
unprecedented matter. It is beyond any shadow of doubt that there is no legal
and/or constitutional provision that can see the removal of the so-called
"rebel" MP’s. What is left is the moral issue being trumpeted by all
and sundry; some of whom if we are to call a spade a spade, have serious moral
issues of their own.
The notion of democracy has come a far way
since the promulgation of the Magna Carta in 1215, and the declaration of our
own Independence in 1966. Many have heard of the "Separation of
Powers" but few, especially those in office today, really care to endorse
and promote its true meaning. The latest indecent assault on democracy is being
witnessed with the introduction of the proposed High Court (Amendment) Bill
which seeks to denude and degut the hallowed office of Chief Justice by the
executive. Yet, there are those who are prepared to argue its uprightness
whilst not seeing the argument about three parliamentary seats. Where is the
separation if our judges and elected representatives cannot be insulated from
executive and party control and manipulation?
In 2003 at the Commonwealth Heads of
Government Meeting in Nigeria at which Guyana was amply represented, the
"Latimer House Principles" were adopted as being the standard by
which democracy shall be measured and judged throughout the length and breadth
of the Commonwealth and amongst its 1.8 billion citizens in the 53 territories.
At the time of their adoption, His Excellency, the Right Honourable Don
McKinnon, the Commonwealth Secretary General was moved to expressing the
sanguine expectation of the Commonwealth’s citizens and their political
representatives:
"What we now wish to see is the sharing
of best practices and dissemination of agreed values and principles. This will
enable member countries to move to that optimum state of governance which is
predicated on the rule of law in our Commonwealth member states."
Interestingly, at the Nigeria Summit the
Heads of State including ours thought it important to address the vexed and
important question of the independence of Members of Parliament and included in
the declaration the following text:
1.
This article provides:
2.
fundamental to parliamentary independence and therefore:
"That the Freedom of Speech and Debates
or Proceedings in Parliament ought not to be impeached or questioned in any
court or place out of Parliament."
a) The expulsion of members from parliament
as a penalty for leaving their parties (crossing the floor) should be viewed as
a possible infringement of members’ independence; anti-defection measures may
be necessary in some jurisdictions to deal with corrupt practices;
b) Laws allowing for the recall of members
during their elected term should be viewed with caution, as a potential threat
to the independence of members;
c) The cessation of membership of a political
party of itself should not lead to the loss of a member’s seat."
The above then sets out the new democratic
governance principles that this, and all other governments within the
Commonwealth, except of course those under suspension, have endorsed and
committed themselves to observing and preserving. The issue of the independence
of Members of Parliament is on trial as much here in Guyana, as it is in every
other Commonwealth territory.
How this matter ends, or is resolved, will
have far-reaching consequences to the democratic edifice everywhere. The
"rebels" of Guyana and interestingly enough, those as well in the
twin-Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, who are fighting the over forty
years of established party dominance, are now being viewed with interest, as
their fate will become a watershed for the people’s representatives the world
over, and most importantly, in countries with repressive governments and
suffocating political parties.
The people of Guyana have been so poisoned
with the bile of party paramountcy and democratic centralism that it is now
difficult to separate a Member of Parliament from a political party. The
people’s best interests as envisioned in the Latimer House Principles are what
we in the AFC are being asked to surrender. It is understandable why even the most
ardent supporters of the AFC want to see us purified through the act of
quitting. In a sense therefore, members of Parliament associated with the AFC
are faced with a difficult decision of taking the prophylactic walking pill, or
of staying and building up enough anti-bodies to fight the fever itself.
That said, it must be accepted that the AFC’s
and its supporters’ interests must be catered for. In this light, the populace
can rest assured that the right decision will be taken at the right time.
The decisions regarding the parliamentary
seats will be taken not based on issues of legality or tenuous moral arguments,
but on practical political reasoning. At this time, I for reasons more to do
with getting the work of the AFC moving in time for the events of 2006 will be
making preparations for my departure in the not too distant future. Having
committed myself to resign, I will be doing so long before the elections, but
it has to be recognized that despite my silence in the House there is
unfinished business particularly in preparing the Freedom of Information Bill
and it would have been unwise to bend simply to the unreasonable demands of
those whom we are likely to encounter on the battlefield in a few short months.
Our eventual withdrawal will be on our terms, on our time, and on our own
supporters’ accord.
