The silence from all the voices of conscience in society is deafening

OLD KAI is wondering where all the rights groups in Guyana have suddenly vanished to, as usually they are the first to highlight issues of concern in society whenever they presume there is an opportunity to attack the Government. They are the first to stage picketing action and flood the letter pages of certain newspapers; but why their silence over the assault of a female Member of Parliament?

So as to illustrate the hypocrisy which exists, simply imagine if Vanessa Kissoon, or any other individual, would have reported that they were assaulted at Freedom House, the PPP headquarters. You can already picture the headlines running for several weeks in the opposition media houses and all the individuals who pretend they are the conscience of society, having their piece to say. There would be calls for a criminal investigation, among other demands, and the Opposition would have a field day. But because she was assaulted at Congress Place, headquarters for the PNC=APNU, it apparently is no big deal.

Here is a female activist from Linden, who sits in our National Assembly, representing her constituency, claiming she was assaulted at the headquarters of her party, and indicating that the source of the attacks emanated from no less than the General Secretary.
Old Kai is no fan of Vanessa Kissoon; but surely, I would never encourage or condone such behaviour towards her. Then to compound her situation, she was suspended by her party for her part in the altercation, while nothing was done to Mr. Oscar Clarke, the other member involved in the fracas.
Mr. Granger talks about natural justice in the affair, but there is nothing natural about the reaction of the PNCR leadership regarding the incident. It appears that Ms. Kissoon is being targeted and has been targeted for some time. She was inexplicably demoted to the back benches in Parliament, without even being informed, a few months ago. All the while, the Opposition leader has sought to justify these blatant attempts to undermine the female MP.

Now we are informed that a disciplinary committee has been established, chaired by a member of the very leadership in question, and where only one individual from Linden will be represented. Where is natural justice when the odds are clearly being stacked against Kissoon by Mr. Granger and his cohorts? This is the man that lectures the nation about national unity, reconciliation, and equal representation; but why is he not practising what he preaches? Rather than forging unity within his party, he is coming across as a divisive force. Rather than promoting reconciliation, he has suspended one member and given the other a pat on the back. Rather than encouraging equal representation, he has sought to control the outcome of the pappy show disciplinary committee by implanting his people and reducing the influence of Lindeners.
Is this the type of leadership the PNCR-APNU has in store for Guyana?
The logical question which follows is who the next target might be for Mr. Granger and his backers, especially with Congress being around the corner?

(To be continued tomorrow)