Political Intimidation, a Putrid Stench in our Democratic Nation

In a true democracy, there is no question whatsoever of who is in charge – the people. The government may not like it when the people disagree with a decision the administration makes, but it is understood that the people are the boss and the government is simply an instrument by which to employ and maintain the democratic state.

As such, there is no tug-of-war for power because the government knows its place – and should it forget its place, the people are quick to send a reminder by way of the voting booth. Any power struggle that does take place in such democracies is usually between the politicians themselves, which also serves as a benefit to the constituency since this type of competition provides even more wariness of political intimidation.

However, this notion of democracy seems to have been lost in Guyana . In fact, if a citizen publicly disagrees with the government of Guyana , retribution is expected in short time. Imagine the lunacy! A person is hired for a position (the government) and when reprimanded by the boss (the people) the hireling then intimidates the boss into silence. How preposterous!

Appallingly, this is exactly the type of behaviour taking place on a daily basis in Guyana . We have businesses losing contracts because they have publicly disagreed with the government. There are publications that are either being sued or financially threatened into submission. Talk show hosts are being silenced and even letter writers to the daily newspapers are being targeted.

The government's position is clear – the citizens are not to voice their dissention. They are telling us to either shut up on our own accord or they will shut us up. How utterly repugnant! Any true child of democracy should find this type of behaviour vile and abhorrent.

The idea of free speech is a basic right in a democracy. It is the right to voice dissent against the government without fear of retribution. In other words, any citizen should be able to publicly voice their qualms about the government, specific politicians, the administration, the president and the actions of any person serving in a position paid for by the people without expecting revenge from that person or position.

This is not the case in Guyana . In fact, when one speaks out against the government here, reprisal can and should be expected. This is common knowledge. It is also a putrid stench in our democratic nation.

There is no doubt that the government of Guyana needs to be put back in its place – and quickly before even more citizens find themselves out of business, being sued for speaking out against the government - or worse. We cannot be naïve. If the people continue to allow this type of behaviour from their government, it will only lead to far worse intimidation – which is a dictatorship, not a democracy.

There are many reasons why those in power here in Guyana can use intimidation to silence the very people they are supposed to be serving. The first and foremost reason is because the people have allowed it. We are not a timid people by any means, but we have been put through the proverbial wringer politically and are prone to turning a blind eye to injustice because we feel there is no way to stop it.

Another reason the government feels it can get away with such atrocious behaviour is because it is banking on re-election, regardless of their evil ways simply because they know their constituency fears government-condoned racial violence more than they fear the loss of their businesses. Such apprehensions may not be substantiated, yet the fear exists nonetheless.

The citizens may not be happy with the actions of the reigning government, but they figure as long as they keep their mouths shut, they should be just fine. They believe they are choosing the lesser of two evils. However, this thought process could not be more wrong. Any government robbing its citizens of their freedoms should be fired. If the alternative is just as bad, then it is up to the citizens to create another viable solution – not to hand their freedoms over to corruption on a silver platter.

It is time to remind the government who the real boss is – and it is NOT THEM. We are the bosses and they serve us. If these civil servants refuse to comply, then fire them and hire a new government that will conform to democratic standards. This is how it is done in every other democratic nation and we should expect no less in our own.

We can no longer allow the government to squelch the brightest and most innovative people of our country simply because they know enough to question the wrong actions of those in office. These people are the very foundation on which our nation can prosper. The longer the government is allowed to frustrate the noble goals of Guyana 's best minds, the longer we will live in squalor and deprivation.

It is time to take back our nation by demanding a servant attitude from those we hire to run our country.

This is not a revolution spurred by violence; we have seen more than enough bloodshed in our country. This is a reformation of the mind, a rebellion of the status quo that leaves us in poverty and a revolution of a righteous spirit.

Is our spirit strong enough to stand against these assaults on our freedoms? Oh, yes it is! Truly we have been beaten down by the very ones we hired to help us, but we can rise strong and be able to extract from our government that which is expected. Furthermore, take heart, my countrymen and women, for we have democracy on our side.

These intimidators seek power, but they have no influence unless we confer it to them. Our desires are far nobler. We want justice, prosperity and true democracy without the hindrances of fear and intimidation. Such a government only impedes our quest for a better nation – as Guyanese history has proven.

Political intimidation is a crime and only the criminally-minded employ such behaviour. This is not the type of people we want running our nation and it is time to demand that justice reigns in our country instead of corruption. Sons and daughters of Guyana , will you stand up and take your place in the revolution? Will you don your amour of justice and democracy to dethrone the corruption that devastates your land? Guyana , the sweet land of your birth, awaits your reply.