I posit that most third party initiatives in
Guyana, and elsewhere failed, not because the giants crushed them, but rather
because of the crab-in-abarrel mentality and mischievousness, which did the destruction
from within, coming from persons sometimes posing as closest supporters and
admirers. I say, let’s give working together a try in Guyana’s best interest,
and stop the promotion of divisiveness. Instead of carrying on a debate on
morality and legality, let us engage in a discussion on matters of practicality
as Bernard Ramsay and others have suggested on what is in the AFC’s best
interest.
2007-12-9: Will we be safe
over the holiday season? & The GPL situation
Will we be safe over the holiday season?
The Festive Season is upon us once again and
the AFC is concerned about the public safety, well being, and general security
of Guyanese and of all who visit our shores at this time of the year. There are
too many reports of unsolved crimes especially robberies in which the
perpetrators disappear leaving no trace that could lead to their arrest and
conviction. By this time last year, the Police Commissioner had already briefed
the nation as to special arrangements put in place to satisfy the business
community, shoppers and householders.
Unlike last year; this year’s security
programme, if there is one, seems to lack leadership and focus. The level of
communication through radio, television and print, the security advice and the
opportunity for public interaction which was so commendable last year, is
virtually non existent this time around.
On a related note, the AFC is reliably
informed that the investigation into Snr. Superintendent Merai was advanced
recently in that an integral witness was interviewed by the Police. We believe
that the nation is owed an update and explanation as to why the matter of the
investigation into alleged misconduct as announced by the Commissioner of
Police is unduly dragging on after several months. The rule of law must be
applied equally as to the ordinary citizen as it does to officers of the Guyana
Police Force, for justice delayed is justice denied.
The GPL situation
In the face of growing blackouts and
haphazard service from the GPL nationwide, the Leader of the Alliance For
Change, Mr. Raphael Trotman, MP, had on Tuesday, December 4, 2007, requested
that Parliament examine the functioning of the Guyana Power & Light Company
by appointing a Special Select Committee to inquire into its service to
customers. The Motion, was published on the Parliamentary Order Paper,
requested that the Committee conducting the investigation, be permitted to
receive evidence from the Public Utilities Commission, individual consumers,
other members of the public, non governmental organisations including Consumer
Associations, the Private Sector and civil society organizations working with
affected communities and groups.
The AFC has received unending complaints of
irregular service, strange billings, unlawful disconnections, and claims of
discriminatory practices and has therefore decided to trigger the conducting of
this investigation, especially in light of the recent shake-up of the Company
with the removal of the Chairman of the Board and the head of the Guyana Energy
Agency. The party expects that the other parliamentary parties, particularly
the PPP/C will not hinder or block this much-needed investigation from
proceeding.
The AFC invites all Guyanese who have issues
with the manner in which GPL operates, to send
letters or complaints to its office at 56
Hadfield Street and Chalmers Place, or to any of the executive members so that
they may be presented to the Parliament when the debate and investigation take
place in a few weeks time.
2007-12-16: Profile of AFC
National Executive Committee member Clayton Hall
Who are you? (Tell me a little about
yourself, your background; how would you describe yourself?)
I was born in Georgetown, where my father was
a schoolteacher. When he became an Agriculture Field Assistant he was assigned to
various locations out of town, and we all followed him; so we lived for on and
off in West Demerara, in the Essequibo River area, and in the Essequibo
Islands. When we returned to Georgetown, we lived in Charlestown. We were poor,
so I am accustomed to living a very ordinary life. I was educated at St
Mary’s RC School and then St Stanislaus, both in Georgetown. My first job
was at Central Garage, where I eventually became Workshop Manager. Following
this I was Manager of the Guyana National Engineering Corporation (GNEC), then
I was Manager of the Bel-Lu Claybrick and Tile Factory during 1979-82. I had
completed a Diploma in Public Administration at the University of Guyana, but
as you know, as a government officer one was often redeployed, and this is how
I ended up in the forestry sector. Eventually I went to the UK to do a BSc in
Wood Science and Technology, followed by an MSc in Forestry, specialising in
Forest Industries Development, from the University of Wales. I am a former
Commissioner of Forests at the Guyana Forestry Commission.
