Dear Editor,
The PNC, PNC/R, APNU, or even The Coalition – whatever the form of metamorphosis you would want to call them – are rooted in the dogma of dictatorship and bullyism, the last word “bullyism” being their modus operandi.
Over the years, they have ruled with an iron fist, doing whatever pleases them, whether in or out of office. It was a horrible time for this nation as their bullying and despotic ways knew no bounds. These were the despicable conditions Guyanese were made to endure:
The treasury was treated as their personal bank account, while those who dared question were either incarcerated or you know what; you can fill in the blanks.
The Burnhamite teachings that you be a bully and strongarm your way through the public office was considered just and good. As a consequence, the main Opposition saw its leader, Dr Cheddi Jagan, being incarcerated for speaking up on behalf of the people. As he was coming out of prison, his pregnant wife, Mrs Janet Jagan, was going in to serve her time. Those were the days when the PNC reigned supreme.
These are occurrences that the party gloats over, acts some in the party would welcome the return of. To this day, you can hear some of their supporters utter the chilling words, “We wish the return of the Burnham days.” They were not answerable to anyone nor any established system of governance. Audits of Government spending were unheard of, nor was there any tracking of their accumulation of wealth. Even the Judiciary had to be subservient to their wishes and commands. Nothing or no one could stop them, as they blazed a trail of blatant bullyism and theft.
Now, at this juncture, one might be tempted to ask the question: What does all of this have to do with governance and the state of affairs as it is in Guyana? But I would just like you just to bear with me and follow the logic of my argument. Like I said before, the PNC, when in power, governed as they pleased, and when that was brought to a halt in 1992, that party continued the trend of violence and subversiveness. This undoubtedly undermined this country to its very core.
The picture I would like you to get is: if they could not get their way, it was certainly no way; so, when they got back into power in 2015, some thought that there might have been some change for the better. But this did not happen, it was as if it was a continuation of the Burnhamite principles and policies of yesteryear. I am talking about the triumphalism, bullying trend that continued unabated.
First, they rounded up all PPP/C Parliamentarians and those whom they branded as affiliates of the party, and brought them in for questioning. Bogus charges were laid, and they were taken before the court. Thankfully, all of those charges were eventually dismissed.
Now, as they got on their governing trend, one could not help but see the glaring instances of theft and corruption permeating the administration. It was right from the very start that we became aware of the secret whereabouts of the US$18M ExxonMobil Signing Bonus. Of course, that was only made public through the sleuth-like probe of the PPP/C.
At first Jordan feigned ignorance of that first oil money, stating that he was oblivious that an account ever existed, it was after some intense pressure that he finally revealed to us that the money did exist. But the explanation he gave still lacked clarity, because he further explained that he thought it was a gift.
The next question is a gift to whom? Was it a gift to his party or to the people of Guyana? Which was it? These are some of the questions we would like clear answers for as the former Finance Minister goes to court.
Soon after that infamous response by Mr Jordan, there was a follow-up charge with that “war break” cry of his. So, with someone exhibiting such belligerence, I am at a loss as to why there should be these sudden medical complications of a heart attack and high blood pressure just at the mere thought of being called in for questioning? One would expect this “war break” gentleman to stand up and take it like a man; this is not a game for the faint-hearted.
In like manner, I sound the alarm to “Mr Gold Bangles” and the other Mr “Bonded to thief”: Please take note, you are next in line!
Respectfully,
Neil Adams
