Good people speaking out on PNC’s attempt to steal power, traumatisation of the nation

Dear Editor,
I note recent statements by some decent, prominent people such as Professor Sankat, (Granger’s colleague and Belize University President), the PM of Trinidad Mr Keith Rowley who thinks the Guyana situation may end badly, Malcolm Parris (former PNC Minister and Burnhamite) supporting a recount and power-sharing, and a letter to the editor by Mr Harold Beharry, a prominent businessman. There was also Mr Craig Sylvester holding up a sign that says, “Why the PNC doesn’t tell their supporters that they lost the elections?” and a letter by Mr Nigel Hinds saying it’s wrong for the PNC to steal PPP votes.
The greater tragedy of Guyana is not just the ongoing evil of the PNC illegally clinging on to power; it is when the good men are silent or are complicit. One blogger said now is the time for decent Afro-Guyanese to speak out on the PNC’s current bullying behaviour and destabilisation of the nation.
While unexpected, I am delighted at the letter by Mr Harold Beharry whom I have known since the 1970s through the Inter-Varsity and Inter-School Christian Fellowship and when he was an active member of the Central Assembly of God Church. Harold is one of the most decent people you can find anywhere in the world and has never been political. He must have spoken out, citing scriptures, because he can’t take it anymore how the PNC is destroying the country and the Christian church is largely silent.
I am a founder member of the Lancaster Assembly of God Church and my wife is a founding member of the now Unity Full Gospel Fellowship. Our biggest disappointment is the continued silence of these two denominations (whose top leaders received appointments and national honours from Mr Granger) and others such as the New Testament Church of God, the Lifespring Ministries, the Elim Church and others within the Georgetown Ministers Fellowship (GMF) and the Guyana Evangelical Fellowship (GEF). History will record that at such a time as this, our so-called prophets, bishops, and apostles were not only silent, they are giving tacit support to the PNC riggers.
At this traumatic time in the nation, the Full Gospel leadership held a prayer breakfast for Mr Granger, attended by some GMF/GEF members. The Office of the Presidency showed pictures of Pastor Smith’s 75th birthday, with Mr Granger as the chief guest of honour, during the initial election count. Surely these leaders must understand the symbolism of their actions.
What is more distressing and disappointing, if not tragic, is the number of people on the blogs, who say the PNC is a Christian party and praying for the PNC to succeed in its rigging while mouthing off statements such as “no weapon formed against the PNC shall prosper,” and similar Christian sloganeering. Such behaviour does irreparable harm to the Christian cause as they seek to convert the “heathens” or win others to the Christian side. One cannot claim to be a Christian and support the stealing of an opponent’s votes, or be silent when it happens in full view of everyone. The church has to be a unifier and healer, and you cannot do that by siding with the wrongdoers. You have to tell the truth.
I call on Christians all over Guyana and abroad, to call on your pastors or whatever other lofty, fancy titles your leaders have given themselves, to speak out for justice and fair play. The Statements of Poll (SoPs) in possession of all the parties show that the PPP won 53 per cent. The PPP knows that and the PNC knows that, and the foreign embassies have copies of the SoPs. So it is not the PPP trying to cheat; it’s the PNC. So, to my Christian brethren, don’t act stupidly and think “God” will perform miracles and convert PPP votes to PNC votes. Get some sense. What would Jesus do?

Sincerely,
Dr Jerry Jailall