I would say that in my early life the Roman
Catholic church had an influence on me. The other great influences came after I
began to work. In the private sector, people like John Simon DeFreitas set an
example of work ethic and commitment. In my government posts, at GNEC former
Divisional Manager Burchell Forde and former Executive Directors Pat Carmichael
and then Claude Saul taught me a great deal as well as encouraged me in the
development of my career path. Later in life I was also influenced by John
Douglas, former Advisor on Forestry and Dr Kenneth King, former FAO Director. I
would say that at each phase of my life I was fortunate to have such persons
guiding me, and advising me; allowing me to develop and bloom.
Why did you become involved in the AFC?
Back in 2005 I was completing a stint as
Programme Director of Conservation International, when I was approached by
Raphael Trotman, Khemraj Ramjattan and Sheila Holder with their idea of forming
a political party. I was involved in several discussions on this issue, during
which I made some recommendations; but the end result was that I was prepared
to support them and to be a part of this, and the AFC was launched.
I had never been overtly involved in politics
before this, but I have to say that what was said to me by Raphael, Khemraj and
Sheila stirred me; and having had so many experiences – working for the
government and being subject to political whims – I thought it was time
to take a stand and made a contribution to my country in this area. I never planned
to become involved in politics, but I guess you could say the time had come.
I’d like to state that I am also an
environmentalist and conservationist, in essence, and I remain very concerned with
this area. I thought the Alliance for Change created an opportunity for a new
dispensation of politics in Guyana. Politics for us in Guyana has always been
confrontational – based on race and ethnicity. The AFC’s message:
“don’t vote race, vote change” was a new approach and new
political culture for Guyana, that is not confrontational. This change is
fundamental to a new Guyana, and it captured not only my imagination but also
those of other people. Most people are suspicious of politicians and it takes
some time to give trust, but what the AFC offers is a new way of cultivating
pride and giving hope for the future of Guyana. This positive approach, I
think, has made many people besides myself prepared to stake their future in
politics in a way never seen before in Guyana.
What do you think is the AFC’s key
to the future of this country?
I think we should go back to our Agenda For
Change which speaks clearly of the kind of government we would like to offer:
the creation of a rule of law which would be upheld. People tend to be cautious
in their dealings with the law, and lack confidence in the justice system at
the moment. There are too many discriminatory practices, and a lack of basic
human rights. We need to develop a new culture of trust, respect for each other
and institutions of government. Unless we are able to separate the judicial and
the bureaucratic arms of government, people will always be concerned about
whether they are being fairly treated. I feel too that we must ensure that
qualified and professional and competent people are allowed to carry out their
duties and functions and not be influenced in any way in the discharge of the
work they are given to do.
I think that we have helped to engender a
more enabling political environment in this country, which can be seen in the
way that everyone is looking forward to the Local Government elections. We have
to ensure that this prevails so that citizens can feel confident in electing
the representatives they want for their communities; and through this, improve
representation and leadership at all levels. A long time ago, when Guyana was a
young republic and we were all proud of being Guyanese, we spoke of
self-reliance, but we lost that will. Now, Caricom leaders are meeting to see
how we can achieve some of this self-reliance to alleviate the poverty of our
people.
You hold the post of Chief Executive
Officer of the AFC. Does this fit in with what you hope to achieve on the
Party’s behalf?
It is an elected office, so the appointment
is political as well as administrative. I think that initially we were trying
to create a different type of movement, then as we developed into a
full-fledged political party we found that the role had changed. The office is
in transition, and it is now not a CEO’s role so much as a General
Secretary’s – I think this will be adjusted at our next Delegates
Conference in two years’ time. Right now, the office coordinates
administrative, management and political function.
I think my role is one of service. There is
an old saying: “Blessed is he who has no expectations, for he is never
disappointed.” I’ve run my race. I have reached the highest levels
of my profession, I am a grandfather of 5. Whatever experiences I have gained I
am prepared to share. I am prepared to take on whatever is required. But one
has to be mindful of the fact that in the harsh realities of this world one has
to satisfy basic needs and obligations.
Do you think that your long involvement in
the forestry sector has defined you? Does this affect you politically?
I think what I have is name recognition. I
don’t know if the effect is positive or negative, but in politics any
news is good news. I think if people know us and what we stand for – and
perceive us to have a high level of rectitude, integrity and professionalism,
and to be trustworthy – they tend to be confident that here are people we
could follow in the political arena. Sometimes politicians take a bum rap when
it comes to judgement of their character, but it’s all par for the
course.
What change do you want for Guyana?
