Dear Editor,
Through the astute leadership of a young and vibrant President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, at the helm of a budding nation grappling with the wealth of a resourceful land and resolute people, the PPP/C Government carefully crafted infrastructure which supports the United Nations’ universal aims and objectives of protecting people from crime, preventing corruption, and promoting human rights.
Guyana currently occupies the temporary 2-year seat at the UN Security Council, where its input is required to help maintain peace in the world. Sometimes a lot of what is spoken, written or gesticulated is often doubted, denied, denounced, deliberated, demonstrated, or discussed for acceptance or declension purposes.
A balanced mind leaves a window open for delayed consideration. Often, it is inferred, implied and intimated that the value of life becomes peacefully enjoyable only when there is the primary abode of sensitivity and reality with the secondary undertaking of intelligent lessons and wealthy experiences.
That is why the Constitution of Guyana incorporates the functions of an Attorney General’s Office and the Ministry of Home Affairs; a Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance and a Ministry of Social Security and Human Services. These institutions contribute towards a peaceful environment in Guyana; an environment devoid of inequality, racism and discrimination.
President Dr Irfaan Ali pledged, on International Day of Democracy 2021, to “strengthen the ramparts which protect our fragile democracy: the rule of law, the independence of the Judiciary, freedom of expression, and constitutional rule.”
No matter how academically educated, or profoundly knowledgeable, or scientifically practical one may be perceived or profess to be, unless practised with a degree of commonsense, preached by mastering the language of simplicity and perfected by doctoring the route of humanity, the essence of the content constricts clarity, and may become complicated, cumbersome, or convoluted. No wonder a book should not be judged by its cover.
It is worth reflecting on what was said by the first US Secretary of State ever to visit Guyana. Mr Mike Pompeo, in September 2020, stated: “We know the Guyanese people cherish democracy; they cherish freedom; they value free, fair, and transparent elections just as Americans do; just as all people do. I was proud to publicly support the Guyanese people in their quest to have the results of the election respected. The results certainly took longer than any of us would have wished or hoped, but it was worth fighting for. It was worth fighting to honour the people’s sovereign decision. That’s indeed – (applause) – that’s indeed what democracy is all about. Congratulations, President Ali.”
Is it by accident, coincidence or design that three observations have been lined up in adjacent rows to form a hattrick of commemorative events? International Day against Corruption was celebrated on December 9th, the International Day for Human Rights was celebrated on December 10th, and Gita Jayantie was celebrated on December 11th — being the philosophical gift to guide gurus, grads, docents and other disciples.
Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips recently clarified the PPP/C government’s position when he acclaimed, “Our Government is prepared, and continues to work [through] the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, to ensure that we protect the human rights of all Guyanese; that we respect all the international organizations pertaining to the observance and promotion of human rights.”
It is of great significance and paramount importance to congratulate President Ali on receiving numerous international awards throughout the world, as a democratic leader who is not heralded as a dictator.
Since the infamous 2020 General and Regional Elections, Guyana and Guyanese have been saved from another era of undemocratic process, as birthed from the belly of dictatorship. The criminal elements, manifested by a corrupt gang of election riggers, attempted to once again deny Guyanese their human rights to elect a leader of their choice through the practice of fair means. Former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Hon Bruce Golding, head of the OAS Electoral Observer Mission, in making his preliminary report to the OAS Council in May 2020, stated that he had “never seen a more transparent effort to alter the results of an election”.
Mr Golding was referring to the sanctimonious gangster who led a band of rebels with the aim of usurping power through the back door.
Guyana is now a bosom friend to the Caribbean, and currently enjoys a special place which is close to CARICOM, since President Ali took over the mantle as leader of a nation once spurned as the second poorest in this hemisphere. Guyana is currently one of the leading nations in terms of economic stability, sustainability and security through the astute management of a PPP/C government.
The time is right, ripe and relevant for the essence of the teaching from the Gita to be incorporated in the attitude, aptitude, and application of Guyanese way of life. The simple emphasis of understanding one’s duty in society, and fulfilling it without any attachment to its reward, is a ticket to curb crime, corruption, and human rights’ violations in this multilateral community.
President Ali said it well earlier this year at the UN Assembly, “The future we seek — a future where no one is left behind — demands courageous action. The UN must fulfill its role as a custodian of greater global peace; the foremost promoter of sustainable development; and an unflinching protector of human rights, human dignity and international law. And since the UN is all of us, this body of nations, this is a collective responsibility for us all. Let us not be found wanting. Let us act together for the advancement of peace, for the achievement of sustainable development and the preservation of human dignity now and for generations to come.”
Guyana cannot fail the UN; the dignity of human rights must be maintained in this country.
Yours respectfully,
Jai Lall
