Demand Change

By Peter R. Ramsaroop

We have recently seen a government official finally talking about VISION for the first time after fourteen years into their administration and now only during an election year. In August 2005, I wrote a column with a similar title in the Kaieteur News. The people have had a significant amount of vision for our nation over the years, but this vision has never been implemented because of resistence by the current administration to making Guyana a better place for the next generation.

We first had the Guyana 21 plan, then the National Development Strategy and my book, Hope for Our Nation, Guyana Vision 2020 and other well thought out plans. During the month of March, I will release an update to my book outlining the implementation plan of the vision (The Road to Eldorado). All of these strategies, when combined, have a common goal of changing the economics, political and social well being of our nation.

A column written by a government official with the titles Vision 1 and 2 is an insult to the numberous well thought out stratagies and a clearly demonstrates of a lack of detailed research on the complexities of implementing a practicable plan that would create a viable legacy for the next generation.

History is the best example of how long the human memory can be. We can sit in our comfortable homes in the 21st century AD and analyse the reign of Julius Caesar who was born in 1st century BC. We have a propensity to over-analyse with the hope of not repeating the same mistakes of those before us.

Does it do any good? If we learn from our past, yes it does a great amount of good. However, if we gaze history full in the face and comprehend the errors of our ancestors without changing, then we only waste our time in studying history.

Guyana’s children study her history every day. They are expected to know the good and the bad so they can identify with the national history that connects every citizen. But will it help them lead the country any better when it is their turn? Did our history lessons help us lead the country better than the generation before us?

This year we will celibrate our 40th year of independence and I have been contemplating the legacy of this generation. I wonder if Guyanese 40 years from now will have a reason to show their appreciation to today’s leaders or if they will use our generation as one more excuse to justify the continuing sad state of the nation. If the latter, then it will surely be a well deserved critique.

Forty years ago Guyana was on the brink of the most potential ever to that point in history. The future held nothing but promise and we were ready to make a beautiful country with our own hands. We had a clean slate and could write our own remarkable history. Unfortunately, there has been nothing remarkable to record in the last 40 years.

Our predecessors failed us and left us with a legacy of racism, dictatorial governance and poverty. Will our legacy be the same?

The issues that plague Guyana have been analysed to death. We have debated, debunked and declared, but we are still defunct, debased and defeated in the eyes of the rest of the world. We need more than the VISION now, we need the measured implementation of the VISION.

We can use the next 40 years to build a substantial and viable legacy and leave our children a country for which they are proud. All it takes is a little initiative and a lot of hard work. There is one more very important factor needed to transform Guyana for the better – direction. We must be willing to step out of our comfort zones and toss the old system in the trash heap where it belongs.

Apathy has been our downfall. This is the first necessary change if we are to see our country develop. The change cannot be in just one or two Guyanese; it must be the entire nation – one strong voice demanding progress and reform.

In unity we can call for a new government, demand a healthy economy and change our country for the better. It is the only way to offer a legacy worthy of the children of Guyana. Even if no one else in the world sees our worth, we still know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are a strong, intelligent and innovative people. We know we are capable of so much more. The untapped potential in our country is brimming at the rim and just waiting for the opportunity to bubble over into the rest of the world. We are inspired daily by this knowledge – it is what keeps us going.

A myriad of new strategies have been proposed to no avail since none have been implemented – thanks to those who have put us on this crazy merry-go-round in the first place. We go round and round. Someone says, “Stop this merry-go-round and let me off”! The leaders say, “Sure” – as they tell the technician to go even faster.

This is a strategic point in history. We can choose to end this crazy cycle or to allow our children to inherit the same legacy that was passed down to us. Quite frankly, I’m not all that happy with the legacy handed to me and would like to give my children something more valuable; I want a country full of success.

Dare I say there is a better way? It seems there have been countless attempts at creating an economic and political system that actually works for Guyana. Dare we propose a better way to infuse life into our limp economy, new techniques for a stronger infrastructure and a systematic approach at an educational system that will prepare Guyana’s children to be competitive in the career of their choosing regardless of where they live? Not only do we dare, but we ask others to help us as well.

Our non-profit organization VISION (Visionaries Inspiring Success In Our Nation) – continues to be involved in making contributions to our nation through commuinty service, sports and civil advocacy issues.
The dynamics of our country are like none other in the world. We get swept away in an emotional whirlwind every time a politician yells racism. We sit idly by as the government runs our country to their liking with total disregard to what is best for us and what we want.