I would like to see an environment in which
we recognise and respect the rule of law, and the institutions of government;
recognise and hold sacred the fundamental rights of all citizens. I would like
to see the implementation of the recommendations of the Constitutional Reform
Commission as well as the recommendations of many of the review commissions we
have had in this country that would allow the participation of all citizens in
the decision-making processes that affect their lives and the happiness and
prosperity of all Guyanese.
2007-12-23: The AFC
column -AFC WILL CONTINUE TO WORK IN EARNEST By Raphael Trotman
Once again, we face the end of one year and the
beginning of yet another important one. The leadership and executive of the
Alliance For Change would like to personally thank all Guyanese and
particularly, the members and supporters, for their support and dedication
displayed throughout the year.
We are especially pleased that we achieved
several important milestones this year, which will further help to further
define the AFC and reinforce the conviction that the politics of Guyana has
finally begun to swing towards the positive.
Notable features of our work this year
included visits to the Regions and interaction with members and supporters in
almost all ten Regions; the successful holding of our first National Conference
in July, the election of Office-Bearers which followed; exemplary leadership in
the National Assembly and Regional Democratic Councils; the retirement of one
MP and welcome of another; welfare assistance and outreach to victims of
tragedy and to the needy through our Welfare Committee; and greater
administrative efficiency through the work of our Chief Executive Officer.
Of particular pride to us was that we were
able to render assistance to scores of persons throughout the length and
breadth of Guyana who were desirous of assistance for micro-projects, legal
problems, or victims of tragic circumstances such as fire, traffic accidents,
piracy, and poverty.
In the area of academic achievement, we were
honoured to be able to present Ms. Abike Amsterdam of Buxton with cash prizes
and a trophy in recognition of her outstanding performance at the SSEE
examinations.
Before the end of 2007, we hope to make the
inaugural presentations to two youth recipients with awards from the AFC/Marlis
Archer Memorial Fund towards meeting their academic needs and supplies.
Additionally, a young amputee from Region 2
in the Sand Pit, Onderneeming, Essequibo , was given assistance towards
acquiring a prosthetic leg after an accident in 2004 caused his lower right leg
to be amputated.
The list of our daily activities and outreach
is endless and too numerous to mention here. For those who are interested in
knowing more you may visit our website at www.afcguyana.com.
At present, the leadership is focused on
building the capacity of the AFC as a strong, credible and organized political
force as we prepare for local government elections and all future elections.
Our primary focus at this time is the campaign to force the government to ease
the pressure being exerted by the imposition of VAT.
Because we believe the Guyana Revenue
Authority was ill prepared for its introduction, and because there has been no
adjustment to income tax and other impacting taxes, the cost of living has
skyrocketed.
We have unveiled a programme for change
through a series of cartoons, banners, letters and activities intended to influence
the government to do the right thing for the people of Guyana .
We ask you to agitate in every town, village
or area that you find yourselves in against the inequitable imposition of this
tax.
As our work and value gain strength, you can
expect that the attacks against the AFC will intensify and will be directed
through personal smear campaigns against the leadership; psychological attacks
proclaiming that the AFC does nothing, or that if indeed we are doing
something, it is only for one race of people and not the others.
Remember that the AFC’s platform is that it
is a non-racial, all-embracing political entity that wants to CHANGE the
present racial construct that seeks to determine every being of our existence
and is crippling this country.
Those who voted for the AFC in 2006 knew that
they were voting for a party that would not represent racial groups, but all
Guyanese.
It is this strong message that saw the party
gain an unprecedented six seats in the National Assembly, and representation on
all 10 Regional Democratic Councils.
You have to understand that the attacks are
coming against the AFC because it is seen as a significant threat. Consider
which other political parties are being targeted, and you will realise that the
answer is none. Ask yourselves then, why this is so.
These attacks are well coordinated and
financed, and mean that the AFC has to rise to meet the challenge.
Our information is that the goal of our enemies
is to destroy and demoralize the AFC and its supporters by the time of Local
Government Elections, which are scheduled for 2008. We must defend the party,
fight for its survival and well-being, and resist the onslaught of demoralizing
attacks.
Those who despise us will continue to attack;
and we likewise, will continue our work in earnest and with God’s guidance as
He watches us with His eyes as we go, and help us to be wise in times when we
don’t know.
As smart and astute citizens, you would also
notice that there are collaborative efforts between other parties to suddenly
work together
to
shut out the AFC from participating in the mainstream of political life.
