POINT OF NO RETURN
My recent statement to the press has obviously stirred up much emotion and confusion. I myself am amazed at the level of interest shown and excitement generated in the past few weeks and appreciate every offer of advice and encouragement as well as I daresay the threats and insults which have already been hurled. To date, the most amazing response I have encountered has come from Mr. Paul Hardy the leader of the Guyana Action Party (GAP) who extended an unselfish and unconditional hand of support and friendship. This is the most magnanimous gesture I have ever received in my political life. For this I will forever be grateful. However, Mr. Hardy and his Party’s members and supports should know that in their leader is a true Guyanese whose wisdom and character are rare gems to be treasured in this otherwise politically barren Guyana. It is his leadership that makes GAP as prominent as it is and therefore it is under his leadership that GAP must proceed to play its important part. We are in the dawn of our unveiling and as politics is so fluid and dynamic I prefer to have the movement develop before it can be an asset in any alliance. To all others who sent expressions of goodwill, support and encouragement and even concern for my safety, especially those I never knew before or least expected support from, I say thank you. Whatever happens in the weeks and months ahead will be a vindication of the power of the people in being able to take control of their lives. We are heading towards forty years of independence as a nation and in biblical terms, forty is a significant number. We are starting to come out of the wilderness.
There will be severe opposition and some of it may even be life threatening. Attempts will be made to drag us into the mud through the leveling of every conceivable and ridiculous allegation that can be imagined. Many references are already being made to Walter Rodney and his tragic demise at a time when he was poised to deliver something different and profound to Guyana. Lest we forget, I will remind readers of what they can expect in true Nazi and Communist fashion where the rumour is the coward’s weapon of choice. We can expect to hear rumours of corruption, murder, sexual assault, theft, robbery, incest, domestic abuse, homosexuality and lesbianism, ,womanizing and prostitution, substance abuse, drug dealing and gun running, and be accused of being paid agents for the PPP/C, PNCR, CIA, MI5, KGB, MOSSAD and every other intelligence and subversive group in the world including Al Qaeda. All these things and more will be scooped up from the gutter and hurled at us. Let us watch and wait and see from where the first onslaught will come. People are now sufficiently knowledgeable to ascertain for themselves who is behind what. Honestly, Guyanese and especially young Guyanese, are just plain fed-up with the name calling, blame throwing and character assassinations. We will resist any and every attempt to go into the gutter politics of the past; but our refusal to become negative should not be misinterpreted to mean that we are weak and incapable of defending ourselves. The task ahead is too righteous, too noble, too patriotic, and too important to dirty it with nastiness and evil.
When it was in 2004 that I explained to the Leadership of the PNCR that I was opting not to return to executive office I held in my hand several options including migrating, returning to Graduate school, focusing exclusively on my law practice, leaving politics all together, or linking hands with others who I felt shared a similar ideal to bring healing and prosperity to Guyana. By a twist and combination of fate and circumstances the options are being narrowed to one. None of us I believe, think we are exceptional, special or better or even have any God-given rights to anything except that we all have courage and a desire to see an end to the fighting and hatred being generated from it. In fact, there are many others who have played a tremendous role and will play a role in the years ahead. Some people say we are crazy and even suicidal. If we are crazy, then in the words of one international security analyst used to describe a man sought after by many, we are “crazy brave”. If we are committing suicide, then at best let us choose the form of our deaths because those involved in the practice and study of Guyanese politics as we know it now, appreciate how suicidal and destructive it is already. Many have asked whether there is anything wrong with the PNCR which caused me to let go, and I say nothing except that the party is now unable to disengage from a fight which is promoted by thousands; and any attempt at disengagement leads to dishonour. It is the promoters of the fight who are benefiting not the Guyanese people. Ounce for Ounce I say the PNCR is a better party than is the PPP/C but just like the PPP/C, has become both part of both the problem and the solution. However, the PPP/C will never allow the PNC/R to disengage from the battle. Those who studied strategies employed during the cold-war days remember that both the Soviet Union with its allies, and the USA with its allies, came to depend on each other for existence. The relationship had become symbiotic as they both needed each other to survive and to remain relevant whilst at the same time realized that the fighting would ensure “mutually assured destruction” (MAD). This is unfortunate because within the bosom of both parties are brilliant and well meaning individuals who, if given a fair chance, can add to Guyana’s development. Unfortunately, the people cannot wait to see the battle end as seen by the thousands lining up at the Passport Office monthly and leaving on every available flight from the Cheddi Jagan Airport, Timehri, or turning to drugs and drinks to numb the pain of being left behind.
It has become obvious that I have crossed to a point of no return. In this regard, I will have to rely on my skills, intuition and experience to get by until the pot of gold is discovered. I expect that the road ahead will be filled with dangers and traps, and even with temptations and disappointments. The propulsion of this movement for change must come from the people and so if even one person is interested in changing the status quo, then the journey of a thousand miles has begun. No one expects miracles but it is time that the people of Guyana here and abroad, realise their true potential. It is time that the wealth of Guyana already being exploited by citizens from every other country in the world comes to us as well and so it is time that the people of Guyana have a place at the table of deliberation and decision-making. We urge therefore that the debate continues and encourage persons both young and old to express their opinions for and against what is coming through letters, emails and otherwise. I believe that whether I am involved or not this country shall soon undergo some changes because there are long overdue and ordained. Removing, discouraging, intimidating myself or anyone else will not stop a transformation which is bigger than us all. Another Rasta will take our place. Change is coming and we need to embrace it or it will drown us and it is worth repeating the cliché that in life, the only constant is change.
Music has always been used by me to define various stages of my life and some songs and pieces of music have special meaning and importance. For now the most appropriate song for what we are about to embark on is “The Prayer” which is best sung by Josh Groban and Charlotte Church. In its words, are captured my feelings on the way forward and the hope that our journey for betterment will be guided by God and therefore will be successful:
“We pray you’ll be our eyes
And watch us as we go
And help us to be wise
In times when we don’t know
Let this be our prayer
As we go our way
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your Grace
To a place where we’ll be safe”
CHOOSE CHANGE…ITS TIME!
RGCT
May, 2005
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