If we are serious about leaving a pleasing legacy for our children, then we need to start by demanding change right now. There is no more time to wait around for the government to change; they have made it abundantly clear that they see no reason to change at all. But you and I see the reasons every single day.

We see the squalor and the lawlessness. We see the fear in our children’s eyes when they look at the front pages of our newspapers. It is the same fear we lived with daily as we grew up. Every day our headlines scream of death, poverty and an insensitive government. I want to give the children hope and the only way that can happen is if we demand change.

When opportunity meets potential the outcome is dynamic. When an intelligent child is provided a proper education, success is the only expectation. Likewise, when a country brimming with this much potential makes its own opportunities and refuses to be held down anymore by the unseen forces of social and cultural expectation and dictatorial rule, the only outcome is success.

Will you work to make our country better? Can you see the same beautiful Guyana we can be? What legacy do you want to leave the next generation? Guyana, with headlines blaring, awaits our reply.

Are we really Democratic?

by Peter R. Ramsaroop

A democratic form of government is self-rule by the people through elected representatives who are to ideally enact the will of the people concerning the affairs of the country. In modern society, democracy is the noblest form of government, as well as the most precarious, because its efficaciousness relies solely on the participation of the people.

Democracy is so highly regarded because it refuses to bend a knee to the would-be tyrant or the nepotism of kings and queens. Centuries of harsh rule and maltreatment at the hands of all-powerful lords, certainly initiated and nurtured the desire for self-rule by the people. What started as a primitive form of democracy during the Greek and Roman periods has blossomed into a responsive form of government that is accountable to the people – in theory.

The precarious position of modern democracy is no doubt a direct manifestation of passivity from a people who have forgotten their past. The cruel effects of feudalism and tyranny have been so far removed from our generation that, for many democratic countries, the people no longer possess a healthy fear of what could happen if one strong personality attempts usurpation of power.

The people of our nation, who lack political interest and participation certainly beg one to question the competency of our country's democracy. We lethargically keep note of what our representatives are doing and treat their actions as superfluous and spurious, when indeed those actions are often monumental.

Who is watching the government of Guyana? Who is maintaining a watchful eye on those who decide our fate, the fate of our children and the fate of our country? Should we just naively assume that because a person is elected or appointed to a position of power that he/she will operate responsibly by enacting the will of the people? World history has proven the contrary. Indeed, even our history has proven the contrary.

So many of us have complained that the politicians have not done their part to create a vibrant and thriving Guyana. We feel ripped off and victimized by our government for not accomplishing the tasks we have entrusted to them. Yet honesty demands that we ask ourselves the same question - have we done our part in this process?

When someone is hired for a job, the employer does not assign that person a task without intention of following-up later. In fact, the employer knows that a follow-up will yield better results on the first task and even on later tasks, since the conscientious employee knows to expect the employer's critique. Yet, we the people, have not followed-up on those we have hired to fill the most important positions in our nation. We have filled these positions and simply walked away, then we return a year or two later and criticise the poor performances.

What is our part in the democratic process? Democracy is not just about voting, it is about good goverance, rule of law and free from our corrupt politicans. Apart from voting, we are responsible to follow-up on those we hire to lead our country. We are to be the conscience of their actions, motives and agenda. We are to be informed and play an active role in carefully watching our leaders. We are to let them know when we don't approve of an action and we are to praise them for a job well done. Democracy, by definition, requires the participation of the people or it just does not, nor can it possibly, work.

Let us not be fearful in our voices of dissent at the dictatorial nature of our government in the way they are treating the public servants, the teachers, the people of our nation.

Those in office are to respond to the people; not just to the people that support them or with a business in their interest, but to all people - to the common people. Not just because they have the majority based on ethnic voting patterns that gives them the right to discrimate to those that did not vote for them. They are accountable to the people of Georgetown, as well as to the people of Essequibo, Berbice, Sophia, Buxton - the entire country.

One might ask, “How can these politicians know what the people from these various regions expect?” The answer is easy – the politicians should ask what is expected. This is democracy in action. The ruling politicians have no problem making the rounds during an election year, passing out state funds in sports, newspaper ads, and flood relief to their supportors, but do they truly care about all the people and their interests?

I do not pretend to be ignorant of the immense amount of work involved in being a conscience and active part of the democratic process. It is no small chore to keep a trained eye on those in office, yet that does not relieve us of our duty to do so. This is where the media's role in democracy becomes vital. Balanced and unbiased journalism that is free and independent of government obligation or intervention is the best way to keep the pubic informed and to maintain democracy in its purest form.