This is most glaring in the stubborn decision
being taken to deny the AFC access to resources to monitor the upcoming
House-to-House Registration exercise.
Thankfully, the rule of law has again
prevailed and the High Court has vindicated our position in ruling that all
parliamentary parties should share equitably in the State’s resources for the
scrutinisation of the House-to-House registration process and beyond.
We have also been denied representation on
State Boards, Committees and Commissions even though a new and enlightened
culture was promised by the other parties in their manifestos.
The much vaunted “enhanced framework
for cooperation” between government, opposition, and other stakeholders
has been abandoned before it could have resulted in something positive; we are
happy though that some issues which we raised at the initial stages including,
Mark Benschop’s treason charge, have been addressed.
Yet at this joyous time of the year we will
try to bring Christmas greetings and cheer to as many of our members,
supporters, and to all Guyanese, as possible.
A number of Christmas parties for needy
children have been organized in Georgetown , Linden , Essequibo, New Amsterdam,
and Corentyne, and we publicly thank all those in Guyana and the Diaspora who
made these a success. Gifts are also being distributed to deserving children in
the Rupununi, West Coast Berbice and Kwakwani.
Additionally, on Christmas Day, lunches will
be shared by the AFC to persons without food or shelter in the Breda and
Leopold Streets communities as we commemorate the birth of the Christ child,
and follow the example of giving, extending forgiveness, renewing our faith and
commitment, and changing the social and political landscape of Guyana .
For the new year you can expect increased
activism as we continue to reach out and to organize for Local Government Elections,
and to highlight and treat with the needs of people. We know we can count on
your support and that you will not falter.
Merry Christmas, and may God Bless you and
your families, and give you health, strength, and happiness in 2008 to be able
to push the Agenda For Change even further and higher.
2007-12-23: THE AFC AT
CHRISTMAS By Sheila Holder Is politics really a full-time, year-round
career or do politicians relax a little during the Christmas season? Are there
seasonal political issues and if so are there any issues particularly
associated with Christmas?
AFC Vice-Chairman Sheila Holder shares her
views on what Christmas means for politics and politicians.
For me Christmas is always about the true
meaning of Christianity. Incomparable love – that God sent His only begotten
son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins that we might be saved. The birth of
Christ, therefore, opened up the possibility for the attainment of peace and
goodwill among mankind.
As a politician, I have come to a greater understanding
of the needs of others, especially the children who exemplify the true meaning
of Christmas. Thanks to my colleagues and supporters of the AFC, the party has
been able to focus on providing moments of Christmas cheer and happiness for
hundreds of children on the Essequibo Coast , Linden , New Amsterdam, Corentyne
and in Georgetown .
At one of the children’s Christmas parties
hosted by the AFC’s Regional Councilor, Francis D’Archiville, and his wife on
the Essequibo Coast , it was an occasion of joy to witness the children’s
excitement at the sight of Santa.
Each child stood orderly in line and waited
patiently for his/her turn to be given a hug and a gift from Santa.
Later, after Santa had left, one little girl
reported in tears that she had misplaced her gift. To pacify her she was given
a replacement. Lo and behold moments later, the child returned the second gift
stating that she had found the one Santa had given her.
It is such child-like attitudes of honesty,
decency and trust that Jesus Christ wants us to display in contrast to the lack
of faith and the double standards we often display after acquiring
sophistication in adulthood.
These days I see a great need for such
child-like honesty and decency to be displayed both among our people and at the
level of our government. In fact, I now firmly believe that because there is an
absence of moral guidance at the leadership level in the affairs of state,
those of us who profess to be Christians have a duty to lead by example.
Regrettably, many have fallen short of this standard!
From my perspective, all those persons in our
society who desire members of the PPP/C government to rule with evenhandedness
and honesty will achieve their desire only when they themselves practice those
traits in their spheres of activity.
So, until then, there can be no relaxation
for AFC leaders, parliamentarians, activists and members. Let us therefore,
remember the Christ in Christmas and reflect His love, which is in each of us.
2007-12-30: AFC RESOLVES TO
FIGHT FOR CHANGE IN 2008 A
message for the New Year
The Alliance For Change takes the opportunity
to extend best wishes to all Guyanese in 2008. The previous year has been an
interesting one which has been dominated by rising prices largely due to the introduction
of the very unpopular Value Added Tax, and uncontrollable crime. However, as
true Guyanese we have been resilient and have managed to survive by organizing
ourselves to meet the escalating cost of living and social degradation that is
unfolding.
