Dear Editor,
The term ‘thug’ originated from India, and, over time, it has been applied to individuals and groups who have used violence and intimidation for political purposes. Guyana has its fair share of thugs.
In Guyana, thugs have been used for decades by the PNC to unleash mayhem on the Guyanese people, specifically supporters of the PPP. The period before and after Elections have always been characterized by intimidation, violence, sexual assault, ethnic tensions, looting and burning by supporters of the PNC. The ‘slow fyah, mo fyah’ mantra was sung in public by the leaders of the PNC and they perfected it. The people of this country were more often than not had to endure these criminal and terror acts while the security forces watched on (under the PPP/C Government the Security forces undergo a metamorphosis).
However, the Guyanese populace it seems will always have to face the culture of thuggery and hooliganism which became and still is (given the subtle threats from Mr Norton) the hallmark and modus operandi of the PNC, but unfortunately there seems to be a new addition which has come on display on Nomination Day. The WIN Party has embraced a horde of these who have found that Party to be more lucrative – the ‘job’ pays – and the leader more supportive. But disappointingly within WIN itself, its own supporters are not safe and it’s ‘dog eat dog’ organization.
This propensity for violence was first seen by the public when the Guyana Revenue Authority officials came face to face with an angry mob, inclusive of women and children, which obstructed the carrying out of their legal functions after serving three notices to Azruddin Mohamed to either pay his outstanding taxes on his luxury vehicles or produce the said vehicles. The angry and defiant mob forced the GRA officials to beat a hasty retreat and sought the protection of the Police. Afterwards the mob was treated at the poolside of the thug master. The public had at that time, a preview of the harbinger of ominous things to come. And came it did.
On Nomination Day, a woman who worked for the WIN Party was severely brutalized and gun-butted by a ‘top dog’ of the said Party and confidant of that Party’s leader. This Party had no qualms in violently mistreating its own supporter much less those belonging to other parties. At least the PNC has more integrity than this. It was exposed that this woman was short-changed. She promised $50,000 but received $30,000 less. It is ironic that the leader, Azruddin, in his own inimitable style and nature attempted to bribe this woman with ten times the amount (is 10 a magic figure?) but the woman bluntly refused even though she was held captive for a couple hours. Is this how WIN will run this country? Bribery and corruption seem normal for the leader. If he was a law-abiding citizen, he would have allowed the law to intervene; only then can a settlement be brokered between the victim and the assailant. But Azruddin has an aversion for the legal system. There should be no attempt to cover up and whitewash by inviting the woman to his mansion and then attempted to bribe her.
Unfortunately, when a leader is smitten by the Jekyll and Hyde syndrome his personality is normally characterized by extremities between good and bad behaviour, often in unpredictable ways. Such a leader could never be trusted. In the public eyes Azruddin is extremely charitable and loving for all to behold but then in his private world the transformation is extremely opposite.
It is normal to expect, when you are surrounded by thugs and hoodlums, it would be difficult to exercise total control at all times, and it should be anticipated that when loyalty is bought with money, such loyalty can shift with more money. Supporters of a political party should be influenced by the commitment to put country first not money. Azruddin needs to learn that ‘Loyalty is a characteristic trait. Those who have it, give it free of charge’.
Yours sincerely,
Haseef Yusuf