By having a state-run television and radio monoply, we are constanly bombarded by propaganda and misinformation. By not allowing any voices of dissent on the radio and TV monopoly, there is not a level playing field to take us into a fair and free elections.

The press is to act as a watchdog for the people. Though they are certainly to watch over many parts of society, their primary responsibility is to keep a constant eye on the government. I have encountered the journalist from the state media who blatenly leaves out major parts of a story thus making it propaganda versus reporting.

However, let me make this abundantly clear: any unnecessary entanglements with the press, for it to serve the people and governmental officials, are a breach of trust. Newspapers that cater to the whims of politicians to garner favour are not to be trusted, and the papers they produce are worth nothing more than to clean up after a dog. Conversely, most newspapers gladly accept their role in society and wear that responsibility as a badge of honour.

The press is only one way to stay informed. There are also many political activist groups formed with the sole purpose of watching the elected officials. The existence of these groups promotes awareness among the people and accountability by the politicians. Though these groups often hold strong notions on certain issues, their presence in the democratic system serves as a powerful deterrent for wrongdoing, because they are usually watching every move of their rival politicians, waiting expectantly for a slip-up.

In the end though, it is your responsibility and mine to watch our leaders through whatever means possible. Democracy cannot work without the follow-up requiring responsiveness and accountability from those whom we have hired to run our nation. It is a beautiful human quality to expect the best from others, including our leaders, but it is simply irresponsible to entrust them to a task and not check up on them regularly.

The disappointment we feel is our own fault and it is time to fix the broken aspects of democracy in Guyana, lest she fall into unsuspecting hands of cruelty.

Human ingenuity and a thirst for freedom forged modern democracy so that all people, the great and the small, have a voice in the affairs concerning themselves. Shall we treat this precious commodity with the same disregard we have toward a long forgotten stained shirt that simply occupies drawer space? Ignorance in this case is not bliss. In fact, ignorance in this case is dangerous and knowledge is our friend.
Guyana had fair and free elections in 1992, but we still have not achieved democracy. Which do you choose? Ignorance at the cost of future democracy - or knowledge which will require your time? Guyana expectantly (awaits) our reply.

The Rule of Fear - Who is Next?

Peter R. Ramsaroop

I start out this column, by asking every reader; if you want to see peace in our land, free of corruption, free of organised crime, free of economic suppression, pick a HIBISCUS flower near you, regardless of the colour, as an acknowledgement of our diversity and multi-ethnic society. Smell the victory that one day we will have, when we can say to our young children that Guyana has reached its potential, it has crossed the racial divide, it has a government that cares for the people and are servants to society, we are free of death squads, corruption and repression, and finally where all of our people are treated equally, with respect and dignity and allow to prosper in a free society.

This last week, we witnessed the assassination of political activist, Ronald Waddell. Mr. Waddell’s fight against an oppressive government, took many different forms. His killing has brought a chill to political and civil activists, including myself. We realize even more now, that fighting a system and government for the wrongs of society comes with very high prices. The continued death squads whether state sponsored or not still exists. Mr. Waddell’s punishment took many forms, from removal of his talk show, to the order to go before the ERC and the Justice System. I did not agree with all of Mr. Waddell’s methods, but there is no need for this senseless killing that now leaves his family to grieve. My sympathies go out to them.

I have seen the first set of repression on me personally by the government in reference to my business, my property and members of the government and ruling party calling for me to go back from whence I came. I asked the question, who is next? No killings will stop us from advocating for justice and equality and with our fight against corruption.

We must ensure that any fight against government’s oppression is not fought on a racial level, but on principles, values and moral standards. Not because an Afro-Guyanese was wrongfully killed therefore an Indo-Guyanese must pay. We have to prevent at all cost, a repeat of 1964. Any movement towards change must be part of a peaceful revolution for a better Guyana through a fair and free electoral process or a movement of our people to change even the corrupt system first, in order produce a fair and free process.

The health of any democratic state can be measured by the degree to which its citizens feel free to voice their dissent against the government without fear of punishment or reprisal. Guarantees of free speech, free press and free assembly mean absolutely nothing if the people live in fear of retaliation should they choose to speak their minds regarding their politicians.

Oppression comes in many shapes and sizes. It hides its evil motives in the pretences of supposed honourable acts all the while bullying the naysayer into silent submission with unspoken threats of retribution. However, let there be no doubt whatsoever that democracy requires, no demands, dissent.

