Dear Editor,
I believe this entire fiasco will have serious repercussions for Guyana. As a nation which would have surpassed 50 years of independence, whose past would have had many instances of racial division and political adversity, this fiasco is not needed as we move forward. I think that the modus operandi of the Government and certain actions of the Opposition were both misguided and could have been avoided.
I think that the Government is viewing this incident as a problem which instead can be solved by a simple solution. However, I believe that this fiasco will ignite more racial disunity and tension between the supporters of the Coalition Government and those of the PPP/C Opposition.
I am of the opinion that most Guyanese only become racially inclined during periods of elections when political parties campaign for votes. This Red House affair is likely to have a similar effect especially on the developing minds of our youth population; it will bring pain, suppression and fear in their minds.
I would like to give my opinion on a few details surrounding this issue. Please note the following:
1) There is currently a lease that exists and the Coalition Government is attempting to recapture the building from the former PPP/C Government which had occupied and used the compound for its work. This is a fact, but it seems to be a case of emotionalism on the part of the Government and for some, it appears to be political hate with an intent to break the morale of the Opposition’s supporters. The termination of the lease should be instructed by the Court which interprets the laws of Guyana.
2) I think that the termination of this lease (if given the signal by the Court) will motivate the supporters of the PPP/C Opposition to do everything in their power to break down the Coalition Government. It was my wish for this present Government to bring development and a way forward for all Guyanese; that they would attempt to make strides with Social Cohesion and Political Unity with the Opposition.
The Universal Peace Federation Guyana Chapter in 3 prong plan in 2016 had strived to bring the opposition and government into a common place where all of our races, religions and cultures could have been celebrated and honored. Although programs and activities were held, we are aware that more is needed in 2017. I believe the Red House Fiasco was an opportunity was presented to the Government to show their maturity politics. What have we learned over the past 50 years?
3) Red House has a significant connection to the PPP as it was the first residence of their leader, the late Cheddi Jagan when he became the Premier. It is believed by some that the Government of the day wishes to embarrass the Jagan legacy. This is an opinion of more than 50% of Guyanese inclusive of Government supporters.
4) The Government in Guyana had approached the Red House management team with a proposal to have the compound established into a facility to accommodate all former Presidents and their work. I believe that the PPP/C should have “bit the bullet” and waited to see what could have developed from it. With this, Jagan’s legacy would have been saved. I think that the Opposition should have bit the bullet, and therefore avoiding any conflict. Just as Saddam Hussein was stubborn in not withdrawing from Kuwait and refused the order to move Iraq troops out of Kuwait, saving his country resources, grief and shame, Similarly, if the PPP/C would have accepted the deal to host all former Presidents in the compound, there would have been no conflict between the parties and it could have function as a unifying factor in enforcing communication and intra-respect.
5) The issue now is what happens from this. It is likely that the PPP/C Opposition will use all of its clout and international media links to show the infringement by the Coalition Government on the Court system. Any Government should be careful when going against a court ruling even if it has the flexibility in its Executive power; we must never forget to enforce the separation of powers. I know that this Government is not intentionally embroiling this atmosphere of conflict and I know that it does not wish to disrespect the law. As I am a trained law enforcement officer, trained to upkeep and protect the laws enshrined into our constitution, all Guyanese should become law enforcers; with respect for Parliament and the coats.
It is my view that the Government is headed in the wrong direction, and the Opposition is going adamant.
I think that the Red House should have become a landmark of recognition and a place of study for all of our former Presidents. As a lover of peace and harmony, I still think that a positive result can occur, once our leaders listen to cries of the people. To our excellencies, President David Arthur Granger and Former President and Opposition Leader, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, let us find a way to cooperate and maintain the peace and love we have obtained. Let us strive to turn this fiasco into a future that all of us can be proud to work towards.
Yours sincerely,
Hajji Roshan Khan
National Chairman –
UPF Guyana
