Dear Editor,
The elections held in Barbados and the subsequent victory to The Barbados Labour Party is firm evidence of People Power at work, or if you would like to rephrase it “Power to the People.” This is something the rest of The Caribbean is noted for, one man one vote, and a result that represents the clear will of the people. I am not so sure of my very own Guyana where the people play a second-place role, or no role at all, where a Chief Elections Officer decides who wins an election.
Interestingly! It is the case of a “selection” runoff of an election, rather than an election, where a vote or vote recount means nothing, but the only voice that matters is that of a bullying opposition or what its CEO Operative dogmatically mandated? The Chief Justice referred to this situation in her ruling as “The lone Ranger” Scenario. This foolishness simply could not stand in a civilized society.
Now, a teacher colleague of mine over here once asked the question, why does Guyana with all its brilliant minds and massive resources still remain a backward state? And my response to her was, we, for decades have been denied that “luxury privilege” of a free and fair election system where we can choose who governs us. For the same reason, we could not see progress. Choosing our leaders goes hand in hand with progress and development, it is integral to the entire process, one cannot be achieved except the other is in place.
When there is a free and fair system uncorrupted and free from human manipulations The People’s will would always be seen and felt everywhere in that country. There will first be peace, then progress and development like a fresh aroma will naturally fall in place. For far too long we have languished in the valley of fraudulent and rigged elections, and it is high time that we take our rightful place in the sisterhood of Liberated Caribbean States. Again, I say long live free and fair elections, and again power and might to The People!
One might be tempted to ask the salient question could there be a wipeout of the opposition in Guyana as it was in Barbados and Grenada? And my answer to that is a resounding no! For the simple fact that The Proportional Representation System ensures that there would be opposition, that is, so many votes for a seat in parliament. Persons will vote for them make no mistake (Even The Devil has supporters) so there is no need to worry, there will be an opposition in parliament. The only setback for them – and purely based on their crazy antics in parliament – is that there will be a great reduction in the number of seats come next general and regional election.
Respectfully,
Neil Adams