Free political discussion and the right to disagree with those in political power is the cornerstone of a free country. Without the right to dissent there is no way for the people to unite in thought and purpose regarding the process that decides their lives and futures. When the people are free to discuss their feelings about the government, they have at their disposal the first platform necessary to accept or reject the government and even, if desired, replace the government.

Truly, a responsive government is simply a natural by-product of citizens who do not fear reprisal from disagreeing with their politicians. The will of the people should be the foremost concern of the government and when that will is ignored or denied, the people have a responsibility to voice their dissent and to expect changes in a timely manner.

Any element that creates a political climate that produces a fear in the people to speak their minds is anti-democratic and dictatorial. There are so many avenues by which a government can create such a climate. Some methods are more drastic than others, but the end result is always the same – silencing the voice of the people.

The more aggressive and less apologetic oppressive governments usually choose very public methods to make examples of one dissenter in an effort to curb the disapproving appetite in other would-be dissidents. These methods usually include such atrocities as shutting down a newspaper that has printed dissenting material, sending harassing messages via the media to warn its enemies and even murdering anyone who opposes the government. We have seen this type of behaviour in our dear Guyana over 25 years ago when Dr. Walter Rodney was killed for voicing his dissent of the then administration.

Other less public, yet often just as sinister, methods include social ostracization, yanking of government contracts from businesses ran by political dissenters and, here in Guyana, total disregard for dissent originating from the race that is not in power. Disregarding the views of the “other” race is certainly one highly efficient technique to summarily dismiss a large amount of dissent while further perpetuating the racial division in our country - a division instigated and sustained by vitriolic politicians who would chip away at our democracy for a chance to sit in parliament.

So what is Guyana’s democratic temperature? To what degree do the citizens feel the freedom to voice their dissent? Happening upon a conversation here or there will show there is much political condemnation and the people will talk about it with their friends and acquaintances. However, there is also a noticeable undercurrent of fear that runs deep into the veins of the citizens. Whispers of dissatisfaction and low condemning murmurs consistently fill the streets, doorways and rum shops of our country and fear reigns in the place of freedom.

Perhaps this fear is a result of dreadful memories of what can happen when good men and women like Dr. Rodney speak their minds. Or maybe the fear stems from the idea that we may have a government that hires hit men to take care of its “problems.” Then again, it could be because we own a business that relies on contracts from the government and cannot afford to risk the loss of revenue in exchange for dissenting words. Sadly, the root of this underlying fear is probably all of the above – and more.

True, our newspapers are not being shut down like the papers in Iran were recently for printing a dissenting letter. However, any element in our society that prevents dissent is a serious threat to our freedom. Even more, a society that does not actively facilitate opportunities for dissent is no patron of democracy. A country is not democratic simply because its constitution declares it to be so. There are innate principles that are foundational in the classification of being democratic – one of which is facilitation for the voice of dissent.

How does a country facilitate dissent? In today’s modern world, we have so many new avenues available for free discussion. There are Websites with forums formatted specifically for political discussion. There is also the radio, television and newspapers as a means for expressing dissent. Other avenues include providing town meetings, encouraging the formation of political activist groups and, if a situation requires drastic measures, a petition.

However, the most effectual means by which a country can facilitate dissent is to replace every unresponsive politician with one who better understands the role of a democratic leader. It really is that simple. Such politicians are not fit for the service of the people and should have no place in making decisions that impact the people if they cannot listen to the will of the people.

Further, any politician found to be making threats, even in the slightest degree, that would hamper a healthy climate of dissent, should also be replaced without delay. These leaders seek their own interest and power. They are dangerous and should not be trusted with the honour of running our country since most times this type of person will only run it into the ground and then blame it on someone else.

Beyond doubt, it is extremely difficult to overcome a fear of political reprisal when there is even a small nagging that one’s opposition might bring retribution to family, business or self. However, if the people of Guyana do not take the necessary steps to restore a healthy climate of free discussion to our country, then who will? Quite frankly my fellow compatriots, there is no one else.

With the same mouths we use to kiss our children and eat the sweet fruit of our land, or smell the beautiful Hibiscus flowers, we should be demanding the will of the people and declaring the freedom for political discussion. It is time to exchange our whispers for bellows and our doorways for podiums. I ask for a second time, if not us, then who? Once again, Guyana expectantly awaits your reply.