Concerns of crime, extra judicial killings,
torture, sexual abuse and domestic violence, inadequate road safety mechanisms,
administrative lawlessness, and failing systems overall, will be features we
unfortunately carry into 2008. I urge you all to consider your situation
carefully and be aware that those who fail to embrace and apply new remedies
must expect new evils in their midst. This is the time for change. We all have
choices to make and new roads to travel, and as we do so, let us ensure that our
decisions are not predicated on racial and political considerations but on
those which hold this dear country and all its peoples as first and most
important.
The Alliance For Change offers itself as a
true alternative to the “old boys club” politics that we are
witnessing today where leaders compromise their ethics and principles in
pursuit of the maintenance of the status quo which keeps them in office
while the masses are made to suffer. Let 2008 see the continuance of the
emergence of a change from the backward political culture; the respect for, and
upholding of the rule of law; the strengthening of the democratic process; and
the recognition of the equal rights and responsibilities of all Guyanese.
It is the AFC’s wish that this new year
will bring fresh economic opportunities, equitable distribution of the national
wealth, a resurgence of national pride and international respect for our
sovereign state, the return to democracy with the holding of local government
elections on a level playing field, and overall, the new wholesome beginning
that we the people so passionately need. The AFC resolves to do all within its
power to make this wish a reality and asks for your support, encouragement, and
prayers. God’s richest blessings in 2008!
What a year it has been
As the year comes to an end Guyanese remain
troubled about many things. The rampant crime that is now plaguing virtually
every community has caused many to be afraid to venture out at nights so they
seek refuge in their homes in the hope that the devilish bandits would spare
them the horrific experience of their cold blooded brutality. While some
harbour these fears, the society is witnessing an unprecedented number of women
and children who have experienced a brutality of another kind – violent
battering and rape in their homes and places of work, by those who ought to
love, care and protect them. Clearly, the society has lost its rudder and the
religious community the influence it once had.
Official Misconduct
Government officials like the Minister of
Local Government, who ought to be setting the example of proper public conduct,
have, regrettably, demonstrated palpably the aberration of a growing disregard
for the concept of public responsibility among members of the present PPP/Civic
administration. The culture of collective responsibility has been clearly
misunderstood in that it was intended to mean that the individual Minister had
to act in a way to retain support of his colleagues, or risk either exposure in
Parliament or removal from office by the Head of State. It is now evident that
neither his colleagues, nor the Head of State comprehend this concept. As a
consequence, any motion by the AFC calling for the censure (or perhaps it
should be the removal) of the Local government Minister is likely to be
defeated under the circumstances. Nonetheless, failure by the AFC to do so will
also see the party being accused of condoning public disregard to the law and
order!
Drop de VAT!
Apart from the increased levels of violence
and the improper behaviour of the Minister of Local Government that has become
the silent shame of our society; the Value Added Tax (VAT) has caused much pain
and aggravation to all strata of the society but particularly to the most
vulnerable in our midst -the working poor, women and children. I, therefore,
consider it appropriate for the AFC to explain its position on VAT in some
depth.
The AFC’s Position on VAT
In response to our members and the wider
society, the AFC has been distributing a flyer poignantly explained by several
expressive cartoons. We posit that, as currently administered, the VAT is the
wrong medicine for the following reasons:
id=”_x0000_i1056″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_30.jpg”>The implementation of VAT
requires trained and professional human resources which this government has
made no effort to retain over the last fifteen years they have steered the ship
of state. Had the government any semblance of fairness and equity, they would
have reduced the PAYE rate simultaneously with the
introduction of VAT to cushion the burden on
the already heavily taxed -as was recommended by reputable Guyanese economists
and as was done in other countries. The VAT rate should be reduced and the
income and corporate tax structure reformed to ensure the tax burden is better
distributed. Guyana is uncompetitive with its current high rate of taxation
which has led to many noteworthy attempts at tax evasion.
height=29 id=”_x0000_i1057″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_31.jpg”>
As a result of government’s failure to
implement the above recommendations, the implementation of VAT has led to
higher inflation and a greater burden on the poor and the working classes. The
adoption of these measures will also serve to enhance the country’s
competitiveness and attract investment. The AFC hopes the government could
muster the maturity to do what needs to be done.
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