Dear Editor,
The walkout of the National Assembly by the PNC/APNU/AFC members during the debate on the motion which was intended to show solidarity and unity of the Guyanese political forces in light of Venezuela’s ridiculous claims on Guyana’s territory was really shameful and borders on anti-patriotism.
The excuse used to show opposition to the Government was the lack of consultations. Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo debunked this and gave dates when the draft motion was in the hands of the opposition.
However, even if Mr Norton was correct and there was no consultation with the opposition it does not justify the walk out on such a vital national issue. The walk out would surely be seen in Caracas with some satisfaction. If the opposition can take such an action on such an issue, how far will they go to oppose and try to depose the PPP/C Administration.
When the PPP/C was in the Opposition between 1964 to 1992 this issue came up on several occasions. PPP leader and members came out in full support of the PNC Government in face of the threat to our territorial integrity. When the Venezuelan occupied our half of the Ankoko island PPP and PYO members took to the streets, together with PNC and YSM members in a massive show of solidarity.
In 1975 when the threat to the PNC regime looked serious from Venezuela and the US, the PPP changed its political line from non-cooperation with the PNC regime to one of ‘Critical Support.’
It is apposite to recall that this was shortly after the PNC massively and blatantly rigged the 1973 elections.
In that massive rigging exercise by the PNC regime hundreds of PPP members and supporters were arrested and two of them, Jagan Ramessar and Bholanauth Parmanand were shot and killed at No. 64 Village on the Corentyne.
Despite the repression, the PPP came out to show total unity and solidarity. Dr Cheddi Jagan told the whole country that he wanted it to be clear to all foreign forces that the PPP would stand solidly behind the then PNC Government in the face of any attempt to attack our country.
That, Mr Norton, is real patriotism.
Sincerely,
Donald Ramotar
Former President
