No change on the political landscape in Guyana

THERE is a popular saying that says ‘The more things change, the more they remain the same’. This statement is ever so true when you look at the political scene in Guyana. What has taken place recently is a rehash of the old; a return of two political entities, the PPP/C and the PNC/R. No change. It is a two-horse race right from the very start. Why I say this is as a result of verifiable proof in the woven thread of history of Third Party politics. Let us carefully examine the way Third Party politics played out in Guyana. When the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) was formed, that Party was to have become the third political force in our country. A Third Party then meant that the people of Guyana had a choice wherein they could breakaway from the monopoly of a two-party system.

The WPA, under the charismatic leadership of Dr. Walter Rodney, blazed a trail which saw thousands of supporters under his wings. He had the blessings of thousands, who were hungry for change, rallying behind him, “Rodney our hero; Rodney our hope.” This meant change was bound to come on the political scene.
Now, we are well aware what this kind of challenge posed for the ruling PNC; it brought out the raw and unbridled wrath of Burnham; hence, at every opportunity, the PNC, under Burnham, hounded that Party. Lurking at every corner was danger, death and destruction. This ultimately led to the brutal assassination of its leader, Rodney. The Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry says it all.
Soon thereafter, the WPA became a shadow of its former self, never to carry the clout they had when charismatic leader Rodney was alive. So, where did that leave us? A dead hero in Rodney and a bunch of living cowards, chief of whom is Rupert Roopnarine.
Then, that new leader did the unthinkable, and gave up his birthright for a mess of pottage; he sheepishly joined the PNC in a coalition that is called APNU. Unbelievable! There ended that Third Party.
We are now in February 2015, and the very same scenario confronts us. Here we have the AFC, assuming the position of Third Party formed under the expressed assurance that they would be the party that can make a change in Guyana. That was the operative word: Change. People took them seriously and jumped on the idea with their votes in the last election. This whole idea of a breakaway from the hegemony of the two major parties sat well with the people and moved them to give the AFC an unprecedented seven seats.
They even went so far as to categorically reject the idea of ever teaming up with either of the two established forces, that is, the PPP/C or the PNC/APNU.
Further assurance for the people to like them and vote for them. Well, the rest is history the AFC was forced to eat up those words like the proverbial “dog that ate his own vomit.” They have cowardly surrendered their wills to the PNC/APNU. Again I repeat there ended the third party system and any viable alternative to the people. Hopes were dashed and dreams became nightmares. This is the coalition mess they see which tells me that the people will speak in no uncertain terms come May 11.
In it all, only one party has stood the test of time: That is, the PPP/C. It is a bastion of unity, strength and goodwill towards the people of Guyana. They are the only ones worthy to govern this country.
NEIL ADAMS

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