This month, official and unofficial information surfaced about an alleged plot to have Guyana’s President, David Granger, assassinated whilst he was scheduled to engage the public during several outreaches over the past month.
As expected, certain sections of the compliant media were first to inform the public, before officialdom, as they stormed the airways and other forms of the media with half-baked stories and conspiracy theories surrounding the plot.
Also, the citizenry was told that high-ranking officials of the Guyana Police Force were involved in the sinister plot to harm the Head of State, and there were attempts within its hierarchy to cover up the plot. Soon after, the players fell into place, as a man appeared on a television newscast to give more credence to the alleged plot, claiming that he was asked to carry out the hit, but later refused.
In steps officialdom after the compliant and sensationalist media had done its job and laid the foundation for disquiet, instability and political uneasiness. State Minister Joseph Harmon and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan both confirmed the allegations as they underscored the importance of the security of the President, while assuring the public that a full probe is being done.
Guyana’s Top Cop, Seelall Persaud, also made one of his rare public appearances, which ended up being used to defend the integrity and image of the Force and became a call upon the media to act responsibly and professionally in the dispatch of its duties. Threats of prosecution were also made to the media should the sensationalist information about police involvement continue to be reported.
The nation now holds its breath as it awaits the outcome of the probe in the midst of more uncertainty. What is certain, however, is the fact that these allegations follow a certain pattern and form. They resemble, in some parts, how the official state public relations machinery usually leaks information to certain sections of the compliant media and press.
It first begins with the use of a certain journalist and a certain TV station, to lay the foundations for public disquiet over a sensational development. It then mushrooms into a national controversy, with the Government and security force weighing in; followed by an exclusive interview with the would-be criminal, confessed criminal, or knight in shining armour telling all of the juicy details. Arrests and detentions are made, after which questions are asked. Charges follow.
And, somehow, the ultimate catch is to end up implicating the PPP, its membership or its senior leaders. Wait for this development, because this exact pattern was followed in cases similar to this assassination plot. Take, for example, the Crum-Ewing execution, Colwyn Harding saga, Sean Hinds debacle, and the audit probes et al.
It must be stressed that this position by no means seeks to undermine or dismiss the fact that this plot, which was recently unearthed, could have been a legitimate one, which posed a threat to national security and President Granger’s person. Any individual who would plan to assassinate a duly elected public official should feel the full extent of the law, after evidence is brought and a trial held.
That aside, one cannot help but recognise that this plot emerged in the midst of high levels of disapproval ratings of the current APNU/AFC Government. It came at a time when public confidence in the President himself and his Finance Minister to turn the fortunes of the economy around are at rock bottom. It also comes on the heels of the eminent collapse of the sugar industry as a result of Government’s confusionist policies, which would leave thousands jobless.
The plot also emerges at time when the PPP is in full control of the political cards, and is effective in rallying thousands to support its viewer points on a myriad of issues, regardless of the suspicions and reservations of some key political analysts. Also, the PNC and AFC, which are key components of the coalition Government, have been dogged by scandals, infighting and corruption allegations within their camps. It was only recently that a key individual who sealed the Cummingsburg Accord indicated the need for it to be amended and updated.
One is forced to ask who would profit from the death of a ‘popular’ Head of State, as his assassination would only send his ratings higher and guarantee his Government’s continued electoral success. Also, if one refused to carry out a plot to shoot the President, what is to be gained from coming forward in the public domain to further implicate one’s self and others in the diabolical plot? And how is it that the chief mouthpiece of the Government and its long time print ally appears to be ducking this story of enormous importance by publishing poorly written pieces which are buried somewhere in Dem Boys Say.
I suppose the public will have to await the exceptional outcome of the thorough probes that the GPF is so infamous for. Guyanese must, and will, continue to pray for the safety and happiness of the President and all public officials who severe this glorious land.
